VP Alupo backs Kaziimba’s proposal for national health insurance scheme

SOROTI - Vice-President Jessica Alupo has welcomed a proposal by the outgoing Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, for the government to introduce a national health insurance scheme to improve access to healthcare and save lives.

Kaziimba said the scheme would, for example, help prevent premature deaths among Ugandans who cannot afford medical bills, particularly those suffering from cancer and other diseases requiring specialised treatment.

“Our people are dying young. Cancer and other diseases are taking them. We need to give them attention."

The ninth Archbishop made the remarks on Sunday while bidding farewell to Soroti Diocese, where he called for greater government investment in healthcare to ensure that Ugandans can access medical services when they need them.

Archbishop Kaziimba with MPs from Teso who attended his farewell prayers at St Peter's Cathedral on Sunday. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

He proposed that part of the revenue generated from the country’s oil and mineral resources be channelled directly into a national health insurance scheme.

“Since God has given us oil and minerals, we should get a percentage that will go directly to the national insurance scheme for our people."

Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, responded by welcoming the cleric's proposal and pledged to present it to the government for consideration.

“Health is wealth, and your proposal is a welcome one. I will forward your proposal to the government."

Thousands of Christians who attended the prayers in the moment of meditation.

Alupo praises Kaziimba’s ministry

The vice-president​ commended Kaziimba for his ministry and dedication to serving Christians across the country, particularly through pastoral visits and prayers in churches and people’s homes.

She said she had personally benefited from his ministry, recalling how the archbishop had visited her at her countryside and Kampala homes to pray with her.

“You have done a commendable job as the chief shepherd by caring for your flock," she told him. "I wish you a happy retirement."

Choir members singing hymns of praise and worship.

Although Kaziimba is scheduled to retire on August 15, 2027, he said retirement will not mark the end of his service to the Church; he plans to mentor more ministers of God and write educational books

“I will be retired but not tired, not expired but required and repurposed,” he said, drawing cheers from the congregation.

Kaziimba, who began serving as a lay reader in 1985, urged Christians to pray for the House of Bishops as they prepare to elect his successor, who will become the 10th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.

He said the date for the election remains confidential.

“I do not know who will be elected, but what I can tell you is that, at an appropriate time, you will get the new Archbishop. I implore you to pray."

St. Peter's Cathedral that was commissioned by the Archbishop after ten years of construction.

St Peter’s Cathedral commissioned

Before leading the farewell service, Kaziimba commissioned St Peter’s Cathedral in Soroti, whose construction took 10 years to complete

The Bishop of Soroti Diocese, Kosea Odongo, said the cathedral was designed to meet the needs of modern worshippers and that it can accommodate 3,000 Christians.

Odongo said the project had been made possible through contributions from Christians and support from President Yoweri Museveni.

“We appreciate the President and all the people who contributed to building the house of the Lord."

The farewell service was attended by the State Minister for Teso Affairs, Dr Clement Ongalo, Members of Parliament, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, and other dignitaries.