The Bishops of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) have pledged to make young people the Church’s shared pastoral priority for the next four years, while calling on political leaders across the region to end the exploitation of youth
Archbishop Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbeya, Tanzania, has been elected as the new Chairman of AMECEA. Archbishop Nyaisonga presided over the closing Eucharistic celebration of the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly held at the Loreto Msongari Grounds in Nairobi. The Archbishop reflected on the biblical readings of the day. Acknowledging the responsibility entrusted to him, the Archbishop said he identifies with Solomon’s prayer for wisdom.
In their Final Message issued at the conclusion of the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly, the region’s Bishops reaffirmed their commitment to listening attentively to the hopes, concerns and sufferings of young people, promising concrete action to accompany them in the life and mission of the Church.
The Bishops’ message, released on 26 July 2026, outlines a pastoral vision inspired by the Assembly’s theme, “AMECEA’s Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice and Good Governance.”
The Bishops pledged to strengthen youth participation in both ecclesial and civic life by establishing and reinforcing dedicated youth desks across the region, forming Catholic digital missionaries to evangelise in the digital age, promoting education, mentorship, entrepreneurship and skills development, and strengthening safeguarding policies and accountability in youth ministry.
They also committed themselves to deepening collaboration and solidarity among AMECEA’s member Episcopal Conferences while engaging governments, regional institutions and development partners to advocate for the safe and lawful movement of young people, greater civic participation and peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue.
AMECEA is an acronym for Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa. It is a Catholic service organisation for the National Episcopal Conferences of the eight countries of Eastern Africa, namely Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan – Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Djibouti and Somalia are affiliate members.
