Museveni Congratulates, Praises New COU Archbishop Kaziimba

President Yoweri Museveni has congratulated His Grace Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu up on his elevation as the new Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda.

The President, accompanied by his wife Janet, was on Sunday speaking at St. Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe in Kampala during the enthronement and installation of Dr. Kaziimba as the 9th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. Dr. Kaziimba replaces his immediate predecessor, the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali who, after reaching the mandatory of age of 65 years for a Church of Uganda Archbishop, has had to retire.

“I congratulate our good friend Archbishop Kaziimba for the elevation to the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda,” the President said. Then Anglican Bishop of Mityana Diocese for 11 years, Dr. Kaziimba was on August 28, 2019 elected the 9th Archbishop by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, pending his enthronement today (Sunday)

Addressing the congregation at St. Paul’s Cathedral, President Museveni commended the work of Dr. Kaziimba Mugalu while he served as Bishop of Mityana Diocese. “I can be a witness that he indeed did a good job in Mityana. I am sure he will spread it to the whole of Uganda,” he added.

Mr. Museveni also thanked the outgoing Archbishop, the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali and the former Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, for their great contributions to the Church of Uganda, especially the Church House and other infrastructural projects that, he observed, will help the church in Uganda to be self reliant.

The President reiterated the NRM Government’s long-time belief in freedom of worship of all people adding that as Christians, there is need to influence others by example. He noted that unlike in the past where people were killing each other on account of belonging to different religions, there is now a well-structured body of the Inter-religious Council in the country; adding that this was good in making people live in harmony in accordance with the teaching of Jesus Christ.

The President highlighted two important elements of Christianity as being assurance about Jesus’ resurrection and unconditional forgiveness and love for “all our enemies.”

The visiting Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Portal Welby, extended his greetings to the people of Uganda and emphasised the aspect of seeking for forgiveness irrespective of personal differences. Archbishop Portal saluted the Church of Uganda for transforming the lives of the people.