As Africa rapidly emerges as the epicenter of global Christianity, a defining question rises: Is the Church prepared to empower its next generation?
On this episode of The Missional Leader, Rob Hoskins sits down with Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, Team Leader of Watoto Church, one of the most dynamic and influential movements on the African continent, to explore why Africa’s youthful energy and deep spiritual hunger represent both an unprecedented opportunity and a critical responsibility for the global Church.
From Uganda’s capital to some of the most underserved regions of East Africa, Watoto Church is transforming communities through a holistic ministry model that rescues vulnerable children, equips single mothers, plants life-giving churches, and elevates the next generation into confident, faith-filled leaders. Julius, who came to Christ as a child in Watoto before becoming its leader, brings a prophetic and deeply personal view of what God is doing across Africa today.
Together, they unpack the discipleship challenges facing Africa’s fast-growing youth population, the research revealing surprising spiritual resiliency, and the innovative faith and development strategies reshaping entire communities. Together, they look ahead to Africa’s central role in the future of global Christianity and invite listeners to join a movement that is lifting millions of young people into hope and purpose.
What You’ll Learn
- Why Africa is becoming the rising epicenter of global Christianity
- The remarkable story of Watoto Church and Pastor Julius’s journey from coming to faith at a young age
- How holistic ministry, including caring for orphans and widows, discipleship, and economic empowerment, works together to transform communities
- How Africa’s massive youth population presents unmatched opportunity and urgent discipleship challenges
- Key research that reveals Uganda’s surprising spiritual strength and resilience
- Practical ways to equip young Africans as the “now” generation of leaders
- How you can help reach 6 million African youth through OneHope’s Matching Challenge
About Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo
Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo is the Team Leader of Watoto Church Ministries, a vibrant movement impacting Uganda, South Sudan, and beyond, with more than 35,000 weekly attendees. A passionate advocate for holistic ministry, Julius blends visionary church leadership, gospel-centered community transformation, and innovative orphan and widow care.
Having come to faith at age 10 in Watoto Church, today he leads efforts that rescue vulnerable children, equip single mothers, and foster economic development in underserved communities. Julius is recognized for championing next-generation leadership, Christian higher education, and contextualized discipleship models praised across Africa and globally. His collaborative approach has pioneered programs now serving youth in over 80 countries. Deeply committed to empowering young people as agents of change, Julius is shaping the future of the African church with humility and resolve.
