By Victor Turinawe.
The House of Laity of the Provincial Assembly of the Church of Uganda (CoU) has passed a resolution to honour the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the Anglican Church during his tenure.
The resolution to honour him was adopted on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during the morning session of the second day of the 28th Provincial Assembly, at Nkoyoyo Hall, Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono Campus, being held under the theme “Anchored in Christ for Unity, Stability and Peace” (Ephesians 2:14–17).
However the form of honour was not disclosed during the session as it requires further planning on what to give him since it will require consulting Christians who were not physically present in the Provincial Assembly sessions. It started on Tuesday August 4, 2026 with the arrival of Bishops and it will conclude on Friday August 7, 2026.
The motion was moved by Canon Patrick Kibeya of Luwero Diocese, who noted that Archbishop Kaziimba’s leadership has significantly strengthened the Church and advanced its mission. Canon Kibeya, who is also due to retire in 2027, praised the Archbishop’s commitment to the spiritual and institutional growth of the Church of Uganda.
The motion was seconded by Aggrey Ayebazibwe, the Youth Representative for North Kigezi Diocese, who joined members of the House in recognising the Archbishop’s dedicated service.
Contributing to the debate, Winnie Babihuga, the Women Representative for North Kigezi Diocese, commended Archbishop Kaziimba for his steadfast and courageous leadership, describing his tenure as one that came at a crucial moment for the Church.
“I thank him for enabling our Diocese to navigate the turbulent process of getting a new Bishop. He never wavered in his leadership,” Babihuga said.
Canon John Tereraho also thanked Archbishop Kaziimba’s achievements, noting that he played a pivotal role in steering the Church of Uganda through the COVID-19 pandemic. She said he also spearheaded the renovation of the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Shrine, established the Retired Bishops’ Fellowship, and enhanced the Church of Uganda’s visibility within the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a movement committed to preserving and promoting traditional biblical teachings across the global Anglican Communion.
Canon Tereraho also noted that when Archbishop Kaziimba assumed office, the Church of Uganda was burdened with a construction debt of UGX 62 billion owed to Equity Bank for the construction of Janani Luwum Church House in Kampala. Through a series of successful fundraising campaigns conducted over the following four years, the Archbishop led efforts that resulted in the full clearance of the multi-billion-shilling debt by June 2024.
Babihuga added that the Archbishop had led the Church faithfully, ensuring that it remained firmly anchored in the Gospel, guided by truth, and committed to its Christian mission.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Kaziimba presented to the 28th Provincial Assembly the list of seven bishops who are scheduled to retire in 2027.
They include Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, who also serves as Bishop of Kampala Diocese; Rt Rev Dan Zoreka (Kinkiizi Diocese), Rt Rev Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa (Ankole Diocese), Rt Rev Patrick Wakula (Central Busoga Diocese), Rt Rev John Wilson Nandaah (Mbale Diocese), Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna (Kigezi Diocese), and Rt Rev Amos Magezi (North West Ankole Diocese).
