Speaker Oboth Commends Archbishop Kaziimba's Integrity

Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth recently paid tribute to the outgoing Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, highlighting his unwavering stance on integrity and accountability.

During a farewell service held at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Tororo, Speaker Oboth noted that Archbishop Kaziimba’s voice on matters of character and public accountability extended beyond religious sermons, influencing public leadership. “Your firm moral voice has given us confidence to do what is right, even when it is difficult,” Oboth stated, emphasizing that leadership is a trust held for the people and before God.

Oboth traced Kaziimba’s journey from a Sunday school teacher to Archbishop, illustrating that humble beginnings do not hinder achievement through dedicated service. He observed that Kaziimba utilized his tenure to advance the Church’s mission in education, health, livelihoods, social development, and peacebuilding, all while emphasizing personal and public integrity.

Archbishop Kaziimba, in his address, urged Christians to reject division and hypocrisy, advocating for renewed unity. He suggested that the nation must undergo a collective transformation of mind, heart, and action to overcome cycles of violence and internal conflicts.

Using a football analogy from his playing days, the Archbishop cautioned against internal strife within the church and political spheres, comparing self-sabotaging leaders to a defender scoring an own goal. “We don’t need to fight each other; the person you are hurting may help you someday and therefore, you should all know that we need each other,” he remarked.

He also called for “divine transplanting,” a spiritual renewal where God replaces hearts of stone with hearts of forgiveness, believing this transformation would bring about positive change in individuals and society. “When God creates a new heart, it will change people who are in church and automatically everything will change,” he concluded.

Source: Parliament of Uganda