Course Unit Description
PRE 2101: History of Religions in Uganda examines the historical origins, development, beliefs, practices, institutions, and social influence of the major religious traditions found in Uganda. The course begins with African Indigenous Religions and explores the coming and growth of Islam, Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, Orthodox Christianity, Pentecostalism, Seventh-day Adventism, African Independent Churches, and other minority religious traditions.
Particular attention is given to the interaction between religion and Uganda’s political, cultural, educational, economic, and social development. The course examines significant historical events, including the arrival of missionaries, the Uganda Martyrs, the religious wars in Buganda, missionary involvement in education and healthcare, the emergence of African Christian leadership, and the growth of indigenous and revival movements.
Students will critically analyze religious pluralism, church–state relations, constitutional freedom of worship, interreligious dialogue, religious conflict, secularization, and contemporary developments in Uganda’s religious landscape. The course also considers the contribution of religious organizations to peacebuilding, national unity, moral formation, social justice, and community development.
Through lectures, discussions, historical documents, case studies, presentations, and field-based inquiry, students will develop the ability to interpret Uganda’s religious history critically and appreciate the importance of respectful coexistence among different religious communities.
5 Lessons
Updated: Oct 2026
