KANUNGU — The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has successfully concluded his historic pastoral farewell visit to the Diocese of Kinkiizi. The high-profile visit, which wrapped up on June 29, 2026, was marked by spiritual renewal, strategic leadership transitions, and a resounding call for Christians to preserve unity, cultivate gratitude, and accelerate socio-economic transformation.
The multi-day pastoral tour brought together an impressive delegation of the clergy, lay leaders, senior government officials, and thousands of believers from across the diocese, all gathering to celebrate the Archbishop’s impactful tenure and reflect on the rapid growth of Kinkiizi Diocese.
A Vision for Household Transformation and Spiritual Maturity
Throughout his engagements, Archbishop Kaziimba expressed profound gratitude to God for the visible theological and infrastructural expansion within Kinkiizi Diocese. He highly commended the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka, alongside the clergy and Christian community, for their tireless efforts in driving the Church’s mission forward.
Central to the Archbishop’s charge was the critical intersection of evangelism and holistic community development. He lauded the strong partnership between the Church, local leadership, and the community, noting that Kinkiizi has become a model diocese in advancing:
- Holistic Evangelism: Deepening spiritual roots and anchoring families in Christian values.
- Quality Education: Strengthening church-founded institutions to secure the future of the next generation.
- Household Transformation: Actively combating poverty through sustainable socio-economic initiatives.
“The future of the Church relies heavily on our collective stewardship and unwavering faithfulness,” Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized. “I challenge you to completely reject division, embrace reconciliation, and work as a unified body. True transformation begins when the Church serves both the spiritual and practical needs of the people with integrity.”
Strategic Leadership: Induction of the New Head of Laity
A pivotal highlight of the pastoral visit was the official induction of the diocese’s new lay leadership. In a colorful and legally significant ceremony, Eng. Sam Kajojo was officially sworn in and inducted as the Head of Laity for Kinkiizi Diocese.
Archbishop Kaziimba charged Eng. Kajojo and the newly inducted team to execute their mandates selflessly. He reminded them that leadership in the Church is a call to servant stewardship, urging them to bridge the gap between the altar and the marketplace while robustly supporting the office of the Bishop.
High-Profile Send-off at Kihihi Airfield
The profound impact of the Archbishop’s visit was further mirrored by the high-caliber civic and political leaders who accompanied him throughout his stay and eventual departure.
On the morning of June 29th, a high-level delegation gathered at Kihihi Airfield to see off the prelate. The Archbishop was escorted by his host, the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka, alongside:
- Canon Frank Twine and Canon Christine Twine (Official Hosts)
- Rev. Andrew Agaba (Diocesan Director of Household and Community Transformation)
- Mr. Gad Rugaju (Kanungu District Deputy Resident District Commissioner)
Showing strong national and ecumenical solidarity, the Archbishop was joined on his flight back to Kampala by a distinguished entourage of national leaders, including:
- Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi (Former Prime Minister of Uganda)
- Hon. Henry Tumukunde (Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development)
- Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi (Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development)
A Lasting Impact
Both civic and church leaders took turns to pay glowing tributes to Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu, praising his Christ-centered leadership, his championing of the boy-child ministry, his fierce defense of biblical family values, and his strategic focus on institutional sustainability.
As the Diocese of Kinkiizi bids farewell to the Archbishop in his current capacity, the diocesan administration calls upon all Christians, parishes, and archdeaconries to carry forward the torch of unity, hard work, and faithful service.
The diocese remains deeply indebted to the Archbishop for his spiritual oversight and leaves this season spiritually re-ignited to build a stronger Church and a thoroughly transformed society.
Published by the Communications Department, Diocese of Kinkiizi.
