When Kaziimba’s faith met music
On October 26, 2008, Kaziimba was consecrated as the 4th Bishop of Mityana Diocese, succeeding Bishop Dr. Dunstan Kopriano Bukenya. Later, on August 28, 2019, he was elected the Archbishop of Church of Uganda.
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu (left) and Retired Bishop George Ssenabulya challenged the choirs in vocals last year. (Credit: Ronnie Kijambu)
By Paul Kiwuuwa
Journalists @New Vision
The Cherubim Chamber Chorale, winners of the National Martyrs Choir singing competition (Catholics) receiving their prizes from Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu last year. (All Photos by Ronnie Kijambu) A choir member, Ssemakula Yonasani explains at All Sants Madudu Church of Uganda in Mukono Diocese, Buikwe district. Second Runner-up Anglican-Rwenzori Diocese Kampala Fellowship Choir.
KAMPALA - At the Kampala Serena Conference Centre, the harmonious voices of Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Mugalu Kaziimba and retired Bishop George Sinabulya captivated the audience during the inaugural National Martyrs Choral Festival last year.
Their duet performance showcased their remarkable musical talent. But where did Kaziimba’s musical journey begin? It all began at All Saints Church, Madudu in Mukono District.
According to Yonasani Gwayambadde, a choir member at All Saints Church, Madudu, Kaziimba's passion for singing was evident from the start.
"He had a passion for singing," Gwayambadde recalls. "In the 1980s, we'd go carol singing at night, often playing hide and seek to avoid Muzeeyi Eriazari, who considered it loitering. One night, we even encountered a leopard, and Kazimba took off, scattering us all!"
It was in this choir that Kaziimba met his wife, Margaret, with whom he shared a love for music – he sang bass, while she sang soprano. His talent caught the attention of church elder Washington, who singled him out for training as a Lay Reader.
Fast forward to this Saturday, Vision Group and partners Equity Bank, Pepsi, Uganda Revenue Authority, Parliament, PPDA and Centenary Bank are holding the second National Martyrs’ Choral Festival under the theme Triumph over Adversity. The best six choirs are participating in the finals at Kampala Serena Conference Centre and eyeing a pool prize of sh36m.
The National Martyrs Choral Festival 2025 is a celebration of the Uganda Martyrs through music, dance, and drama. The festival aims to promote unity, understanding, and Christian values among different denominations. Entrance fee is sh50,000, and a table for eight goes for sh2m.
Kaziimba’s career path
In 1985, Kaziimba trained as a Lay Reader at Baskerville Theological College Ngogwe and was posted to Lugazi St. Peter’s Church. He later trained at Uganda Martyrs’ Seminary, obtaining a Provincial Certificate, and was ordained a priest in December 1990 by Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo.
His ministerial journey took him to various parishes, including St Apollo Kivebulaya Parish, Nakibizzi, and Mukono Cathedral, where he served as Vicar and later Acting Provost. His musical talents and spiritual calling have been intertwined throughout his career.
On October 26, 2008, Kaziimba was consecrated as the 4th Bishop of Mityana Diocese, succeeding Bishop Dr. Dunstan Kopriano Bukenya. Later, on August 28, 2019, he was elected the Archbishop of Church of Uganda.