The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has asked Christians to remain committed to prayer, unity, and love as the Church navigates a period of transition and growing social tension.
Preaching during the conclusion of his four-day pastoral , farewell visit and the Diocese of Kigezi’s annual Brethren Conference at the Convention Center in Rugarama, Kabale Municipality on Sunday, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized that peace within the Church must be deliberately nurtured, warning that internal divisions weaken its spiritual mission and moral authority in society.
The conference, which began on Wednesday was held under the theme, drawn from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 2:14: “Christ is our peace.” The Archbishop called on believers to grow in the love of Jesus Christ as the anchor for reconciliation and harmony among Christians.
Beyond church affairs, the Archbishop addressed the broader national issue of post-election conduct, urging those who have won elections to exercise restraint and responsibility.
He cautioned against actions or rhetoric that provoke those who did not succeed, noting that political intolerance fuels division and undermines national unity.
He reminded Ugandan’s who feel defeated that they remain part of the country’s future and should not be pushed to the margins.
Archbishop Kaziimba, who has served as head of the Church of Uganda since 2020, is scheduled to retire in August 2027 in accordance with the Church’s Constitution, which requires retirement at the age of 65.
His farewell to Diocese of Kigezi marks a historic first, signaling a structured and transparent leadership transition within the Anglican Church.
Reflecting on his tenure, the Archbishop highlighted initiatives such as Revival Radio and the “One Child” programme as practical expressions of the Church’s mission to combine evangelism with social responsibility.
These programmes, he said, were designed to strengthen faith while addressing community needs.
The Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, praised Archbishop Kaziimba’s stewardship, particularly his role in mobilizing resources to clear debts and restore Church House to full church ownership and governance.
He described the achievement as a key step toward financial accountability and institutional stability.
During Christmas Festivities, the Church of Uganda Communications Officer, Sadiiki Adams revealed that the Archbishop and the six bishops will officially retire on August 14, 2027, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65, in accordance with the Church of Uganda Constitution.
Sadiiki revealed that among the bishops due for retirement are the Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka of Kinkiizi Diocese, the Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa of Ankole Diocese, and the Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna of Kigezi Diocese, among others. He explained that the retirements are in line with the Church of Uganda Constitution.
He further noted that the Archbishop will soon begin farewell visits to all dioceses across the country, while the retiring bishops will also tour churches within their respective dioceses to bid farewell and thank Christians for their support over the years.
Sadiiki called upon Christians nationwide to pray for the Church as it enters a critical season of leadership renewal, emphasizing the need for unity, wisdom, and peace during the process of selecting a new Archbishop and six bishops.
He also disclosed that preparations to elect new delegates to the Provincial Assembly, the Church of Uganda’s supreme decision-making organ, will begin in 2026.
CUE IN SADIIKI……ON THE MATTER……ENG//
