Abayudaya Jews of Uganda

The Abayudaya Jewish Community is a growing community of over 1,000 Jews living among their Christian and Muslim neighbors in six villages in the rolling, green hills of Eastern Uganda.

The Abayudaya, whose name means "people of Judah," trace their Jewish origins to the turn of the 20th century. The Abayudaya began their journey to Judaism under the leadership of Semei Kakungulu, a great warrior who was to be a missionary for the British. However, Kakungulu favored the Hebrew Bible and in 1919 the community began practicing Judaism. In 1971, Idi Amin Dada came to power, banning Jewish practice. After the fall of Amin in 1979, the remnants of the Abayudaya community gathered to rebuild their community.

Help visionary leader, Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, lead his community into the 21st century by providing healthcare, education, economic development and the freedom to practice Judaism without fear.