The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has today held a meeting with Dr. Felix Theonugraha, President of Western Theological Seminary (WTS), Holland, Michigan, during which he called for continued partnership in leadership development and ministerial formation.
The Archbishop emphasized the need to prepare Church leaders who are both spiritually grounded and strategically equipped to respond to contemporary challenges.
The meeting, held at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe, was attended by a team from Western Theological Seminary, including Steve Spoelhof, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Dr. David Komline, Associate Dean and Professor of Church History and Amanda Onapito. Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Kakooza, Director of Education Services in the Church of Uganda, also attended the meeting.
Archbishop Kaziimba, an alumnus of Western theological seminary from 2002 to 2003 and 2004 to 2007, expressed deep gratitude to the seminary for its unwavering commitment to biblical principles and moral integrity, noting that its values have profoundly shaped his ministry and leadership.
“I thank Western Theological Seminary for remaining faithful to Scripture and upholding the moral values we cherish as the Church of Uganda. While there for my Doctor of Ministry, I focused on servant leadership. The foundation I received continues to inspire my ministry and leadership today,” Kaziimba said.
Following the meeting, Archbishop Kaziimba hosted a fellowship of Ugandan alumni of Western Theological Seminary at Namirembe Guesthouse, where participants shared their experiences and the seminary’s contribution to their spiritual and academic growth.
To date, twelve Ugandans have been trained at Western Theological Seminary, including Archbishop Kaziimba, Rev. Dr. Milly Erema, Rev. Dr. Henry Majwala, Rev. Dr. Asaph Wasswa, Rev Canon Samuel Wasswa, Rev. Canon Capt. Titus Baraka, Rev. Godfrey Kyome, Rev. Juliet Nabatanzi Kansiime, Rev. Isaac Lubega, Rev. Moses Kisakye Mugalu, Rev. Canon Latima Muwanguzi, and the late Rev. Mary Nabakooza, who was the pioneer Ugandan student. Rev. Alex Abraham Bwambale is currently pursuing studies at the seminary in Michigan.
The alumni appreciated the seminary’s global impact and called for the introduction of long-distance learning opportunities and partnerships with local universities to make Western Theological Seminary’s academic programs more accessible to Ugandan clergy and students.
Dr. Theonugraha is in Uganda at the invitation of Uganda Christian University (UCU), where he will serve as Chief Guest at the second part of the 26th Graduation Ceremony scheduled for October 24, 2025, at the UCU Main Campus in Mukono.
