Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has urged Christians to embrace unity, teamwork, and patience, saying the values are key to building both the Church and wider society.
He made the appeal on Sunday during his farewell service at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Kyamate, in Ntungamo Municipality, marking his last official visit to South Ankole Diocese before retiring in August as the ninth Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
Preaching from Ephesians 4:13–16, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized that unity enables believers to combine their gifts, knowledge, and efforts toward shared goals and the advancement of God’s work.
“I want to warn Christians about anger; it destroys relationships and reputations. I call for calmness, forgiveness, and self-control in hard times,” Kaziimba said.
South Ankole Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe commended the archbishop for his spiritual leadership and discipline, noting his contribution to strengthening the Church’s mission. He encouraged Christians to embrace reconciliation and forgiveness and wished the archbishop a peaceful retirement, expressing hope that he will continue offering guidance to the Church.
Rev. Fr. John Baptist Tumusiime, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Ntungamo, praised the archbishop for fostering interfaith cooperation through the Inter-Religious Council, saying his leadership had promoted unity among religious communities.
“Kaziimba’s farewell reminds religious leaders to leave a legacy of unity, service, and togetherness,” Tumusiime said.
The service was attended by Ntungamo Chief Administrative Officer Kiza Fidelis, District Chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigoba Salongo, and Resident District Commissioner Miriam Mugisha Kagiga, among other leaders.
Local leaders credited Archbishop Kaziimba’s peace efforts, noting that his engagements with political and religious leaders contributed to maintaining peaceful elections in the district.
Archbishop Kaziimba was elected on August 28, 2019, succeeding Archbishop Stanley Ntagali, and was enthroned on March 1, 2020. He is currently undertaking a countrywide farewell tour across dioceses ahead of his retirement.
