Don’t campaign for next Archbishop — Orombi warns Church of Uganda faithful
He added: “I’m giving you a prayer request. That if we pray, we’ll get a man of God. If we campaign, we’ll get a half-cooked product of the devil. So we better pray that God will raise a man to take over after our outgoing Archbishop, our dear brother Dr. Stephen Kaziimba,” said Orombi on Friday.
The former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Rt Rev Henry Luke Orombi, addressing graduates at Uganda Christian University Mukono Main Campus. (Credit: Eric Yiga)
MUKONO - The former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, has urged Ugandans to pray earnestly for the next Archbishop, asking God to fill him with the Holy Spirit and anoint him with power.
“The Church of Uganda will get the ninth Archbishop next year. Pray that the Lord chooses the one He loves and anoints him with power, because he will be like a dead person if he is not chosen through that process."
He added: “I’m giving you a prayer request. That if we pray, we’ll get a man of God. If we campaign, we’ll get a half-cooked product of the devil. So we better pray that God will raise a man to take over after our outgoing Archbishop, our dear brother Dr. Stephen Kaziimba,” said Orombi on Friday.
He was addressing a huge gathering at Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) 27th graduation ceremony held on the university’s main campus in Mukono.
Orombi’s remarks came as the university celebrated the achievements of 1,274 graduates, including two who earned Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees and 102 who attained first-class honours.
In a wide-ranging address filled with gratitude and spiritual counsel, Orombi, who was the Chief Guest, reflected warmly on his own connection to UCU, noting that his life and ministry were deeply intertwined with the institution when he studied there between 1975 and 1978.
“I believe Uganda Christian University is the most beautiful, cleanest, adorable, attractive university in Africa,” he declared. He praised the Vice-Chancellor and his team for their stewardship of the campus, citing Psalm 24:1 – “The earth and all that is in it belongs to the Lord” – and urged them to continue upholding excellence in both physical beauty and spiritual formation.
Some of the UCU staff who graduated. (Credit: Eric Yiga)
The former Archbishop particularly lauded the current Vice-Chancellor, a lay leader, for the remarkable growth witnessed in infrastructure, academic programs, research, and innovation during his tenure.
“You have proved trustworthy with what was given to you and the Lord is entrusting you with much more,” he said, referencing Luke 16:10.
Turning to the graduates, Orombi encouraged them to stand firm in their faith and to be builders rather than destroyers in society. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to parents and guardians for their sacrifices.
The Bishop of Lango and Chairperson of the University Council, the Rt Rev Prof Alfred Olwa, challenged the graduates to position themselves as solutions to Uganda’s challenges rather than part of the problems.
“Graduation is much more than the conferral of degrees and diplomas,” Bishop Olwa said. “It is a celebration of countless hours of study, sacrifice, resilience, and determination.”
The Chancellor of the University and current Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, advised the graduates to build their lives, careers, and families on the unchanging foundation of Christ.
“As you make use of Uganda Christian University today, I urge you to keep this print and represent the name of this institution that has made you who you are,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He reminded them that “a good name is more desirable than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1) and encouraged them to ensure their conduct adorns rather than tarnishes the university’s reputation.
Archbishop Kaziimba also received warm commendation from Orombi for his leadership of the Church of Uganda, particularly for leaving a debt-free provincial institution and completing the beautiful All Saints’ Cathedral in Kampala.
The university graduated 1,274 students in its first session of the 27th graduation ceremony.
A total of 1,274 students graduated, including 698 females, which is 55% of the total number of graduates.
The colourful ceremony was marked by celebration, thanksgiving, and a strong call for the new generation of UCU alumni to become agents of positive change in Uganda and beyond, anchored firmly in faith and integrity.