Jewish Camping Efforts in Uganda: A New Chapter Begins
JEWISH CAMPING, a gathering of the faithful, is a concept that has taken many shapes at points in time, historically, until it has evolved into what we know about it today. Retreating into a camp, a confined environment, away from the bustling and noisy world has served many purposes: group meditation, observing festivals fervently, study camps, or simply a protected space away from the public and prying eyes. Today, in its most familiar form, it has become a denominational backbone, shaping and strengthening the different sect of global Judaism.
The United States, with the highest number of Jewish adherents, hosts the highest number of modern campers. There are camps in some parts of Europe, in Israel, Australia, and South Africa. These camps, most of which own permanent locations, operate periodically, mostly during the summer holiday period. When active, camping activities last for two to three months and are coordinated by trained management teams consisting of counsellors and volunteers.
Depending on one’s sect affiliation, individuals from different countries or regions can be admitted to attend camp and participate in the daily routines, which keeps the gathering vibrant and effective. Among these campers are the Abayudaya Jews from East Africa, who have attended summer camps in the United States for over a decade. The Abayudaya, which means “people of Judah” in the Luganda language, mostly inhabit the eastern parts of Uganda. Originating in Mbale, the cradle of Judaism in the country, they have spread out to both the north and central regions and further westward beyond Kampala, the capital of the country, fondly referred to as the pearl of Africa due to its magnificent and scenic topography, excellent weather, and natural lakes and mountains that boost its tourism potential.
During the government of Idi Amin, thousands of followers of the legendary Semei Kakungulu, who was the patriarch of Ugandan Judaism and who passed away in 1929, faced enormous threats for practicing their faith. This pressure intensified as relations between the State of Israel and the Ugandan government deteriorated. In July 1976, Israel mounted a daring rescue effort when Air France airliner with Israeli and Jewish passengers was hijacked and forced to land at Entebbe Airport. The military operation eventually freed the hostages in a dramatic overnight raid. It was led by Yonatan Netanyahu, the head of the elite Sayeret Matkal squad and the older brother of Israel’s current prime minister. Furious with both the rescue and Israel’s defiance, Idi Amin increased his hostility toward anyone perceived to be connected to Judaism or Israel, leaving the Abayudaya communities even more vulnerable.
When news broke out about the location of some citizens practicing the Israeli Judaism religion in some remote parts of Mbale, the tension was shifted to these rural-dwelling Jews. Without any chance to withstand the government’s brutal force, the majority of them abandoned the religion; some fled, while the few who stayed back gathered and prayed in secret in a cave-like structure inside a forest in Nangolo. However, after the dictator was deposed and the situation calmed down, the first historic kibbutz camping was established, which became a rallying point that helped recall and reunite the Abayudaya, providing the necessary push for their re-emergence and survival.
From the kibbutz in Mbale to the summer camps in the United States, and now to a historic first modern type of camping in Busabala near Kampala—this is the story of the Jews in Uganda. Initially starting out in Mbale, there are now flourishing communities spread out, thanks to new waves of conversion, marriages, and new births, as well as the multiple sects existing in the country. But unlike most camps abroad, this inaugural camp was designed to unite Jewish children, youths, and adults from all sects, including Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform, under one roof for learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
The camp organizers at Busabala in Uganda embraced the idea of starting small and gradually expanding, echoing the well-known saying that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. There is no need to wait for the entire light to turn green; with willing individuals and a few dedicated volunteers, it requires a determined leader to take on the role of a pathfinder to reach the desired outcome. When the call was finally made, numerous individuals responded and signed up, turning the dream into reality.
On December 13th, 2024, from different corners of the country, all roads led to Busabala, in the Wakiso district. Participants from Nabugoye and Nasenyi, both in Mbale, and from Mukono in the central region, as well as Kampala, made it to camp. The venue was at St. Peter’s High School, with an excellent dormitory facility for campers and a secured and beautiful surrounding with trees adding to its beauty.
including volleyball, basketball, track & field, and other
team games for campers.
The camp lasted for the next 2 weeks, during which a total record number of 105 participants, including campers, facilitators, volunteers, and counselors, were present. The campers, made up of children, teenagers, and youths, ranged from the age of 5 to 28, inclusive of male and female. Being the first time, the stakes were high, with high expectations of achieving a fulfilling gathering while keeping the children engaged and motivated. For some of the officials, it was truly their first time volunteering, so it was an opportunity to learn on the job, especially after the brief training and orientation they had received before the camping commenced.
The days at Busabala were structured yet fluid, filled with a vibrant buzz of activity that blended learning with recreation and discipline with joy, from sunrise until well after the stars came out over Lake Victoria, which lies a few kilometres distant. Every morning, counselors reviewed the day’s agenda, followed by spirited shacharit prayers with melodies mixing Hebrew with the local Luganda in a unique, uplifting harmony. Next is breakfast, before proceeding to the next round of the morning session. As the camp went on, both the participants and the facilitators got used to the rhythm, creating an atmosphere of excitement, adventure, and unity.
Moshe Madai.
