religion 20 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Archbishop Kaziimba Rejects Calls to Emulate Martyr Janani Luwum, Prioritizes Family and Life
Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba has dismissed critics urging him to boldly confront state human rights abuses like martyred Archbishop Janani Luwum, emphasizing he has a family and life to live. He prefers a discreet, impactful approach over public confrontation that leads to death. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/i-m-not-your-saviour-i-ve-a-life-to-live-archbishop-kaziimba-tells-critics-5429734
Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu responded sharply to critics pressuring him to mirror the outspoken stance of Archbishop Janani Luwum against state abuses. During a sermon at St John’s Church, Makerere University, while installing Rev Can Micheal Mukhwana as archdeacon, he questioned the wisdom of seeking martyrdom.
“Some people say, ‘Why don’t you do like Janani Luwum? The man who was killed! Do you think I can make an impact by being killed? Don’t I have a family?” Kaziimba remarked, rejecting the idea that dying would solve problems.
The criticism stems from clergy silence amid post-election violence following President Museveni’s January 15 victory, including abductions, disappearances, and detentions of opposition supporters. Late Kalangala MP Helen Nakimuli had accused religious leaders of fearing to lose government favors, urging them to speak truth to power. She passed away on April 19, 2026, after surgery.
Kaziimba defended his method, favoring the subtle approach of prophet Nathan over John the Baptist’s fate. “I am not your savior… I do my part and leave it to God. Not everything is said publicly,” he stated, noting Nathan’s success in saving lives as in Psalms 51.
He advocated approaching power with love and obedience for real change, criticizing loud protests that achieve little. Social media users labeled his stance cowardly, but he highlighted past condemnations of violence.
The event marked St John’s Church as the new archdeaconry headquarters, with Kaziimba calling for road improvements to church sites for better access to spiritual support.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)