Rose Namulisa Balaluka

Sr. Rose Namulisa Balaluka is a member of the Dorothy Sisters of Cemmo in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Fluent in English, French, and local languages like Kiswahili and Mashi, she has worked in public relations and communication for the Sisters of the Resurrection in Bukavu, and represents her community in its partnership with Medicines For Humanity. Currently, she is enrolled in Bukavu Teacher Training College, while teaching undergraduate English there. Her research interests are in child protection and the promotion of women’s rights.

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People gather with sisters after a church service in the town of Kiwanja, Rutshuru, Democratic Republic of Congo. (Stephano Kambale)

Sisters stay in Congo conflict zones to give voice to suffering people

In the murderous tragedy organized by the M23 rebels in Masisi and Ruthuru, Democratic Republic of Congo, women generally are paying heavy tolls. We religious sisters do not escape this fate.

Women wave Congolese flags during a march to protest escalating violence in Congo, in Kinshasa Dec. 4, 2022. (CNS/Reuters/Justin Makangara)

Another Christmas without peace in Democratic Republic of Congo

The people, while having faith in Jesus as the Prince of Peace, wonder when the peace Jesus' presence implies will ever come to Congo. For 26 or more Christmases, peace has not come.

View of a road in the South Kivu region of Democratic Republic of Congo (Wikimedia Commons/Akyubwa)

For many in Congo, Chinese gold mining brings upheaval but little benefit

As mining sites grew, people in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, began to realize that not only their rights were being exploited, but the whole ecosystem, with its rich forest and rivers, is under threat.

Daughters of the Resurrection in the waiting room of one of their clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Courtesy of Rose Namulisa Balaluka)

Insecurity, lack of resources challenge Congo sisters' health care work

COVID-19 worsened the blanket of insecurity and fear in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the Daughters of the Resurrection in Bukavu — teaming up with other congregations — persist in their health care mission.