Kaziimba urges Madi-West Nile Christians to break reliance on foreign aid
“You may belong to National Unity Platform, Uganda People’s Congress UPC, the National Resistance Movement NRM and any other party; stop fighting each other. Embrace love, unity and peace for a better Uganda,” Kaziimba told the mass at Emmanuel Cathedral Church.
The Archbishop of the Province of Church of Uganda Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu greeting children after prayers in Emmanuel Cathedral. (Credit: Robert Ariaka)
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Most Rev. Dr Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged Christians in the Diocese of Madi-West Nile to work hard and support the development of the Church rather than continue relying on foreign donations and support.
Kaziimba made the call during his farewell visit to the Diocese of Madi-West Nile on October 4, 2026, ahead of his retirement next year.
He prayed over Emmanuel Cathedral Church, Mvara, and urged Christians, political leaders and civil leaders to unite and appreciate the grace of God, which he said grants people success in life and can lift a person from humble beginnings to a higher position.
Speaking about his childhood in a polygamous family, Kaziimba said he was raised and supported in education by people who were good to him. He said that after becoming successful through the grace of God, his family now associates with him.
On Sunday, Kaziimba commissioned Christ Church Ediofe and commended the development of the church, which he attributed to the support of Christians
“We cannot continue to depend on foreign aid; we must learn to sustain ourselves. If you are dependent, it makes you become a slave. Let us have different projects in the church and empower the clergy and the Bishop to manage their Diocese,” Archbishop Kaziimba said
He commended political leaders, security personnel, the media, children, the choir and a team of Arsenal fans who gifted him an Arsenal jersey bearing the name Archbishop on the back.
“We are here to support each other, not to compete with each other; we are here to complement each other. There are some church leaders who come to office and delete what others did before them. I want to appreciate Bishop Rt Rev. Dr Charles Collins Andaku for ensuring continuity after taking over from retired Bishop Rt Rev. Joel Obetia.
He wondered why politicians, after winning elections, return to buy alcohol for voters as a way of thanking them for their victory, while others turn to witchcraft, forgetting that their victory was a result of the grace of God.
“Many politicians have not come to church to thank God for their victory, but instead they buy alcohol, visit witchdoctors to thank them for winning elections,” the archbishop said.
He warned politicians and other Christians against seeking help from witchcraft, reminding them that God is the giver of everything for those who believe and work hard
Kaziimba also highlighted the strategic location of Arua city and the 12 West Nile districts along the borders with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which he said presents opportunities for economic growth.
He challenged the people of West Nile to use the grace of God, work hard and produce enough food to overcome poverty and promote economic growth.
The Archbishop of the Province of Church of Uganda Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu with Bishop Tr. Rev. Charles Collins Andaku. (Credit: Robert Ariaka)
“You may belong to National Unity Platform, Uganda People’s Congress UPC, the National Resistance Movement NRM and any other party; stop fighting each other. Embrace love, unity and peace for a better Uganda,” Kaziimba told the mass at Emmanuel Cathedral Church.
Later, Kaziimba addressed the media and called for unity among church leaders, urging them to work together to develop the Church rather than tear it apart.
He commended Bishop Andaku for championing development in the Diocese of Madi-West Nile and ensuring that the clergy and Christians appreciate the value of their contributions.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Madi-West Nile, who welcomed the Archbishop, expressed joy, love, humility and gratitude on behalf of the Christians of the diocese.
"Your Grace, we gather here to express our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty God for keeping you safe from the day you were enthroned as the 9th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda on March 1, 2020, during the most difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Your commitment and resilience have made you arrive safely to bid farewell to the people of West Nile. We can ably say Ebenezer, thus far the Lord has brought us. To God be the glory,” Bishop Andaku said.
Bishop Andaku said he had enjoyed working with Kaziimba, whose leadership and care had helped move the Diocese to another level of development
The diocese has remained committed to the Archbishop's leadership, including paying 100% of the quota system money to the Province with zero balance and supporting Uganda Christian University Sundays, which have promoted tree planting and growing as part of efforts to fight climate change.
The Diocese of Madi-West Nile, which was carved from Northern Uganda in 1969 with three archdeaconries, has grown to 685 churches, 155 parishes, 12 archdeaconries and a cathedral deanery.
It covers 12 local governments and one city and has a multilingual community speaking different languages.
Bishop Andaku also commended Kaziimba for promoting children's church services, fighting gender-based violence, and promoting responsible procreation and positive parenting.
Christians from across the Diocese of Madi-West Nile offered gifts and prayers to the Archbishop ahead of his retirement next year, when he is expected to reach the mandatory retirement age of 65.