The Bishop Masereka Christian Foundation (BMCF) was started in 2001 in Kasese, western Uganda by a group of committed Christians and members of the local community as a response to the scourge of HIV/AIDS that was devastating many families, and still continues to wreck havoc on people’s lives and the economy of the community.
As of 2007 the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Kasese district was 16 percent. This high rate of HIV prevalence accounts for the presence of thousands of orphaned children and many widows/widowers in the district. This unfortunate situation of HIV/AIDS was largely worsened in 1996-2000 due to the rebel conflict in the area that caused displacements of large sections of the population in certain parts of the district.
Vision
The Vision of the BMCF-US is to assist patients and orphans affected by HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other diseases (in Uganda ) through support of the BMCF- Uganda.
Mission
The Mission of the BMCF-US is to encourage prayer, publicize the needs, raise funds, and assist in setting strategic priority to support the mission (and sustainability) of the BMCF-Uganda. Medical and educational needs are addressed to improve the well-being of patients and orphans affected by critical diseases in Uganda).
Specific objectives
To provide education to the churches, communities, schools and families about the dangers of HIV/AIDS
To accelerate the fight against HIV/AIDS by fighting stigma, shame, denial, discrimination, in-action and misinformation
To encourage people to go for voluntary counseling and testing for HIV
To encourage patients to live positive and productive lives
To provide care and counseling to the HIV/AIDS infected and affected persons
To assist HIV/AIDS patients to obtain medication for opportunistic infections, and encourage them to seek further and more appropriate treatment
To assist orphaned children with school fees and provide counseling to the ones who are traumatized by the loss of their dear ones
Mobilization of resources for the Foundation's ministry.
How to help
There are many ways you, your family and your church can have an impact in the lives of those in the community of Kasese suffering from HIV/AIDS.
While your financial contribution of any amount is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use, there are other ways to help.
We feel it is important to publicly recognize contributions to our Foundation. We do not, however, acknowledge on this site contributors by name for privacy reasons.
Dioceses, cathedrals, parishes, rectors and church organizations are encouraged to sponsor an orphaned child in South Rwenzori. However any contribution is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use.
We like to recognize those parishes that have contributed the modest amount it takes to help a child obtain an education and maintain hope for a positive and productive life. Individuals and families, as well as organizations of all kinds (schools, foundations, charitable organizations, etc.) also are encouraged to sponsor a child.
BMCF Uganda
The Bishop Masereka Christian Foundation has been in operation since 2001. This organisation was founded due to increased need to educate the community about the dangers of HIV/AIDS, to provide care, counselling to the HIV/AIDS patients, encourage them to live a positive and meaningful life, and to assist as many children as possible to live better lives through education.
Board of Directors of Bishop Masereka Christian Foundation.
Bishop Zebedee K. Masereka, Executive Director and Founder
Rev. Benson Baguma, Chairman
Mrs. Stella Masereka, Founder Member
Mr. Mwiruwabo James, Founder Member
Mr. Erifazi Bwambale, Founder Member
Mrs. Faith Thembo, Founder Member
Dr. Yusufu Baseka, Member
Miss Rose Kimanywenda, Member
Mr. Edigson Basanga, Member
Mr. Mose Lubangula, Member
Mr. Erastus Bukombi
Management
The Bishop Masereka Christian Foundation is managed through four major committees namely:
- The Executive Committee
- The Finance Committee
- The Education Committee
- The Health Committee
BMCF U.S.
BMCF committees are supported by the US Board of Directors who have tirelessly solicited for funds for the Bishop Masereka Christian Foundation from the US churches, schools and individuals.
Mr. Jim Ellison, president
Dr. Daniel Fort, vice president
Mr. Robert C. Baldwin, treasurer
Ms. Marcie Lipscomb, secretary
Ms. Judy Baldwin
Mr. Charles Barlow
Ms. Valerie Bugosh
The Rt. Rev.Michael W. Creighton, Central Pennsylvania, ret.
Dr. Somer Curtis
The Rev. Laura Gettys
The Rev. Alice Haynes
Ms. Elisabeth Keller
The Very Rev. Philip Linder
Elizabeth Stoner
The Rev. Dwayne Varas
