The Mothers Union of Akonyibedo of the St. Nektarios Orthodox Church started in 2007 when the people were released from the IDP caps at the end of the 20+ year war. Fr. George gathered the war-torn women together for the common good of the church and the community. There were initially 45 women ages 20-60+ under the direction of Mama Susan, who remains the chairperson. Now, her daughter, Kevine, assists her. Their goals were many and have remained unchanged.

1. To support their church from the work of their hands through God’s blessings.
2. To bring unity, peace, and harmony between all mothers to promote the rehabilitation of women from the horrors of the long war.
3. To become role models for others in their church and community.
4. To uplift their standard of living and help them acquire basic needs like adequate food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.
5. To collaborate on projects in a group as people with a heart for humanity.
6. To raise money to pay for school fees for the children. This is the primary goal of the group as they recognize the importance of education to promote better futures for all children and the community.

As Uganda is one of the few African countries adept at paper bead making, this like-minded group of mothers first made paper beads for bracelets and necklaces.

In 2008, while Sue Nelson was on a mission trip, she met the mothers and recognized their love for their church and the community. Sue began bringing back these Ugandan treasures to sell in United States churches, craft fairs, holiday markets, and other venues. The money from the United States sales is distributed to the Mothers Union. LUU does not collect any administrative overhead to supply these products.

In 2016, she asked if they wanted to learn to sew and was met with a resounding, “Yes!” A teacher was found and eventually, seven treadle sewing machines were bought and a small workshop was rented. Susan Habegger began working with them to improve their quality. A variety of African crafts such as stuffed animals, aprons, various bags, laptop covers, and backpacks were designed and sewn. The Mothers Union also sews washable cloth sanitary supplies for women and girls. Sanitary products are scarce throughout Africa and using the ones the Mothers Union makes, means that local girls don't have to miss school once a month.

Deacon Richard Okello has worked with them from the beginning on business skills and is a trusted member of the group.

The Mothers Union is a natural partner for Lift Up Uganda because, like LUU, the mothers know that education is important to their children. Self-sufficiency and future job opportunities are the end goal for the Mothers Union and partnering with Lift Up Uganda makes that goal even closer.