Story By Jimmy Siyasa and Photos by Andrew Bugembe
Thousands of clergy from all 39 dioceses of the Anglican Church of Uganda recently converged at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus for a three-day “Provincial All Clergy Conference.”.
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu addressing the conference
The Aug.18-21 conference, spearheaded by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, is a biennial forum for discussing critical issues concerning the clergy and their ministry.
Kaziimba said the conference was a necessary retreat opportunity and summarized the purpose in 6Rs. “This is a time for renewal, recommitment, restoration, revival, re-energizing and a time to recharge,” he said.
Unpacking the conference theme titled “The Good Shepherd and the Flock of God” from Ezekiel 34 and Psalm 23, Kaziimba urged the attendees whom he addressed as “shepherds” to trust God at all times in all things if they hope for success in ministry.
“We need to put trust in God our shepherd as we shepherd his flock,” he preached, warning them against “boasting” in their ministerial experience or prestigious clerical titles. “Without God, all our titles are useless and powerless.”
Kaziimba warned the clergy of the prevalence of heretical doctrines, cults and evil practices against which they must guard their congregation. He also cautioned the clergy against compromising their calling through illicit activities, such as favoritism and controversies like partisan politics for personal benefit, among others.
“Let us learn to be content with what we have and trust God, who is our provider,” he said.
The archbishop’s counsel comes at a time where many clergy are economically hard-pressed. In a 2024 study titled, The Challenge of Clergy Welfare Among Anglican Priests in Reference to Kako Deanery West Buganda Diocese, Anglican theologian John Anthony Katamba, who graduated from the UCU’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, established that current clergy welfare “leaves a lot to be desired and, therefore, worth improving before it gets worse.” He made the conclusion after interviewing up to 38 members of the clergy in the Anglican Church of Uganda.
Members of the clergy who attended the conference
It is against this background that UCU continues to prioritize supporting the Church’s mission and equipping the clergy through various schemes, including scholarships, welfare grants and event annual fundraising programs, such as the UCU Sunday. This year, the UCU Sunday will take place on Sept. 28, 2025.
While addressing the attendees, UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, encouraged the clergy to be servant leaders and good stewards.
“Some leaders inherit a parish and leave it the same or worse than they found it,” he said. “That is not the spirit of a servant of the Lord.”
Among the crucial issues raised was the medical health of the church. Canon Dr. Ruth Senyonyi, the chairperson of the Uganda AIDs Commission, urged attendees to use their influence to create awareness about HIV/AIDS.
“We must encourage our congregation who are HIV-positive to take their medicines faithfully,” she said.
Many clergy “felt blessed” by the conference and resolved to serve their parishioners better.
“We give thanks for the good organization,” said Rev. Arone Atusasire, one participant. “We were fed and accommodated well [here at UCU]. The facilitators were wonderful, I really enjoyed and picked lessons.”
The last conference took place at Ndejje University in 2023.
UCU to Build New Chapel
During the conference, the Archbishop and top UCU management laid a foundation stone for the construction of a 1,000-seater sanctuary behind UCU’s Janani Luwum Dining Hall. The new building will be the permanent worship place for the university community. Currently, services take place at the campus’ multipurpose auditorium, Nkoyoyo Hall.
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu blessing the foundation stone for the 1,000-seater chapel at UCU main campus
The chapel’s design includes a children’s chapel, youth chapel, and council boardroom, among others. The UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, David Mugawe, said the project would cost about $1 million.
“The first phase of this magnificent chapel is projected to cost sh3.5 billion (about $986,000), and we are optimistic that, with collective support, the project will steadily progress,” said Mugawe, who also is the Chairperson of the Chapel Development Committee.
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