Kaziimba commissions Mityana church, urges focus on youth spirituality

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The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda has commissioned All Saints Kitokolo Church of Uganda, urging Christians to prioritise the spiritual nurturing of children from an early age to secure the future of the church.

Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu warned that constructing physical churches without investing in a spiritually grounded younger generation risks weakening the institution’s long-term stability. He emphasised that well-nurtured youth are central to advancing the church’s mission.

Kaziimba made the remarks while presiding over the commissioning and dedication of All Saints Kitokolo Church of Uganda in Kyamusisi parish, Namutamba archdeaconry, within Mityana diocese.

He also cautioned Christians against shifting matrimonial wedding services and other sacred functions from churches to beaches and entertainment venues, warning that such trends undermine the sanctity of these ceremonies.

Kaziimba urged clergy to remain steadfast in upholding church traditions and to avoid any deviation from established doctrine.

However, he also reminded fellow clergy of the need to prepare for retirement while still in active service, noting that he is due to retire in August next year.

He said once clergy retire, many people, including those they served spiritually, tend to distance themselves, leaving them isolated.

"Once a clergyman retires, the majority of the people, including Christians he was spiritually serving, start disassociating with you, and you remain in isolation most of the time," said Kaziimba.

“A clergyman who has been receiving phone calls on different issues throughout the day and night may fail to get a single call in the whole day. One can be forced to think that his phone has encountered technical faults for not receiving calls when all people have diverted their minds to the new office bearer,” said Kaziimba.

Kaziimba will retire on August 15, 2027, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65 for bishops and clergy in the Anglican Church of Uganda. He is currently undertaking farewell engagements.

Construction of the church was commissioned by Kaziimba in 2020 when he was still Bishop of Mityana Diocese. The project was supported by Hope for the Needy Uganda with funding from Geimende Church in Burgaltendorf and the wider Essen Church in Germany, among other partners.

Dr Kaziimba also warned against land grabbing, including church land, urging those involved to reflect on their actions and turn to God.

The Rt Rev. Dr James Bukomeko, Bishop of Mityana Diocese, commended Zack Kalega, a founder member of Hope for the Needy Uganda, for donating land for the church, Kizibawo Primary and Secondary School, Kizibawo Technical Institute, a health centre and other community projects aimed at improving livelihoods in the area.

Prof. Sarah Kiguli, chairperson of the Hope for the Needy Uganda board, acknowledged the Kalega family for donating three acres of land for the church to support holistic development in the community.

All Saints Church Kitokolo church of Uganda in Mityana Diocese

She said the project was implemented through partnerships that mobilised funds for the construction of All Saints Kitokolo Church of Uganda between 2020 and 2026, guided by a vision of a transformed and empowered community for self-sustenance.

“I am certain that what is in this place is what the founder member Zack Kalega desired and loved as always, as witnessed in his commitment to HONU activities while he was strong,” said Kiguli.

“Again, I am sure that the visible achievements are a joy to the family and us all, contributing to development in the nation,” said Prof. Kiguli.

She expressed gratitude to Geimende Church in Burgaltendorf and the Essen Church for their financial support and for sending a delegation to attend the dedication service.

She also thanked elders, Christians and pastor Emmanuel, as well as the late Pastor Brook and his family, for their continued support and friendship with Kalega.