Preparations are in high gear at Ruwenzori Diocese ahead of the farewell pastoral visit of the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu.
Archbishop Kazimba, who has served as the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda since 2020, is set to retire in August 2027.
As part of his retirement programme, he is conducting farewell pastoral visits to dioceses across the country to thank Christians for their support during his tenure.
A visit by Uganda Radio Network to St. John’s Cathedral, the seat of Ruwenzori Diocese in Fort Portal City on Wednesday found service providers putting final touches to preparations.
Tents were being erected, the cathedral compound was being cleaned and slashed, while diocesan leaders held planning meetings to ensure the visit proceeds smoothly.
Speaking to URN, the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, said Archbishop Kazimba will arrive at the diocesan headquarters on Saturday evening.
He said the archbishop will preside over a Thanksgiving Sunday service at St. John’s Cathedral before a farewell ceremony organized in his honor.
Bishop Kisembo added that on Monday, Archbishop Kazimba will officially launch Bishop Balya University after its elevation from a theological institute to a university.
Richard Rwabuhinga, the chairperson of the organizing committee, said the archbishop’s nationwide tour is intended to bid farewell to Christians and express gratitude for the support they have accorded him throughout his leadership of the Church of Uganda.
He said preparations are progressing well and appealed to Christians from across the diocese to attend the event in large numbers.
Christine Kakyo, a Christian, welcomed the visit, saying they are grateful for Archbishop Kazimba’s leadership, which they credit for major developments within the Church of Uganda, including the completion of Church House and the establishment of Church of Uganda Family TV.
Meanwhile, Bishop Kisembo urged Christians attending the celebrations to remain vigilant against Ebola Virus Disease, noting that the Rwenzori region remains a high-risk area because of its proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He said the diocese has put in place preventive measures, including handwashing facilities and a standby health team to respond to any medical emergencies during the celebrations, and called on worshippers to observe all health standard operating procedures-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
