In Uganda, there are over 500 Russian speakers from Russia and former Soviet countries, and Russian culture is respected here. Ugandan traditions teach children to honor their elders and not to argue with those of higher status, which reminds us of our customs. When Ugandans attend cultural events in the Russian community, they not only observe with interest but also actively participate and ask questions. For Russians, the main spiritual place is the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This church was founded 30 years ago and is located on one of the islands of Lake Victoria. Services and Sacraments are held every Saturday and Sunday, and confession is available upon request. The parish has about one hundred members. The church is built of stone and adorned with domes in the traditional Russian style.

Christopher Valusimbi became the first black African priest ordained in the Russian Orthodox Church abroad. He serves in one of the most beautiful places in the world, which, although remote, attracts tourists interested in forests and exotic fauna. On a small island that is not always easy to find on a map, stands a magnificent Russian Orthodox church with colorful domes.

However, getting to the mainland is not easy. Bukasa Island is located 65 km south of Kampala, and if Father Christopher needs to visit the bank, post office, shops, schools, or hospitals, check his email, or buy gasoline, he faces a dangerous four to six-hour boat journey. Every year, more than a hundred people die in accidents on Lake Victoria. Each such trip costs the parish 126 dollars for fuel and oil, and they make these trips four times a month, totaling 504 dollars. The parish boat is old and unsafe.