The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, has strongly condemned the growing vice of land grabbing in the country, warning that the practice is depriving both individuals and religious institutions of their rightful property.
Speaking during a ceremony in Kitokolo village, Bukuya Sub-county in Kassanda District, the Archbishop expressed concern over what he described as increasing greed and lawlessness among land grabbers.
“It is unfortunate that some people have made it a habit to grab land belonging to others, including the Church. This shows a lack of shame and integrity,” he said.
The Archbishop made the remarks while officiating at the laying of a foundation stone for All Saints Kitokolo Church of Uganda, a place of worship constructed with support from partners in Germany under Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Jesus-lebt Essen-Burgaltendorf. He urged Christians to make proper use of the church and uphold its values.
Upon arrival, Archbishop Kazimba was received by the Bishop of Mityana Diocese, James Bukomeko, alongside clergy and other church leaders. Before the church event, he visited Hope for Needy Kitokolo, a home supporting vulnerable children, where he planted a tree as a symbol of environmental conservation.
The church, which had been in use for five years without formal commissioning, was officially opened during the same function, presided over by Bishop Bukomeko, before the Archbishop laid the foundation stone.
Archbishop Kazimba also used the occasion to address social concerns, particularly the rising levels of alcohol abuse and loss of direction among some members of society.
“Many people have lost hope and turned to drinking, some even collapsing on the streets. I urge them to repent and return to Christ,” he said.
Bishop Bukomeko called on parents to take greater responsibility in raising their children, noting worrying behavioural trends among young people.
“Parents must take an active role in shaping the behaviour of their children. We are seeing worrying trends among the youth,” he said.
The event attracted leaders from government, the Buganda Kingdom, clergy, and members of the local community. German partners, including Jurgen Porkong and Gaby Porkong, who supported the construction of the church, said their involvement was inspired by the poor condition of existing churches in the area.
“We wanted to support the strengthening of faith by helping build a better place of worship for the community,” they said.
Residents and attendees expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for visiting the area and supporting the growth of the church, describing the event as a milestone for the local Christian community.
