Archbishop Kaziimba leads retreat for retired bishops and their spouses

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The retreat began with a Holy Communion Service. Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, led the service while Prof. Alfred Olwa, the Bishop of Lango Diocese, delivered the sermon.

Archbishop Kaziimba, who officially opened the retreat at Lweza Training and Conference Centre near Kampala, highlighted its key objectives.

"This retreat was organized for our seniors in ministry to reconnect, fellowship, for us to seek their advice and guidance, and to support each other. Many have retired and been far apart from one another. We believe it's a very good opportunity to meet again and make important reflections," Archbishop Kaziimba said on Wednesday, July 10.

The Archbishop was addressing a congregation composed of: COU retired bishops, their spouses and the widows of late bishops, gathered for the two-day residential retreat.

According to a release from COU, Kaziimba told the congregation the retreat offers the opportunity for accountably to the retired Bishops.

"They need updates on Church on issues such as the completion of the Church House, which many of them laid the foundation for, the development of the Uganda Martyrs Anglican Site in Namugongo, Family TV, our stand against homosexuality, among other issues," he said.

He expressed happiness that retired bishops are still concerned about the governance of the Church and are always keeping it in their prayers.

Archbishop Kaziimba, who visited all incumbent and retired bishops and widows of late bishops during the COVID-19 pandemic, said that reaching out at the time was vital to his mission.

"During my two weeks tours, I visited you at your individual homes.  It was risky at the time, but I gained a lot of knowledge from you.

In this retreat, we have lined up a number of speakers on health, spirituality, and responsible living in retirement," Archbishop Kaziimba said.

Retired bishops speak out

Sharing his experience in retirement, Bishop William Rukirande, 92, the former Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, reported that he is actively engaged in farming and writing.

Eng. George Bagamuhunda, the retired Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi and representative of retired Bishops in the House of Bishops urged retired Bishops to live within their means and plan for the little resources they have.

Bishop Zebedee Masereka, the retired Bishop of South Ruwenzori Diocese, attributed his peaceful retirement to his wife, whom he credited for rearing chicken, growing mushrooms, managing fish ponds, and operating their family clinic in Kasese Town. He also disclosed that he is a special presidential assistant for the western region.

Over 70 participants, including retired bishops, their spouses and widows of retired bishops, are in attendance. 

The next retreat is scheduled to take place in July 2025.