Kaziimba urges Acholi to learn from the past, build for the future
“Don't allow the past to block you; God had the plan for you,” Kaziimba said.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu (center) has urged the Acholi to reject a mindset shaped by past rejection and suffering. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)
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The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged people in the Acholi sub-region to move beyond the painful experiences of past insurgencies and use their history as a reference point rather than allowing it to define their present and future.
Kaziimba made the remarks on September 27, 2026, while preaching at St Philip's Cathedral during his pastoral visit to the Diocese of Northern Uganda, which covers Omoro, Gulu, Gulu city, Amuru and Nwoya districts.
Drawing from St Paul's letter to the Philippians 3:13, the Archbishop encouraged Christians not to allow their past experiences to prevent them from pursuing a better future.
“Don't allow the past to block you; God had the plan for you,” Kaziimba said.
He added, "Don't make your history become your residence; history should be your reference.”
“History is your place of leaving but not your place of living,” he said.
Kaziimba urged the Acholi to reject a mindset shaped by past rejection and suffering, saying acknowledging the past should not mean remaining trapped in it.
“We must move forward from the mindset of rejection. Don't be stuck; you are greater than the past. Acknowledge the past, but don't dwell in it. Release the past and embrace the present to pave the way for a brighter future,” he said.
The Acholi sub-region was at the centre of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency for more than two decades, a conflict that disrupted livelihoods and affected the social fabric of communities.
Thousands of people were displaced into internally displaced persons' camps, where prolonged displacement contributed to dependence on humanitarian assistance.
Kaziimba announces retirement date
Kaziimba also announced that he will hand over the leadership of the Church of Uganda on August 15, 2027, at exactly 10 am during a ceremony at Namirembe Cathedral.
He said retirement would not mark the end of his ministry.
“I am not expired, I am not tired, but retired,” Kaziimba said.
“I will be preaching and writing,” he said.
Kaziimba also revealed that he is working on his third book, which will document his journey from serving in the choir to becoming Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
He said he would continue empowering young people through sport evangelism and business evangelism.
The Archbishop also asked Christians to forgive him for anything he may have done wrong during his time in office.
Archbishop calls for support for church choirs
Kaziimba urged churches to begin setting aside funds for choirs, saying they are often overlooked despite their important role in worship and ministry.
He also appealed to Christians in the Diocese of Northern Uganda to support the construction of a new cathedral, but warned that the old building must not be demolished and should remain as part of the area's history.
Under the Church of Uganda's retirement arrangements, bishops retire at 65, while the Archbishop of the Church of England may serve until the age of 70.
Kaziimba, who was born on August 15, 1962, was enthroned as Archbishop on March 1, 2020, after being elected on August 28, 2019, to succeed Archbishop Stanley Ntagali.
Before becoming Archbishop, Kaziimba served as Bishop of Mityana Diocese from 2009.
He is expected to complete about seven and a half years as Archbishop before handing over office.
The Church of Uganda currently has 39 dioceses across the country.
Emeritus bishop: Retirement is not the end of service
Bishop Emeritus Nelson Onono Onweng of the Diocese of Northern Uganda said retirement is mandated by the Church and should not be interpreted as the end of one's service to the community.
"My brother, the world is sending you home; go and provide leadership," Onono told Kaziimba.
“I am now serving people well compared to the time I was a serving bishop; I am offering leadership. There are issues they don't take to Bishop Lowum; I am the one handling them,” Onono said.
He also disclosed that, despite his retirement, he continues to support efforts to address issues affecting the Acholi community and is assisting in leading a delegation to meet President Yoweri Museveni over a matter affecting the region.
Leaders call for unity, development
Gulu LC5 chairman Justin Obol called for unity among the people of Acholi, regardless of political affiliation.
Obol commended the Church for promoting peace, love and unity among communities.
Richard Todwong, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general and guest of honour at the event, called on the Church to strengthen its efforts to fight poverty.
Todwong said the Church, Government and cultural institutions have a symbiotic relationship, with each having a role to play in shaping citizens through spirituality, material development, culture and governance.
He urged the institutions to work together to improve the welfare of communities.
Todwong also encouraged the Church to continue mobilising communities to embrace and support Government programmes and policies, including immunisation, education and livelihood initiatives.
Kaziimba heads to West Nile
Kaziimba's pastoral visit to Acholi is part of his wider farewell visits to dioceses ahead of his retirement.
After completing his visit to Acholi, he is expected to travel to the West Nile region, where he will meet Christians as part of his farewell engagements.
During his time in Acholi, Kaziimba thanked Christians for the hospitality, generosity and spiritual support they had extended to him.
He urged them to continue promoting peace and to stand up for peace wherever they live.
“Promote peace and fight for peace everywhere,” he urged.