Muzeeyi vows to give UJCC stronger voice on national issues
“On matters of governance, peace, social justice, and the well-being of our people, UJCC must be heard clearly and consistently. I will work with my co-chairs to ensure our Council speaks with the moral authority this nation has always looked to us to provide,” Muzeeyi said.
Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi takes the oath of his office. Looking on is the UJCC Legal Adviser, Counsel Fredrick Ssemwanga. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)
KAMPALA - The new chairman of the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC), Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, has pledged to strengthen the organisation's voice on governance, peace, social justice and the wellbeing of Ugandans.
Muzeeyi said he would work with the leaders of the three Churches that make up UJCC to ensure the organisation speaks consistently and with the moral authority expected of it.
“On matters of governance, peace, social justice, and the wellbeing of our people, UJCC must be heard clearly and consistently. I will work with my co-chairs to ensure our Council speaks with the moral authority this nation has always looked to us to provide,” he said.
“This will require the full partnership of our three Churches, the continued dedication of our Secretariat staff, and, above all, the Grace of God.”
Muzeeyi, the Archbishop of the Uganda Orthodox Church and Metropolitan of Kampala and all Uganda, was inaugurated as chairman of UJCC for a three-year term during an extraordinary meeting of the members of the Board of Trustees at the organisation's head office in Gogonya zone, Nsambya, Makindye division, on August 26, 2026.
UJCC is an ecumenical organisation that brings together and fosters solidarity among the mainstream Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Churches.
Muzeeyi said strengthening the organisation's national influence would go hand in hand with deepening its ecumenical witness and preserving the unity of the three Christian traditions.
He said he intended to build on the foundation laid by previous leaders while transforming the organisation to meet the demands of the present generation.
“I receive the responsibility with a deep sense of humility and gratitude to you, my brothers, for the trust you have placed in me. I do not take this seat as an honour to be enjoyed, but as a labour to be carried,” he said.
“UJCC was founded so that our three main traditions, namely Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox, might speak with one voice to the nation on matters of faith, justice, and the common good. That founding vision is now, in this generation, entrusted to my hands as chairman.
(L-R) UJCC Legal Advisor Counsel Fredrick Ssemwanga, Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu and Fr. Daniel Musiitwa sharing a photo moment after the extra-ordinary meeting in which Muzeeyi was elected and inaugrated as the new Chairman of UJCC. The function took place at the organisation's Secretariat at Nsambya, in Makindye Division on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)
“I accept it in the same spirit in which it has always been held as a shared trust among equals, never the possession of any one Church,” he added.
Muzeeyi said achieving that vision would also require changes within the organisation, including stronger resource mobilisation and financial sustainability and a review of its governance and leadership structures.
“We must move deliberately toward a diversified and more predictable funding base, engaging our member Churches, government, development partners, and friends of ecumenicism at home and abroad, so that UJCC’s work no longer depends on the goodwill of a few.”
“We must review UJCC’s governance and operational structures so that this Council is organised for effective and efficient delivery of her mandate, not merely arranged to survive from one financial year to the next.”
“Your Lordship Bishop Zziwa, the fact that UJCC still stands today, still convenes and still speaks, is owed to your patience, your wisdom, and your personal sacrifice. I thank you.”
“You have not merely held an office; you have held this organisation together. We will build on the foundation you leave us,” he said.
Bishop Zziwa, who is the chairman of the Catholic Bishops of Uganda and the reigning Prelate of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana, said Muzeeyi's election was in line with the organisation's constitution, which mandates the election of a new chairman every four years on a rotational basis.
He said members of the Board had unanimously endorsed Muzeeyi and were hopeful that he would deliver on his new mandate.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, said he was confident in Muzeeyi's goodwill and zeal to steer UJCC to greater heights.
The inauguration was witnessed by Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu, a co-chair, UJCC legal counsel Fredrick Ssemwanga and the organisation's in-charge of finance and administration, Fr. Dr Daniel Musiitwa.
During the same function, the newly appointed Executive Secretary of UJCC, the Rev. Canon Justus Miwanda of the Anglican Church, was also announced in absentia.
Muzeeyi also thanked Musiitwa, who had been serving as acting executive secretary and in-charge of finance and administration, Ssemwanga and other members of staff for their contribution and commitment to the organisation.