Archbishop Kaziimba calls for love, unity at Sironko farewell service

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Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on Christians to embrace love, compassion and unity as the foundation for a stronger Church, as he prepares to retire in August next year.

Kaziimba made the appeal during a farewell service organised by North Mbale Diocese at St Andrew’s Cathedral Buhugu in Sironko district on May 30, 2026. The event brought together clergy, church leaders, Members of Parliament, district leaders and congregants who gathered to celebrate his pastoral leadership and service to the Church of Uganda.

The service was marked by prayers, thanksgiving, reflection and tributes in recognition of his contribution to the spiritual growth and development of both North Mbale Diocese and the wider Church.

The function was led by Budadiri East MP Eng. Julius Nakiyi, who chaired the organising committee.

Nakiyi contributed sh10 million towards the event and commended Christians, churches and individuals for their generous support. Other contributors included Sironko District Woman MP Asha Nabulo Mafabi, who donated sh2 million, Bungokho South MP Geoffrey Wokuli, who contributed sh1 million, and Sironko district LC5 chairperson Alex Nabende Guga, who gave sh200,000.

Nakiyi thanked Archbishop Kaziimba for visiting the diocese and urged Christians to support vulnerable members of their communities.

"You do not need to be very rich to help others. It is important to assist your neighbours and those in need," Nakiyi said.

He also reiterated his five-pillar development agenda, including increasing funding for the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he said the government has already done, and advocating for government consideration of making PDM loans non-refundable.

Call for unity

Preaching from 1 Peter 3:8, Archbishop Kaziimba urged believers to be like-minded, sympathetic, compassionate, humble and loving towards one another.

"Giving little is better than sympathising a lot," the Archbishop said.

He emphasised that no one chooses where they are born or the family into which they are born, urging Christians to treat one another with dignity and respect.

"No one has a choice about where they are born. You never chose to be a Mugisu or to be born by your parents," he said.

Kaziimba also stressed the importance of unity within the Church, saying its growth and development depend on believers working together.

"Unity is important in the Church. The Church cannot be built on Sunday offerings alone. Sometimes the enemies of the Church are Christians within the Church who frustrate its programs. We must unite and work together. If you had not been united, you would not have completed this church," he said.

Tribute to leadership

North Mbale Diocese Bishop Rt Rev. Samuel Gidudu thanked Archbishop Kaziimba for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the Church of Uganda.

He credited the Archbishop with promoting unity within the Church, supporting scholarships for the training of church leaders, taking a firm stand against homosexuality, advocating for family stability, establishing Family TV and delivering educational sermons.

"Under your leadership, we have seen the completion of the Church House in Kampala. You have maintained unity among the House of Bishops and strengthened the Church of Uganda," Bishop Gidudu said.

The farewell service concluded with prayers, gifts and tributes in honour of Archbishop Kaziimba's service and leadership as he prepares to retire next year.