Museveni hails Bishop Luzinda for 42 years of church service

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President Museveni has hailed retired Bishop Elia Paul Luzinda Kizito for dedicating 42 years to serving the Church, describing his long ministry as a testimony to God's grace.

Museveni also congratulated the retired Bishop of Mukono on his 81st birthday and 15th wedding anniversary in a message delivered by Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba at St Paul's Cathedral Namirembe on September 17, 2026.

Museveni said Bishop Luzinda's ability to overcome challenges during his years of service demonstrated God's favour upon his life.

President Yoweri Museveni also congratulated the retired Bishop of Mukono on his 81st birthday and 15th wedding anniversary in a message delivered by Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba. (Courtesy photo)

“His promises for long life have come to pass in your life, and special abilities that are rare among common people, you have experienced during your tenure of service as a servant of God,” he said.

Luzinda was ordained in December 1984 and later became the third Bishop of Mukono, a position he held until his retirement in 2010.

Museveni said the milestone was an opportunity to recognise the bishop's contribution to the Church and the country, particularly his role in raising a God-fearing generation and serving communities beyond the pulpit.

He also commended the Church of Uganda for partnering with the Government in community mobilisation and wealth creation programmes, urging religious leaders to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving household incomes.

The thanksgiving service also featured the renewal of Bishop Luzinda and his wife, Florence Wanyana's marriage vows, led by Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.

Archbishop Kaziimba said thanksgiving gives people an opportunity to reflect on their blessings and acknowledge God's role in their lives.

He said Bishop Luzinda's journey had been marked by challenges, excitement and perseverance, and encouraged retired clergy to continue serving God and the Church in different capacities.

In a message from the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, delivered by Buganda Kingdom Parliament Speaker Owek Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, the kingdom thanked Florence Luzinda for standing by her husband throughout their 15 years of marriage.

President Yoweri Museveni also congratulated the retired Bishop of Mukono on his 81st birthday and 15th wedding anniversary in a message delivered by Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba. (Courtesy photo)

Mayiga said Bishop Luzinda's life should give hope to people facing difficult circumstances and encourage them not to lose hope when confronted with challenges.

Luzinda, meanwhile, asked Government to reconsider its approach to supporting older people, including increasing access to healthcare.

He said the sh25,000 given to elderly people should be complemented with medical insurance to help them access medicines.

“When they have medicine, they will live a healthy life. Let the Government look through it,” he said.

Luzinda also thanked God for sustaining him through 81 years of life, 16 years of retirement and 15 years of marriage.

The thanksgiving was attended by clergy, government officials, MPs and other dignitaries.

Who is Bishop Luzinda?

Rt Rev. Eria (Elia) Paul Luzinda Kizito is a retired Ugandan Anglican prelate who served as the third Bishop of Mukono Diocese in the Church of Uganda from 2002 until his retirement in 2010.

Luzinda succeeded Bishop Michael Ssenyimba in 2002 and led the diocese for eight years before retiring in September 2010, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.

He was succeeded by Bishop James William Ssebaggala.

During his tenure as bishop, Luzinda also played a role in nurturing church leadership.

In 2007, he appointed Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, who later became Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, as a Canon of St Philip and Andrew's Cathedral in Mukono.

Before his consecration as bishop, Luzinda served in various clerical capacities within the Anglican Church in Uganda.

His episcopal ministry marked the culmination of more than four decades of active service to the Church, during which he contributed to the spiritual and administrative work of the Anglican community.