Our Mission

At Hands of Hope Uganda, we serve Christ by bringing His love and hope to the people of Uganda through life-changing initiatives. Rooted in Catholic teaching and guided by the Gospel call to care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40), we embrace a preferential option for the poor, uplifting the most vulnerable with dignity, compassion, and respect. We strive to be the hands of Christ in the world, sharing His mercy and grace through acts of service that transform lives and build thriving communities. With faith as our foundation and hope as our guiding light, we work to create a future where every life reflects the fullness of God’s love.

Fr. Thomas Sserwadda

Father Thomas Sserwadda, a priest of the Diocese of Masaka, Uganda, moved to St. Louis, MO five years ago at the request of his bishop and has since completed a master’s of theology with an emphasis in religious education at Saint Louis University (SLU). He’s now pursuing a Ph.D. in higher education administration. Eventually, he plans to return to Uganda to work within his home diocese.

Diocese of Masaka

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Masaka, located in southern Uganda, was established as the Apostolic Vicariate of Masaka on May 25, 1939, and was elevated to diocesan status on March 25, 1953. This elevation marked a significant milestone in the church's history, as Masaka became the first diocese in Uganda administered entirely by African clergy, rather than European missionaries. The diocese encompasses an area of 21,229 square kilometers and serves a Catholic population of over 900,000. The current bishop, Most Rev. Serverus Jjumba, was appointed on April 16, 2019. He continues to lead the diocese in its mission of evangelization, education, and social development.

Connection in the Heart of the United States

During his studies at Saint Louis University, Father Thomas Sserwadda sought ways to build relationships between his home in Uganda and the people of St. Louis. When he arrived at Sacred Heart parish in Florissant, MO in 2022, parishioners were curious to learn more about his homeland. With the help of this vibrant parish community, much-needed material and financial aid have begun to bless Fr. Sserwadda's home diocese in Uganda.