The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has raised alarm over the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling for immediate support for refugees streaming into Uganda.
Delivering his 2025 Easter message themed “Jesus’ Resurrection, Our Hope for Eternity,” Archbishop Kaziimba appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance, particularly for women and children, in the form of food, shelter, hygiene kits, and medical supplies.
The Archbishop’s message, anchored on biblical passages from 1 Corinthians 15:12–58 and Matthew 28:1–15, touched on a wide range of pressing national and regional issues, blending spiritual reflection with strong social advocacy.
“The influx of refugees from the DRC is a crisis that demands not only our prayers but our tangible support. We must act with urgency to preserve the dignity and lives of the most vulnerable,” Kaziimba stated.
In a strong condemnation of what he termed a “moral crisis,” the Archbishop decried the rising levels of corruption across Uganda’s public and private sectors.
He urged leaders and citizens alike to embrace repentance and take decisive action to restore integrity and accountability.
He also praised the Church’s environmental efforts, particularly the recent Environment Month, lauding dioceses that actively participated.
“Caring for creation is a divine mandate. I commend those dioceses that took part and urge all others to follow suit,” he said.
On internal Church developments, Kaziimba announced the launch of the Church of Uganda Strategic Planning Framework 2026–2030, which he said will guide diocesan and institutional growth across the province.
Health also featured prominently in his Easter message. The Archbishop applauded Save the Mothers for two decades of work improving maternal and child health in Uganda.
He used the moment to push for greater investment in the health sector and called for the fast-tracking of a National Health Insurance Scheme.
Reaffirming the Church’s commitment to health service delivery, Kaziimba emphasised the need for sustainable management and capable leadership in Church-founded health facilities.
He further encouraged all clergy and congregants to join the Provincial KIDO Health Insurance Scheme.
In a warning about the rise in drug and substance abuse among young people, Kaziimba urged families, churches, and communities to work together to restore moral values and expand rehabilitation efforts.
“This is not just a youth problem; it is a societal challenge we must confront together,” he said.