Mukono, Uganda (November 20, 2024) – Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovation at UCU hosted a seminar today focused on the pressing issue of infertility challenges and what responses or views Christian’s present. It featured a keynote address by renowned Professor Miriam Nakalembe. The seminar highlighted the importance of balancing medical interventions with spiritual guidance and support.
By fostering dialogue and critical thinking, the African Aeropagus Society aims to create a platform for exploring pressing social and ethical issues from a Christian worldview. This seminar on infertility challenges exemplifies the society’s commitment to leading discussions in relevant topics and promoting informed discourse.
The seminar explored the complex interplay and ethical dilemmas between faith and medical advancements in addressing infertility challenges. Professor Nakalembe’s insightful keynote address provided a comprehensive overview of the topic. She discussed the different types of infertility, including primary and secondary infertility, and their underlying causes.
Professor Nakalembe’s presentation shed light on the delicate balance between medical interventions and spiritual guidance in navigating the challenges associated with infertility. As a result, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, examining the role of Christian values in navigating the challenges associated with infertility.
She emphasized that God, the originator of science, has entrusted us with a limited understanding to extend His healing hand to one another. While medical advancements offer hope, she reminded the audience that God’s divine intervention can transcend the limitations of science, especially in matters of fertility adding that there are things medicine can remedy but also there are things only God can remedy.
Professor Nakalembe extended her heartfelt sympathies to couples navigating the challenging journey of infertility. She highlighted the alarming statistic that six out of every hundred couples face infertility issues. Emphasizing the importance of unity, she urged couples to make decisions together, supporting each other through this difficult period. Moreover, she called upon the audience to exhibit compassion and avoid placing undue pressure on those struggling with infertility.
The University Chaplain, Rev. Can. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, offered a balanced perspective on the complex issue of infertility and its challenges. He reminded the audience that God is the ultimate giver of life and that human life is sacred. As such, when considering treatments like surrogacy, it is essential to reflect on God’s original design for the family and the inherent role of parents in nurturing their children. He emphasized that science and faith are not mutually exclusive and can complement each other in addressing these challenges.
The University Chaplain, Rev. Can. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, expressed gratitude to UCU and the Directorate fof Research, Partnerships and Innovation for initiating important conversations about infertility challenges. He emphasized the need for greater theological understanding of infertility within the Church, urging men of God and preachers to be more informed and empathetic towards those struggling with this issue. The Chaplain also cautioned against commercializing childbearing, advocating for a return to respecting the natural process of conception rather than treating it as a business opportunity.
The seminar was concluded with a vote of thanks from UCU’s Director of Communication and Public Relations Mrs. Harriet Adong Ekallam Atuyambe, who expressed gratitude to all participants, the keynote speaker, and organizers for their contributions to the insightful and thought-provoking discussion on infertility challenges. Mrs. Atuyambe said, “Thank you very much Prof. Nakalembe for using relatable examples while simplifying our understanding of fertility and infertility. You are part of the UCU family, please keep your telephone contact (s) open so that we can all engage in further discussing and fleshing out the infertility challenge.”
Compiled by: Blessing Twiine
Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)
