By Eric Kikomeko & Faith Barbara N Ruhinda- Updated at 1900 EAT on 16th December 2025

Imvepi, West Nile — American televangelist and philanthropist Dr. Michelle Corral on Monday conducted a major humanitarian outreach at Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Uganda’s West Nile region, near the DRC–South Sudan border, reaching thousands of displaced persons with food aid, clothing and messages of hope.

Dr. Corral, the founder of Breath of the Spirit Ministries and Chessed Charity International, both based in California, was received by Mr. Olila Denis, representing the Settlement Commander, alongside Bishop James Sala, founder of Amazing Grace Development Organisation, and Bishop Dr. John Babu of Jesus Cares Ministries. The two bishops coordinate Dr. Corral’s weekly feeding programme at Imvepi and Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlements.

The humanitarian mission was undertaken in partnership with Heal The Planet Global Organisation (HTP), which holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations. Dr. Corral travelled by private jet accompanied by HTP President Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D (Hon.), Makindye Ssabagabo Presiding Bishop Tomson Byamugisha, staff and missionaries from Breath of the Spirit Ministries, and members of the HTP team.

The mission delegation included Kamini Ananthi Jesudason, Cynthia Wilkins, Gabor Csorba, Frederick Michael Kamini and Reza Alexis Williams, while the HTP team comprised Princess Scovia Kivumbi, Viola Nabbale, Pastor Ssennono Abraham Brondon, Prossy Will Ssennono, and Caleb Turyamuhika of HICGI News Agency.

Feeding and relief support

Dr. Corral addressed more than 4,000 refugees from South Sudan, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The refugees were served a hot meal prepared from locally sourced food, including meat from three slaughtered cows, and received take-away food supplies of uncooked beans and maize flour. Children and adults were also given new clothes and shoes.

Thousands of people also received medical treatment during the health camp.

Message of compassion and hope

In her address, Dr. Corral praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni for Uganda’s open-door refugee policy, which has allowed millions of displaced people to find safety in the country.

“I cannot imagine what it was like when your villages were terrorised by insurgents, when mothers tried to protect their babies and had nowhere to go but to run for their lives,” Dr. Corral said.

“There is a God in heaven who loves you so much. We don’t love by feeling; we love by action. You are not statistics—you are valuable, and you have a great future.”

She encouraged refugees to love one another and hold on to hope, expressing faith that refugee settlements could one day become “cities of joy and hope.”

Faith leaders speak

Presiding Bishop Tomson Byamugisha described Dr. Corral as “God’s chosen servant sent to bring hope to the hopeless,” adding that Africa’s future was one of promise.

“In 25 years, Africa will be on top of all nations,” Bishop Byamugisha said. “Before God fulfils that prophecy, He raises servants who restore hope and faith. Today we are being fed, but tomorrow we shall feed nations.”

Uganda’s refugee legacy

Speaking on behalf of the Settlement Commander, Mr. Olila Denis noted that Uganda’s hospitality toward refugees is rooted in its own history.

“Uganda has an open-door policy because in 1978 and 1979, West Nile experienced an influx of Ugandans who fled to South Sudan as refugees,” he said. “What Uganda is doing today is paying back.”

OPM applauds Dr. Corral

Mr . Patrick Okello, Comissioner for Refugees at the Office of the Prime Minister speaking to HICGI News Agency commended Dr. Michelle Corral for supporting refugees.

Mr. Okello, revealed that humanitarian funding had drastically reduced amidst very significant increasing number of refugees. This was adversely affecting provision of adequate services to refugees. Hence, these donations and positive gesture were very timely.

Next stop

Following the mission in Uganda, Dr. Corral travelled to Juba, South Sudan, where she is scheduled to address a one-day pastors’ conference before returning to the United States.