The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has praised Ankole and North West Ankole dioceses for championing socio-economic transformation in households and communities through faith-based development initiatives.
Archbishop Kaziimba made the remarks during his farewell services held in North West Ankole Diocese in Ibanda District on Saturday and in Ankole Diocese in Mbarara City on Sunday, where he commended the dioceses for promoting holistic transformation alongside preaching the Gospel.
The Archbishop noted that both dioceses had distinguished themselves in implementing projects aimed at improving livelihoods and empowering communities.
“I have toured diocesan projects and interacted with several stakeholders, and it is very clear that whereas the Gospel is being preached, the Church is also working hard to lift people out of poverty,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
The visits come as the Bishops of the two dioceses — Rt Rev. Amos Magezi of North West Ankole Diocese and Rt Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa of Ankole Diocese — prepare to retire next year.
In North West Ankole Diocese, Archbishop Kaziimba laid a foundation stone for Sunrise Plaza, a commercial building owned by the Diocese. He also toured several development projects, including Kibubura Integrated Primary School, where a multipurpose building is under construction; Ibanda Mission Health Centre III, where a theatre is being built; Kibubura Girls Secondary School, where a science complex is under construction; and the Ibanda North West Ankole Diocese (INWAD) SACCO.
He later met key diocesan leaders and urged them to remain faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to them by God.
In Ankole Diocese, Archbishop Kaziimba commended the Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, for his visionary leadership, which has seen the establishment of Revival Radio, Revival TV, Millennium SACCO, Revival Schools, Revival Coffee, and several commercial buildings in Mbarara City, among other projects.
Bishop Sheldon, who also serves as Dean of the Province of the Church of Uganda, is the most senior bishop and oversees the Province in the Archbishop’s absence.
While preaching during his farewell services at St Paul’s Cathedral, Ibanda, on Saturday and St James Cathedral, Ruharo, on Sunday, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized the importance of unity, especially during leadership transitions.
The Archbishop was also commended for his firm stand on biblical values, his role in clearing the Church House debt, and his leadership of the House of Bishops through guidance on establishing income-generating projects aimed at promoting diocesan self-sustainability.
