100 Years of Becoming. Generations in the Making.

The word Abayudaya comes from the Ugandan term meaning "People of Judah" or "Yuda," reflecting their identity as Jews. This unique community of native Ugandans traces its origins back to 1919.

Its founder, Semei Kakungulu, was a respected leader who had been introduced to the Bible by Christian missionaries. They hoped he would convert and spread Christianity, but as Kakungulu studied the scriptures, he found himself drawn not to Christianity, but to Judaism. Reading the Torah—the first five books of Moses—he became captivated by the story of Abraham.

Inspired by Abraham’s faith and devotion, Kakungulu took a bold step. Like the biblical patriarch, he circumcised himself, his sons, and his followers, declaring that they were now Abayudaya—the People of Judah. However, his newfound faith put him at odds with the Christian missionary institutions that controlled schools and hospitals in Uganda.

By 1919, Kakungulu had led his followers to a remote area north of Mbale, near the base of Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano. There, he established a separatist community called Kibina Kya Bayudaya Absesiga Katonda—the Community of Jews Who Trust in the Lord. He immersed himself in scripture, relying on Swahili translations of Hebrew texts within the New Testament. At some point, either in 1917 or 1919, he fully committed to Judaism by circumcising himself and requiring the same of his followers.

In the early 1920s, the Abayudaya received a significant visitor—a Jewish traveler named Yosef, possibly of Ashkenazi origin. Yosef introduced the community to Jewish traditions, including the laws of kashrut (dietary laws), the Hebrew language, and the observance of Jewish holidays. He also gifted them a Hebrew Tanach with an English translation, deepening their knowledge of Judaism.

By the early 1960s, their numbers had grown to around 2,000, spread throughout the foothills of Mount Elgon. It was during this time that many members began adopting biblical names, further solidifying their Jewish identity.

In 1962, an unexpected visitor arrived—a young Israeli diplomat named Arye Oded, who was studying in Kampala. When he met the Abayudaya, he introduced them to modern Hebrew, the land of Israel, and the broader Jewish world. His writings brought international attention to the community, sparking interest and support from Jews around the world.

With this newfound connection to global Jewry, the Abayudaya’s faith and traditions were strengthened, allowing them to continue growing and preserving their unique place in Jewish history.

With the fall of Idi Amin, the Abayudaya began the difficult task of rebuilding their shattered community. Though their numbers had dwindled, Semei Kakungulu’s spiritual descendants remained steadfast in their faith. Over time, they revived their traditions, and today, their community has grown to nearly 2,000 members.

A significant milestone came in 2002 when 400 Abayudaya underwent formal conversion under the guidance of Conservative rabbis. Since then, additional conversions have taken place, further strengthening their ties to the global Jewish community.

One of the key figures in this resurgence is Chief Rabbi Gershom Sizomu. A passionate leader, he has worked tirelessly to bring international recognition to the Abayudaya, even serving a term in Uganda’s parliament. Under his leadership, the community has flourished, maintaining strict observance of Shabbat, Kashrut, and all Jewish holidays. Their liturgy follows Ashkenazi traditions, infused with local culture through translations and melodies in Luganda and Lusoga.

In the village of Namutumba, one of the Abayudaya’s key settlements, daily life is centered around small-scale farming and raising livestock such as goats and chickens. The villagers sell their produce and animals to sustain themselves. However, life remains challenging—like many surrounding villages, Namutumba lacks electricity and running water. Instead, the community relies on rainwater collected in local wells for survival.

Despite these hardships, the Abayudaya continue to uphold their faith with resilience and devotion, carrying forward the legacy of their ancestors while forging a path toward a brighter future.

Tobin Health Centre: A Legacy of Healing

Before Rabbi Gershom returned to Uganda, he had a pivotal meeting with his sponsor, Dr. Gary Tobin, the president of Be’chol Lashon. Together, they discussed the challenges of returning to a place they had left five years prior—a place where malaria and typhoid were rampant, claiming lives far too often. Their shared vision was clear: to bring healthcare to the community and prevent these deadly diseases from taking more lives.

With Dr. Tobin’s unwavering support, they successfully raised the funds to build the Tobin Health Centre. Tragically, before the clinic could officially open, Dr. Tobin passed away. In honor of his dedication and generosity, the facility was named after him—a lasting tribute to his kindness and commitment.

The Tobin Health Centre was constructed with a fully equipped laboratory and patient rooms, providing vital medical care to the community. The true miracle, however, came in its impact. Since its opening in 2010, not a single person has died from malaria or typhoid—once the most prevalent causes of death in the area. It was a transformation that many might not fully recognize, but it remains one of the most significant contributions Rabbi Gershom brought back to Uganda.

Bringing Running Water to the Villages

Alongside Dr. Tobin, Rabbi Gershom also spearheaded efforts to bring running water to Nabagoya and other villages. In Nabagoya, they installed an electricity-powered borehole pump that carried water into storage tanks, allowing it to flow through pipes by gravity. In other villages, boreholes were drilled, providing easy access to clean water near the synagogues. Thanks to these efforts, thousands of people—both Jewish and non-Jewish—gained access to safe drinking water, drastically improving public health and daily life.

The Mosquito Net Initiative

Understanding that preventing malaria required more than just medical treatment, Dr. Tobin also raised funds to provide mosquito nets. A total of 10,000 nets were distributed—not only to Jewish homes but to their non-Jewish neighbors as well. Disease does not discriminate, and ensuring that more people had mosquito nets reduced the spread of malaria across entire communities. Fewer people fell ill, which in turn eased the burden on the health center.

Although the Ugandan government continues to distribute mosquito nets, malaria remains a persistent threat. Even with the protection of nets, vigilance is necessary. Recognizing the signs of malaria early and seeking treatment quickly is still crucial in the ongoing fight against the disease.

Through these initiatives, Dr. Gary Tobin’s legacy lives on, woven into the very fabric of the Abayudaya community. His generosity and shared vision with Rabbi Gershom brought lasting change, proving that even in the face of immense challenges, transformation is possible.