By Sekaggya Seka Moses
The Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, Uganda Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, has embarked on farewell visits across the country as he prepares to retire on August 15, 2027.
The church’s communications officer, Sadiiki Adams, announced that Kazimba will step down after reaching the constitutional retirement age of 65.
Kazimba, the ninth archbishop since the Church of Uganda gained independence in 1961, was enthroned on March 1, 2020, at St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe in Kampala.
During his tenure, he has focused on peace building, unity, and community development, leaving a lasting impact on the church and the nation.
Recent farewell visits have taken him to Kigezi Diocese, where he opened the annual Kigezi Brethren Conference at Rugarama Convention Hill in Kabale Municipality.
The gathering, which attracts thousands of Christians, provided an opportunity for Kazimba to call for peace and reconciliation after the 2026 general elections.
He urged political leaders and citizens to forgive one another and work together for national stability, emphasizing the importance of unity in the post-election period.
“As we approach the elections, let us remember that our country needs peace and stability,” Kazimba said in his sermon. “Let us forgive one another and work together for the common good.”
During the visit, Kazimba launched the Diocese of Kigezi’s five-year strategic plan, themed “Holistically empowered and self-sustaining communities,” drawn from Ephesians 4:11-13.
He praised the diocesan bishop, Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna, for faithful stewardship and servant leadership, noting the diocese’s growth and commitment to community development.
In Rukungiri district, Kazimba was honored at a farewell service in Nyakagyeme Archdeaconry, where he laid the foundation stone for a new church building at St Paul’s Kasoroza Parish.
He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and thanked Security minister Jim Muhwezi Katugugu Muhwezi and Canon Suzan Muhwezi for their hospitality.
Muhwezi praised Kazimba for his spiritual leadership and commitment to the church, while North Kigezi bishop Onesmus Asiimwe said Kazimba’s leadership had strengthened unity within the Church of Uganda.
Kazimba’s retirement marks the end of a leadership line tracing back to 1961, when the Church of Uganda gained independence from foreign control. The previous archbishops include:
- The Most Rev. Leslie Brown, a British missionary who served from 1961 to 1966.
- The Most Rev. Erica Sabiti, the first African archbishop, who led from 1966 to 1974.
- The Most Rev. Janani Luwum, a Christian martyr who served from 1974 to 1977.
- The Most Rev. Silvanus Wani, who led from 1977 to 1983.
- The Most Rev. Yona Okoth, the longest-serving archbishop, who served from 1983 to 1995.
- The Most Rev. Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, who led from 1995 to 2004.
- The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, who served from 2004 to 2012.
- The Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali, who led from 2012 to 2020
The Church of Uganda, with 39 dioceses spread across the country, will begin selecting a new spiritual leader to guide millions of Anglican Christians.
The farewell visits are part of the preparations for Kazimba’s retirement, and the church is expected to announce the process for selecting a new archbishop in the coming months.
Kazimba’s leadership has been marked by efforts to promote peace, reconciliation, and community development.
His retirement will be a significant milestone in the history of the Church of Uganda, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the church’s leadership.
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