The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged bishops and their spouses from the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA) to embrace servant leadership, delegate responsibilities effectively and strengthen accountability to sustain healthy and fruitful episcopal ministry.
Archbishop Kaziimba made the call on Friday during the Global South Bishops’ Formation Retreat at the Lweza Training and Conference Centre.
He said bishops often face enormous expectations from the people they serve, with many looking to them to resolve every challenge and respond to every request.
However, he urged them to recognise that effective leadership does not mean carrying every responsibility alone, but empowering others to share in ministry.
He challenged the bishops to practise intentional delegation by providing clear guidance on expected outcomes, setting appropriate boundaries, equipping those entrusted with responsibilities through training and support, and establishing systems to monitor progress.
Archbishop Kaziimba said delegation is a biblical principle that enables leaders to focus on their primary calling while developing the gifts and capacities of others within the Church.
Drawing from Galatians 1:10, he encouraged the bishops to remain focused on their God-given calling rather than attempting to meet every human expectation.
As a practical exercise, he challenged each participant to identify one responsibility they could delegate during the week, assign it intentionally to a suitable person, and provide the necessary support and accountability to ensure its successful execution.
Archbishop Kaziimba also emphasised that servant leadership lies at the heart of Christian ministry. He said bishops are called to lead by example through humility, integrity and sacrificial service, following the example of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.
He noted that true leadership is measured not by authority or position, but by faithfulness in serving God’s people, nurturing the Church and equipping others for ministry.
Archbishop Kaziimba further said Uganda continues to host the bishops’ formation retreats because of the confidence the Global South Fellowship has in the Church of Uganda’s strong commitment to biblical truth, as well as the Government of Uganda’s willingness to facilitate the participation of bishops from different parts of the world through a supportive visa process.
The Chairman of the Ministerial Formation Track of the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans and Bishop of Lango Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, said the retreat has brought together bishops and their spouses from the Provinces of Burundi, South Sudan and the Indian Ocean, as well as the Diocese of Sunyani in Ghana.
Held under the theme, “Rooted in Christ, Renewing the Church, Reaching the Nations,” the retreat began on July 14 and will conclude on July 20, 2026.
Bishop Olwa said the formation programme is designed to equip bishops with practical and spiritual leadership skills before and after their consecration.
Topics being covered include Christian leadership, retirement planning, fellowship, healthy ministry relationships, and dedicated sessions for bishops’ spouses on mutual support, expectations and healthy boundaries in ministry.
The retreat is being facilitated by experienced Anglican leaders, including Archbishop Dr. Justin Badi, Chairman of the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans; Bishop Danald Jute of South East Asia, who is leading the daily Bible expositions; Archbishop Mouneer Anis, retired Archbishop of Egypt and one of the Fellowship’s founders; The Rt. Rev. George Bagamuhunda, retired Bishop of Kigezi Diocese and facilitator on retirement planning; Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, host of the retreat and Treasurer of the Global South Fellowship; and Rev. Canon Charles Raven of the GSFA.
