Genesis Acaye and Benon Kayanja, Ugandan nationals, are our BMS missionary partners.
Genesis is located in Gulu, situated in the north of Uganda; Benon is based in Kampala. They both worked with Joe and Lois Ovenden, who were our previous missionary
partners, and have expanded the Ovendens’ work. Some of the communities in which Genesis and Benon work have been isolated through the 20 year civil war that has severely damaged the region. In fact much of the agriculture is carried out by women because men have either been killed or are away.
Genesis was born and raised in Kitgum, next to Gulu in northern Uganda.
He trained in agriculture, worked for local government as part of a nationwide campaign helping rural farmers improve their crop production and income. In 2012 Genesis was taken on by BMS World Mission as a field officer for agricultural projects and in 2014 he was taken on as an International Mission Worker.
Genesis trains and advises farmers to improve crop and animal production, showing them how to grow crops with greater value (maize, rice, groundnuts, beans etc) and strengthening links with the markets. He carries out training activities with groups of farmers on food security, environmental protection (agro-forestry) and agri-business. He oversees a big Agro-Forestry project in Gulu.
Genesis’ aim is for these rural families to have adequate food for their families and enough surplus to sell so their children can go to school. Schooling is not free in Uganda. Through his work he hopes to strengthen the faith of the people with whom he comes into contact.
Benon Kayanja is an International missionary worker and has been with BMS since 2013.
He is married and has two sons, six year old Favour and three year old Bright. He is an accountant, is the operations co ordinator for BMS in Uganda and works with partnership Baptist Associations.
Benon travels around his vast area holding meetings for different vulnerable groups of people -mostly women, but also children and people with disabilities. The aim of these meetings is to design projects based on local needs. Gender Equality is an example of his work.
As operations co ordinator he keeps in contact with other aid agencies working in Uganda.
Both men are very dedicated to their roles and are extremely busy doing God’s work, spreading the Gospel by showing compassion and love. They act and preach the good news. Please pray for them both, their families and the wonderful work they do.