religion 4 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Archbishop Kaziimba Urges Church Self-Sufficiency, Denounces Corruption
As his retirement approaches, Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba of the Church of Uganda has exhorted church leaders to embrace self-sustainability and unity, while also condemning political corruption and the misuse of resources. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kaziimba-rallies-church-leaders-on-self-sustainability-condemns-political-corruption-ahead-of-retirement-5619728
Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu of the Church of Uganda is urging religious leaders nationwide to prioritize financial independence and collaborative efforts, moving away from reliance on foreign aid. During a farewell service in Arua City, he stressed that dependence on external funding compromises autonomy, stating, “We cannot depend on foreign aid; we must learn to sustain ourselves. If you are dependent, you will be a slave to the one who gives aid all the time.”
Archbishop Kaziimba highlighted successful local income-generating projects as a model for the church. He commended initiatives like the commissioning of a new church in Ediofe and infrastructure development in Koboko, underscoring the importance of such endeavors for sustained growth and the advancement of God’s kingdom.
As his seven-year tenure as the 9th Archbishop nears its end in August 2027, Kaziimba also addressed the importance of continuity and humility among church leadership. He cautioned against egoism and rivalry, encouraging leaders to support and complement each other’s efforts rather than seeking to erase past accomplishments. “Lower your egos and uplift others,” he advised.
Turning his attention to the political sphere, the Archbishop decried practices such as witchcraft, voter bribery with alcohol, and the failure to capitalize on the region’s economic potential. He challenged residents of Arua, a strategic border city, to leverage its location for production and economic gain, questioning why poverty persists despite opportunities. “Can you use your grace and energy for production and economic gain?” he asked.
During the service, Bishop Charles Collins Andaku of the Madi and West Nile Diocese praised Kaziimba’s leadership, particularly his defense of the Church against homosexuality and his campaigns against gender-based violence, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy. Bishop Andaku also credited the Archbishop with preserving the unity of the province and saving Church House from debt.