Jewish education formed the sacred core of each day. In small, age-appropriate groups, campers delved into Torah study, exploring stories and lessons to enrich their knowledge. Hebrew classes echoed in the classrooms, with children enthusiastically practicing the alephbet and common phrases, while teenagers worked on conversational skills. The highlight of the week for many was the challah-making workshop for the girls. Flour-dusted hands worked joyfully, braiding dough for Shabbat, the smell of baking bread filling the surroundings, signalling the coming of Shabbat. The younger girls were filled with extreme joy as they learned firsthand from the women who taught them how to bake bread, emphasizing its importance to Jewish womanhood.
The camp put a lot of focus on leadership and personal growth, in addition to spiritual growth. It organized leadership workshops that encouraged shy teenagers to speak up and work together by having them solve problems. Campers took part in small-group workshops where they did affirmations and spoke about things in groups to boost their self-esteem and confidence. Roleplaying helped them figure out what they were good at, and group reflections made them want to create personal objectives. Many of them had never stood in front of their peers to express an idea or lead an activity before, and these experiences had a lasting effect on their confidence.
The Health and Wellness Workshops were just as important because they were meant to help young people deal with genuine problems. Qualified facilitators led practical discussions on HIV/AIDS awareness, cancer prevention, personal hygiene, and overall well-being. Campers learned how important it is to get regular checkups, keep things clean, and adopt healthy kosher eating habits. The sessions were interactive, with demonstrations, question-and-answer segments, and group activities that made the learning fun and memorable. Later, parents testified to the positive behavioural changes observed in their children after camp.
The mid-afternoons buzzed with interactive joy, especially the playing times that came after the learning sections. Friendly competition thrived through football matches and relay races, with the onlookers cheering their preferred teams from the stands. After this, collaborative cooking sessions, often supervised by the elderly women, taught both kitchen skills and the value of shared effort. These moments of pure fun and learning were not mere recreation; they were the glue that fused diverse individuals from different communities and sects into a single, supportive kehilla.
Evenings were dedicated to interactive activities—campfires, storytelling, games, and cooking sessions. These end-of day activities aimed to ensure cemented friendships, create laughter-filled memories, and foster a sense of belonging among all participants. And as the flames of the campfire lit up the night sky, the voices of children and young adults singing Jewish melodies blended beautifully with the quiet rustle of trees surrounding the compound.
Similarly, creativity through art and craft was embraced in the camp, where campers learned to create decorative items using beads. These sessions did more than teach skills; they strengthened cultural pride and encouraged innovation. Many campers proudly carried home the items they crafted—necklaces, bracelets, purses, and small bags—as souvenirs of their time together. In addition, they also demonstrated how to make use reusable sanitary pads for girls.
By the end of the program, it was evident that this camp was more than just an event; it was a turning moment. One of the main goals was to train young leaders who would go back to their home synagogues equipped with new skills, confidence, and knowledge. Now that the seeds have been planted, the goal is for these campers to grow into responsible leaders who help their families, make their communities stronger, and help make Uganda’s Jewish future bright.
Apart from South Africa, Uganda is not the only country that is hosting a Jewish camp, as Nigeria has one in its capital. “Camp Sarah” has continuously operated for three years since its founding in 2023, welcoming campers from all over the federation. Headed by Debbie Issar, Camp Sarah is an organization that aims to replicate the model of Jewish camps in the United States for Jewish communities in Nigeria, providing local camping opportunities since many individuals cannot participate in camps abroad. Inspired by the concept of teaching children playfully, after the camp Sarah 2025, being a third summer of Jewish learning and fun, sister camps have spread to other parts of Nigeria, such as Port Harcourt and Ebonyi State, indicating interest to follow suit.
Apart from South Africa, Uganda is not the only country that is hosting a Jewish camp, as Nigeria has one in its capital. “Camp Sarah” has continuously operated for three years since its founding in 2023, welcoming campers from all over the federation. Headed by Debbie Issar, Camp Sarah is an organization that aims to replicate the model of Jewish camps in the United States for Jewish communities in Nigeria, providing local camping opportunities since many individuals cannot participate in camps abroad. Inspired by the concept of teaching children playfully, after the camp Sarah 2025, being a third summer of Jewish learning and fun, sister camps have spread to other parts of Nigeria, such as Port Harcourt and Ebonyi State, indicating interest to follow suit.
Just as Debbie serves as a pathfinder for Camp Sarah, Abigail Businge plays a similar role for the first Uganda camp, which is hosted by the Hatikvah Jewish Centre, an organization she founded. Together with her dedicated team, they envisioned a space where Jewish individuals, including orphans, marginalized youth, and less privileged community members, could come together to study Torah, celebrate Shabbat, and engage in interactive activities that build both character and community. At the core of its organizational objectives is empowering Jewish youth to thrive after school, building confidence, skills, and community through innovative programs, mentorship, and Jewish values.
When we asked Abigail how she managed to run the last camp, she was filled with excitement, recalling memories of the past. “My husband is passionate about charity and acts of supporting children and proved his generosity through his donation for this course. One of my brothers, with some other folks he brought, manned the security post throughout the duration. And the transportation of participants from Mukono was sponsored by members of the Tzion Beth Hamitzvot community.”
The vision behind Uganda’s first Jewish camp is aimed at empowering a generation and shaping its future through youth engagement and leadership training. In the actual sense, the rise of camping initiatives in Nigeria and Uganda is evidence of a continental awakening, an effort of resilience and revival, which deserves to be recognized. The result is a call for support to encourage broader and more consistent camping that positions youth for success through these gathering concepts, similar to those found in other parts of the world.
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