Archbishop Kaziimba urges church, political leaders to shun infighting
Kaziimba made the remarks on September 26, 2026, while addressing clergy ranging from catechists to bishops, as well as political leaders from Acholi, who gathered at St Philip's Cathedral in Gulu city to welcome him.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Dr Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged church and political leaders to refrain from internal conflicts. (Courtesy photo)
________________
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Dr Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged church and political leaders to refrain from internal conflicts, saying infighting weakens groups and diverts leaders from achieving their goals.
Kaziimba made the remarks on September 26, 2026, while addressing clergy ranging from catechists to bishops, as well as political leaders from Acholi, who gathered at St Philip's Cathedral in Gulu city to welcome him.
The archbishop is currently on a nationwide pastoral visit as he prepares to retire from office next year.
Kaziimba entered Gulu district at about 5:55 am through Aswa Bridge, on the border of Gulu and Pader districts, after visiting the Diocese of Kitgum, which covers the Acholi districts of Kitgum, Pader, Agago and Lamwo.
At Aswa Bridge, Kaziimba was accompanied by a delegation from the Diocese of Kitgum led by its bishop, Wilson Kitara.
Bishop Kitara prayed and formally handed Kaziimba over to the Bishop of Northern Uganda, the Most Rev. Godfrey Luwum.
Luwum had led a delegation from Gulu city comprising representatives of the Mothers' Union and Fathers' Union, clergy and other church leaders, as well as local political and security officials.
Among those present were the deputy commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, Col Richard Kidega Obura; Justine Obol, the chairman of Gulu district; and Simon Peter Wokorach, the former MP for Aswa County.
Arsenal Football Club supporters were also part of the welcoming delegation, with some wearing Arsenal jerseys.
Security personnel from the police and UPDF had been deployed around the bridge, while supporters and residents gathered to welcome the Archbishop.
As they waited, people sang and danced.
Upon arrival, Kaziimba cut a ribbon at the bridge, marking his entry into Gulu. A young girl dressed in an Arsenal jersey also presented him with flowers.
The convoy then proceeded to Gulu city, with residents lining the roadsides in Paicho, Cwero, Unyama and Gulu Main Market to welcome the Archbishop.
Some waved tree branches, while others sang and shouted greetings.
Others pleaded with him to bless them as he passed.
Kaziimba visits Gulu High School
At about 6:45 am, Kaziimba arrived at Gulu High School, where he was welcomed with the traditional Bwola dance of the Acholi people.
Established in 1940, Gulu High School has produced prominent Ugandans, including former president Apollo Milton Obote, former UN diplomat Olara Otunnu and renowned author Okot p'Bitek, among others.
Nagudi appealed to Kaziimba to support the construction of a chapel at the school, saying students currently use classrooms for fellowship and other spiritual activities.
Addressing the students, Kaziimba encouraged them to endure pressure and challenges if they want to enjoy success in the future.
He warned students against activities that could divert their attention from education, particularly sexual activity and drug abuse, saying such behaviour could prevent them from achieving their goals.
Kaziimba also encouraged students from humble backgrounds not to lose hope, sharing his own childhood experience.
He said he grew up in a family where his father had several wives and that his parents separated when he was only one year old.
Despite growing up without knowing the love and care of his father, Kaziimba said his circumstances did not prevent him from becoming Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
'Lead with integrity and humility'
Speaking to church leaders, Kaziimba reflected on his own journey in the Anglican Church, saying he rose through the ranks from catechist, deacon and lay reader to vicar, bishop and eventually archbishop.
He said his experience working in rural parishes in Wakiso had taught him important lessons about leadership and service.
He urged church leaders to lead with integrity, humility, faithfulness and a spirit of servant leadership.
"Be a servant and humble; humbleness is not self-degradation," he advised.
Kaziimba also warned church leaders against corruption, particularly the mismanagement of church funds.
He alleged that in some areas, people entrusted with collecting money for the Church declare less than the amount actually collected.
He said such practices discourage church members from contributing to the work of the Church.
Kaziimba warns against fighting over leadership
The Archbishop also cautioned members of the Anglican Church against fighting among themselves over leadership positions, saying such conflicts weaken the Church.
He said he had heard of people attempting to position themselves for episcopal positions, which he described as contrary to canonical commitments.
He added that not everyone is destined to become a bishop and urged Christians to remain content with their respective callings.
"Not everybody is born to become a bishop; I now hear they are everywhere."
Kaziimba stressed that leadership should not be viewed as a position of status but as an opportunity to serve people.
Retirement
Under the Church of Uganda's regulations, bishops retire at the mandatory retirement age of 65, although a bishop may serve a maximum of 10 years in office.
Kaziimba, who was born on August 15, 1962, was elected Archbishop of the Church of Uganda on August 28, 2019, by the House of Bishops.
He was installed as Archbishop on March 1, 2020, succeeding Archbishop Emeritus Stanley Ntagali.
Before becoming Archbishop, Kaziimba had served as Bishop of Mityana since 2009.
The Church of Uganda currently has 39 dioceses, while the Diocese of Northern Uganda has 10 archdeaconries and 44 parishes.
Acholi leaders commend Kaziimba
Catherine Lamwaka, chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group, apologised to Kaziimba and commended him for speaking out on issues affecting the socio-economic transformation of Ugandans.
Lamwaka called on the Church to support efforts to mobilise communities in Acholi to embrace the growing of perennial cash crops, including coffee and cocoa, as a way of improving household incomes and livelihoods.
Kaziimba was scheduled to lead a service at St Philip's Cathedral on Sunday, September 27, where Acholi political, religious and community leaders are gathering to bid him farewell as his tenure as Archbishop approaches its end.
Bishop Godfrey Luwum of the Diocese of Northern Uganda said he would always remember Kaziimba, particularly the day he ordained him as a bishop.
"He is an archbishop who is friendly to youth and children," Luwum said.
Juma Jamie Okot, chairman of Arsenal fans in Gulu city, said the supporters would present a gift to Kaziimba because he is an Arsenal fan.
Simon Peter Wokorach, the former MP for Aswa County, said Kaziimba had often used Arsenal as a reference point when teaching people about endurance and remaining resilient through different seasons.
After his pastoral visit in Acholi, Kaziimba is expected to cross to the West Nile sub-region.