By Mike Rwothomio

The outgoing Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, on Saturday called on believers in Nebbi Anglican Diocese to reject corruption, greed, and witchcraft, and instead prioritise sharing, unity, and stewardship.

Delivering his farewell homily at the Nebbi Women’s Vocational Training Center grounds at the diocese headquarters in Goli on 3 October, Archbishop Kaziimba urged the congregation to submit themselves to Jesus Christ.

“There is no need for corruption, no need for stealing, no need of witchcraft. We need to submit ourselves to Jesus and God will help us,” he said. He further called on the faithful to reject division, embrace forgiveness and unity, practise stewardship, support Church institutions, and avoid materialism.

“The people of Nebbi, we need to be united, and this unity comes when we know Jesus. We can work together, we can fight together,” the Archbishop added.

Hundreds of Christians from across the diocese attended the service. Several people responded to an altar call, and the Archbishop prayed for them.

Anglican hymns featured prominently, with gospel artist Herbert Shine leading the choir. A performance by the Dei Church Choir in black and white attire, accompanied by a live band, drew many worshippers to their feet in dance.

Angel Nyamutoru, a student at Uringi Secondary School, praised the Archbishop’s message against greed and selfishness. Bosco Rwothomio from Alala Archdeaconry described the visit as a significant blessing to the diocese.

Archbishop Kaziimba’s West Nile farewell tour began in Nebbi. He was received on Friday at Pakwach Bridge by Nebbi Diocese Bishop the Rt. Rev. Pons Awinjo Ozelle, political and civic leaders including Jonam County MP Hon. Marshall Alenyo and Pakwach District Woman MP Hon.

Jane Pacuto Avur, the Pakwach Resident District Commissioner, clergy, and Christians. He later addressed a large congregation at Uganda College of Commerce, Pakwach.

The Archbishop is scheduled to bid farewell to Christians of Madi-West Nile Diocese at Emmanuel Cathedral, Mvara, in Arua City. He was also received at the border of Madi-Okollo and Nebbi districts by Madi-West Nile Diocese Bishop the Rt. Rev. Charles Collins Andaku and Maama Jane Andaku, together with leaders and believers.

The visit forms part of Archbishop Kaziimba’s nationwide farewell pastoral tour of the Church of Uganda’s 39 dioceses ahead of his mandatory retirement on 15 August 2027, when he reaches the age of 65.

He has already completed visits to dioceses including Kigezi, North Kigezi, Mbale, North Mbale, North West Ankole, Ankole, Muhabura, Kinkiizi, South Ankole, East Ruwenzori, Ruwenzori, West Ruwenzori, South Rwenzori, and Lango.

Born on 15 August 1962 in Gulama-Najja Village, Kyaggwe County , now Buikwe District, to Jessica Nanyonjo and Besweri Kaddu, Kaziimba was ordained in 1990, consecrated Bishop of Mityana in 2008, and elected the ninth Archbishop of the Church of Uganda in 2019.

He was enthroned on 1 March 2020 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, succeeding the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali, and has concurrently served as Bishop of Kampala. 

Under his leadership, the Church of Uganda navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with initiatives such as the Online Church of Uganda, cleared the multi-billion-shilling debt on Janani Luwum Church House through the Love Gift Campaign, promoted household transformation and self-reliance programmes, supported environmental efforts including tree planting, and strengthened evangelism and biblical doctrine.

Kazimba prays for believers

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub for African news trends and updates