The Diocese of Kitgum is preparing to host the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, as part of his nationwide farewell tour ahead of his retirement next year.
Archbishop Kaziimba is scheduled to retire on August 14, 2027, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. As part of the preparations for his retirement, the archbishop is visiting all 39 dioceses of the Church of Uganda.
He is expected in Kitgum on September 25, with the main farewell celebration scheduled for September 26 at All Saints Cathedral, the headquarters of the Diocese of Kitgum.
Bishop Wilson Kitara of Kitgum Diocese said Archbishop Kaziimba is retiring after reaching the mandatory retirement age, having served eight years as Archbishop.
Bishop Kitara said the Archbishop has maintained a strong relationship with the Diocese of Kitgum and deserves a befitting farewell for his contribution to the Church and the community.
“Archbishop Kazimba has a great relationship and connection with the diocese. He is the one who mentored me as the Bishop of Kitgum and led prayers during my retreat,” Bishop Kitara said.
He said Archbishop Kaziimba has also consistently attended the annual commemoration of Uganda’s former Archbishop, Saint Janani Luwum, at Wiigweng in Mucwini, Kitgum, where he has often served as the main celebrant.
Bishop Kitara said the Archbishop also supported the construction of St Janani Luwum House by publicising fundraising efforts and encouraging Christians and other well-wishers to contribute to the project.
He appealed to Christians and residents of Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader and Agago districts to participate in the farewell celebrations.
“I want to call upon all that this spiritual leader is for us all. His impact up here touched all of us, and such a person needs to be sent off in a deserving way,” he said.
Bishop Kitara said Archbishop Kaziimba will also launch preparations for the 50th anniversary of the martyrdom of St Janani Luwum, which will be commemorated in 2027.
The launch will take place at the All-Saints Cathedral grounds in Kitgum. Canon Gladys Oyat, the vice chairperson of the organising committee, said the turnout at the event will demonstrate the people’s appreciation of Archbishop Kaziimba’s leadership.
“In Acholi, when we say you should welcome your visitor, it means you should be present and contribute what you have,” Oyat said.
She praised Archbishop Kaziimba for continuing to reach out to dioceses and encourage Christians and church leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic, when public gatherings were restricted.
Oyat said the Archbishop introduced online prayers and Family TV during the pandemic to help Christians remain connected to the Church.She also credited him with supporting the construction of St Janani Luwum House, saying the project was completed despite the challenges caused by the pandemic.
The organising committee expects more than 5,000 people to attend the celebration, with all 40 parishes in the Diocese of Kitgum expected to participate.
Oyat appealed for financial and material support, including food and livestock, to help cater for the expected number of visitors.
“If the Archbishop comes and there are no people, it will bring shame to the people of Kitgum and the Acholi. If the Archbishop comes but we cannot give water to those who came from far, it will also be bad,” she said.
Rev. Willy Olango, the Diocesan Secretary of Kitgum Diocese, said the organising committee estimates that about 100 million shillings will be required to host the event.
Olango said Bishop Kitara has already contributed towards the preparations, while institutions under the diocese, including schools, health facilities and businesses, as well as individuals and the general public, are being mobilised to support the event.
He said Archbishop Kaziimba’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his environmental conservation initiatives are among the contributions for which he should be recognised.
“He came during COVID when gatherings were banned and started online prayers and Family TV. He also launched the national tree-planting campaign, and trees are being planted countrywide to support the environment,” Olango said.
The farewell celebration will be held under the theme, “Anchored in Christ for Unity, Stability and Peace,” drawn from Ephesians 2:11-18-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
