A group of people in eastern Uganda, who a few years ago converted into Judaism has gained official recognition from the Jewish Agency for Israel, Chimp Corps report.
The Abayudaya (Luganda for People of Judah) are a small community of a few hundred people in Mbale District who in 2012 were converted to practice Judaism
In a letter to the head of the Conservative movement in Israel Rabbi Andrew Sacks, the Jewish Agency confirmed it now views the Abayudaya in Uganda as a recognized community registered with the Masorti-Olami World Conservative Movement.
Additionally, the letter also stated that the Jewish Agency recognizes the authority of Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, who serves as the spiritual head of the Mbale group.
Rabbi Gershom Sizomu
The recognition according to Israeli media means that the Abayudaya are recognized as Israeli citizens under the Israel’s Law of Return and can freely move there.
The recognition also will allow members of the community to obtain visas from Israel’s Interior Ministry in order to study at yeshivas (Jewish schools) in the Jewish state.
The Abayudaya Jewish community originally splintered off from Christianity in the early 20th century, when its members began observing Jewish laws and customs. Its population however, which was exceeding 3000, dwindled drastically in 1970s due to the persecution of President Iddi Amin.
In 2002, the 1,500-member community was formally converted to Judaism by a Conservative rabbinical court.
Most Abayudaya are of Bagwere origin, except for those from Namutumba, who are Basoga. They speak Luganda, Lusoga or Lugwere, although some have learned Hebrew as well.