AMECEA makes major strides in protecting minors and vulnerable adults

By Sandra Kunda

Safeguarding officers in the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) region have concluded a Planning Forum held in Lusaka.

Speaking after the conclusion of the forum, AMECEA Safeguarding Chairperson, Fr. Fred Tisungire, noted that reports received and work being done on the ground indicate that the AMECEA region has made tremendous progress in protecting minors and vulnerable adults.

Fr. Tisungire stated that every conference has put safeguarding policies in place and appointed officers to implement them, a clear sign that the Church is not passive on the matter.

Fr. Tisungire added that reports also show that safeguarding offices across the region are functional.

Fr. Tisungire said that in light of these developments, a number of resolutions were made to further strengthen safeguarding efforts.

These include enhancing information sharing and mutual support, improving case management and investigation procedures to ensure justice, strengthening safeguarding in seminaries through the establishment of safeguarding desks, and promoting networking among safeguarding officers and professionals from other fields.

The meeting was held from Tuesday, 20th to Friday, 23rd January, 2026, at Kapingila Guest House in Lusaka. – Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).

• Structure: The supreme authority is the Plenary Assembly, which meets every four years, with an Executive Board and Secretariat managing day-to-day operations.
• Focus Areas: Key priorities include strengthening Small Christian Communities (SCCs), promoting justice and peace, education, health, and addressing social issues.
• Mission: To inspire and empower the family of God for credible witness by promoting unity, justice, and solidarity.
• Secretariat: Located in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Recent Focus: Environmental care (Laudato Si’), youth empowerment, and child safeguarding. 

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