Archbishop Kazimba prepares Church for retirement in 2027

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The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda, the Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has begun preparing the Church for his retirement scheduled for August 2027, urging Christians to remain steadfast in prayer, unity and love as the Church enters what he described as a critical transition period amid growing social tensions.

Archbishop Kaziimba made the call on February 1, 2026, while preaching at the closing service of his four-day pastoral farewell visit, held alongside the Diocese of Kigezi’s annual Brethren Conference at the Convention Centre in Rugarama, Kabale Municipality.

The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda, the Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, presiding over the sevice. (Courtesy)

The conference, which began on January 28, 2026, was held under the theme drawn from Ephesians 2:14: “Christ is our peace.”

In his sermon, the Archbishop emphasised that peace within the Church must be deliberately nurtured, warning that internal divisions weaken its spiritual mission and moral authority in society.

He called on Christians to grow in the love of Jesus Christ as the foundation for reconciliation and harmony within the body of Christ.

Beyond Church matters, Archbishop Kaziimba addressed the broader national context, particularly conduct following elections. He urged election winners to exercise restraint and responsibility, cautioning against actions or rhetoric that provoke those who lost.



He noted that political intolerance fuels division and undermines national unity, reminding those who feel defeated that they remain part of Uganda’s future and should not be marginalised.

Archbishop Kaziimba, who has led the Church of Uganda since 2020, is scheduled to retire in August 2027 in line with the Church’s Constitution, which sets the mandatory retirement age at 65.

His farewell visit to Kigezi Diocese marks a historic first and signals a structured and transparent leadership transition within the Anglican Church.

Reflecting on his tenure, the Archbishop highlighted initiatives such as Revival Radio and the “One Child” programme, describing them as practical expressions of the Church’s mission to integrate evangelism with social responsibility and community transformation.

The Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, Rt Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, commended Archbishop Kaziimba’s leadership, particularly his role in mobilising resources to clear debts and restore Church House to full Church ownership and governance, describing it as a milestone in financial accountability and institutional stability.

Meanwhile, the Church of Uganda communications officer, Sadiiki Adams, confirmed that Archbishop Kaziimba and six bishops will officially retire on August 14, 2027.

Among those due for retirement are Rt Rev. Dan Zoreka of Kinkiizi Diocese, Rt Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa of Ankole Diocese and Rt Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna of Kigezi Diocese.

Sadiiki said the Archbishop will continue farewell visits to dioceses across the country, while preparations to elect new delegates to the Provincial Assembly will begin in 2026. He called on Christians to pray for unity, wisdom and peace during the leadership renewal process.