Archbishop Kaziimba decries church divisions, rising homicide cases
Kaziimba appealed for unity among churches, which he asserted is vital for national transformation despite differences in denominations, traditions and approaches to worship.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, addresses the media at Namirembe ahead of the 2026 Provincial Prayer Convention, scheduled for November 18–21 at Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo, under the theme “Redeemed from the Hand of the Adversary.” The Church will also pray for a smooth leadership transition ahead of the retirement of the Archbishop and six bishops next year. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi).
__________________ The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi) The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, addresses the media at Namirembe. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
As his tenure nears its end, the Archbishop of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on Christian leaders and believers across denominations to address growing divisions, mistrust, and public disagreements within the church, urging them to embrace humility, mutual respect, and unity.
The remarks were made following recent incidents where social media was awash with Ugandan clergy publicly clashing over miracle claims, church finances and accusations of ‘fake pastors.’
He made the call during a media briefing held at the Church of Uganda provincial secretariat office in Kampala on November 13.
“We appeal to all church leaders and Christians to demonstrate humility, mutual respect, love, and understanding. Let us resolve our differences in a Christ-centred manner and avoid words or actions that undermine one another's ministry. A united church is better positioned to serve as an instrument of peace, reconciliation, and transformation in our nation,” he said.
He urged the church to uphold biblical truth, following concerns that some churches are weakening their commitment to biblical authority, repentance, holiness and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ to accommodate prevailing cultural expectations.
Homicides need to be tamed
With 3,192 homicide cases recorded between January and September 2026, he appealed to the lawmakers to intervene and put an end to this growing concern.
He called on Ugandans to brave the economic hardships which have led to the high cost of living and unemployment among youth, highlighting corruption as a major factor which has led to the turbulent times.
Kazimba encouraged the youth to desist from moral decay, calling for collective intervention against drug and substance abuse, social media addiction and hopelessness increasing among young people.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, poses for a group photo with church officials at Namirembe during a media briefing ahead of the 2026 Provincial Prayer Convention, scheduled for November 18–21 at Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi).
Prayer convention announced
The Church of Uganda also announced the 4th provincial prayer convention scheduled for November 18-21 at the Uganda Martyrs Site Namugongo, in Wakiso district.
Under the theme “Redeemed from the Hand of the Adversary,” the convention aims to bring Ugandans together to pray for national healing, deliverance and restoration.