Nebbi Diocese Forms Committee for Archbishop Kazimba Mugalu's Grand Farewell Ceremony

Posté 2026-06-26 16:45:23 · 1KB Vue

By Mike Rwothomio and Lee Ofoymungu

The Nebbi Anglican Diocese has instituted a strong and highly respected committee to steer the forthcoming farewell pastoral visit of His Grace Dr. Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, the outgoing Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Uganda.

For the past seven years, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has faithfully shepherded the Province of the Church of Uganda, comprising 13.3 million souls , approximately 29 percent of Uganda’s total population, making it the second-largest Christian denomination in the country after the Roman Catholic Church.

The Archbishop, who first visited the Nebbi Diocese in 2023 for a pastoral engagement, is currently bidding farewell to the faithful across the 39 dioceses of the Province.

He is scheduled to grace the Nebbi Diocese for his farewell visit on 2nd and 3rd October 2026.

Speaking during the committee inauguration at Goli Women Vocational Training Centre on Friday, June 26th, the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Pons Ozelle Awinjo, commended the members for their prompt response and fervent support on this maiden gathering.

Bishop Awinjo confirmed that the Primate will arrive on October 2nd, with proceedings commencing with a welcome dinner, followed by full-day activities on October 3rd.

He also announced another coordination meeting on the 10th of next month, urging all committee members to turn up in large numbers as preparations for this historic farewell intensify.

Committee Leadership

The Diocese has elected the following to lead the Central Organising Committee:

Chairpersons: Mr. Emmanuel Orombi and Rev. John Okurboth

Deputy Chairpersons: Venerable Francis Oyirwoth and Canon Jesca Ongiertho

Secretary: Rev. Bright Openjmungu (deputised by Scovia Adokwun)

Treasurer: Mr. Benson Ojuk

Publicity Secretary: Mr. Elly Aswa

Sub-committee coordinators were also appointed to mobilise the faithful across the Greater Nebbi Sub-region region:

Zombo Sub-committee: Santos Openja Pitic

Nebbi Sub-committee: Jalacida Collins

Pakwach Sub-committee: Olama Felix

Civil Society Organisations will be coordinated by Kakura Emmy Kizito, while politicians will be led by KG Adubango.

Business community coordinators include: Odong Agrey and Ovoya Michael (Zombo), Kinobe Paul (Pakwach), and Rachid Kawawa (Nebbi).

Addressing the newly constituted committee, Mr. Emmanuel Orombi, Chairperson of the Central Organising Committee, called upon members to mobilise the faithful for a massive turnout and to rally material support for the grand occasion.

“We need to mobilise people to come and receive him. Let us mobilise for support since we still have enough time,” Orombi said.

He urged all members to attend subsequent meetings faithfully so that the Diocese may give the Archbishop a farewell befitting his apostolic service.

Committee members demonstrated their commitment by making cash contributions and pledges to lay a solid foundation for the historic event.

About the Archbishop

The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu is the ninth Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala.

Guided by the Holy Spirit through secret ballot, the House of Bishops elected him on 28 August 2019 with a strong majority. He was enthroned and installed on 1 March 2020 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, succeeding the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali.

Prior to his elevation, he served as Bishop of Mityana Diocese from 2009 to 2020. His tenure as Primate began amid the uncertainties of the early COVID-19 pandemic.

For over six years, he has provided spiritual leadership and shepherded the Province with diligence.

In accordance with the Constitution of the Church of Uganda, he will retire upon attaining the canonical age of 65 in August 2027.

Since early this year, the Archbishop has been undertaking farewell pastoral visits to various dioceses, including Kigezi, North Kigezi, Ankole, North West Ankole, Ibanda, Bugisu/North Mbale, and others.

In these visits, he has preached messages of peace, unity, reconciliation, forgiveness, environmental stewardship, and faithful discipleship, preparing the flock for a smooth, Spirit-led transition.

His legacy includes the establishment and strengthening of COU Family TV, promotion of diocesan self-sustainability projects, advocacy for human rights, interfaith dialogue (as former Chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda), peacebuilding, and moral witness in national affairs.

Successor Selection Process

The Church of Uganda follows a prayerful and constitutional process for electing the next Primate. The House of Bishops will convene to nominate and elect the tenth Archbishop through secret ballot, requiring a strong majority.

Preparations, including the election of new delegates to the Provincial Assembly, are already underway in 2026 ahead of the 2027 transition. This ensures a transparent, Spirit-guided handover of apostolic leadership.

Members during the committee inauguration.