Kaziimba decries divisions, preaches forgiveness in East Rwenzori farewell
Kaziimba challenged the congregation to emulate Jesus Christ, who, even in agony on the cross, interceded for his persecutors.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, said said the unity of the Church and the nation can only be sustained if Christians deliberately reject sectarian tendencies. (Photos by Hillary Abinsinguza)
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The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged Christians in East Rwenzori Diocese to reject all forms of division based on religion, political affiliation, race or gender and instead embrace love, forgiveness, empathy and humility.
Archbishop Kaziimba made the appeal on August 22, 2026, during a two-day farewell pastoral visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral, Kamwenge, where he presided over a thanksgiving service attended by hundreds of Christians from across Kamwenge and Kitagwenda districts.
The farewell tour, which precedes his mandatory retirement in 2027 upon reaching the age of 65, coincided with celebrations marking 17 years since the inception of East Rwenzori Diocese, which was carved out of the greater Rwenzori Diocese in 2009.
Forgive as Christ forgave
In his homily, drawn from the Gospel of forgiveness, the Archbishop decried what he described as a growing culture of vindictiveness and rancour among believers, noting that some Christians continue to harbour hatred and contemplate revenge against those who have wronged them.
He challenged the congregation to emulate Jesus Christ, who, even in agony on the cross, interceded for his persecutors.
"Some of you still harbour hatred, malice and a spirit of vengeance. But as Christians, we are called to forgive just as Christ forgave those who crucified Him. Without forgiveness, there can be no true reconciliation and no genuine growth of the Church," Kaziimba preached.
He said the unity of the Church and the nation can only be sustained if Christians deliberately reject sectarian tendencies and embrace all people regardless of their political persuasion or social status.
Sabotage of Church projects condemned
The Archbishop also cautioned individuals, including some leaders, who he said clandestinely undermine Church-initiated development projects for selfish interests.
He, however, commended the political and technical leadership of Kamwenge District for fostering a cordial and collaborative working relationship with the Church, a partnership he said has accelerated community transformation initiatives in education, health and livelihoods.
In a tribute, Archbishop Kaziimba described the Diocesan Bishop of East Rwenzori, Rt Rev George K. Turyasingura, as a humble, industrious, God-fearing and decisive shepherd whose stewardship has been instrumental in the growth of the 17-year-old diocese.
He said Bishop Turyasingura’s integrity and commitment to evangelism have strengthened the Church’s influence in a region that was once underserved.
In response, Bishop Turyasingura praised Archbishop Kaziimba for entrenching stability, humility and spiritual renewal within the Church of Uganda during his tenure, which began in March 2020. He credited him with championing self-reliance, household income improvement and the fight against moral decadence.
Journey continues to Kasese
The Archbishop was received on August 19, 2026, at Mpanga River, the ecclesiastical boundary between East Rwenzori and North West Ankole Diocese, by Bishop Turyasingura, Bishop Emeritus Edward Bamucwanira, clergy and hundreds of Christians before being escorted to Kamwenge.
Following his pastoral engagements in Kamwenge, Archbishop Kaziimba last evening proceeded to South Rwenzori Diocese in Kasese as part of his nationwide farewell tour, which will see him visit all 39 dioceses of the Church of Uganda before his retirement.
East Rwenzori Diocese currently comprises several archdeaconries spread across Kamwenge and Kitagwenda districts, with active departments of Mothers’ Union, Fathers’ Union and Youth.