Core Values
Stewardship
Caritas believes in responsible use of resources (financial, human and material) in the service of the poor and marginalized. It recognizes the fact that it holds these resources in trust for the vulnerable, not for its own glory. Caritas Uganda and its staff, therefore, strive at all times to be accountable and transparent to those who provide the resources (donors) and those for whom it is provided (the poor and marginalized).
Human diginity
Caritas Uganda believes in the sanctity of life and the vocation to promote the dignity of the human person because human beings are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). It implements programmes that address obstacles to the full realization of human potential and dignity (Mt. 25:35-40). Its programmes are, therefore, aimed at uplifting persons whose inherent worth is threatened by disease, natural disasters, deprivation, violence and other forms of social injustice (John 10:10).
Subsidiarity
Caritas Uganda, as required by Caritas Internationalis, believes that the function of charity should be performed at the lowest level possible; in this case, the dioceses, as long as they can be performed adequately. If they cannot, then Caritas Uganda may intervene to provide help, including capacity building and continuous engagement, and should do so with humanity and respect of local structures and authority. Indeed, most community development interventions undertaken by Caritas are implemented through the diocesan Caritas in the different Catholic dioceses in Uganda.
Witness
Caritas considers its work as an opportunity to make the love of Christ a reality in the lives of the poor and downtrodden. In so doing, it does not only share in the mission of Christ (Lk.4:18), but, practically, demonstrates that mission through its various programmes so that Christ is served in them (Mt. 25:35-40). It believes that through the work and life of its workers, the poor encounter Christ. It requires staff, therefore, to be, at all times, loving, caring, and compassionate just like Christ is.
Caritas Uganda Mandate
Caritas Uganda is mandated by the Uganda Episcopal Conference to spread charity and solidarity among the poor and marginalized. This mandate is affirmed by Pope Francis who calls upon Caritas to “work to eliminate the structural causes of poverty and to promote integral development of the poor, as well as small daily acts of solidarity in meeting the real needs which we encounter” (Evangelii Gaudium [The joy of the Gospel]=188). All this is rooted in the vision of blessed Pope Paul VI, that is, to build a “civilization of love and peace.” (Blessed Pope Paul VI, Regina Coeli Address, 17th May 1970.)
