Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu is scheduled to officially retire on August 15, 2027, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 65. [1, 2]
In preparation for his upcoming departure, the Archbishop has already begun his nationwide farewell visits across the various dioceses.
Archbishop Kaziimba, who has led the church since March 2020, is the ninth Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
A trained theologian and former Bishop of Mityana Diocese, he is known for his outspoken views on governance, morality and national unity.
His tenure has focused on strengthening financial accountability within the Church, promoting reconciliation, and positioning the Church as a voice for peaceful elections and social cohesion.
He also led the Church through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing adjustments to worship, education and pastoral care during lockdowns.
In 2023 , Kazimba also led the Church of Uganda to severe ties with Canterbury, the seat of the Anglican Church worldwide after it allowed homosexuals to marry .
“From the first page of the Bible in the book of Genesis to the last page of the Bible in the book of Revelation, it is clear that God’s design for human flourishing is that we are part of a family that is defined as one man and one woman united in holy matrimony for life and, God willing, a union that produces children. God’s Word has said that the only context for sexual relationships is in the context of a marriage of one man and one woman. Same sex relationship is a sin. The Church of England has sinned,” Archbishop Dr.Stephen Kaziimba – stated at the time .
The general synod of the church of England which is their top governing body – to the surprise of the world sat and passed several resolutions among others allowing the clergy to preside over marriages involving homosexuals something that is deemed a taboo in the African culture .Gays are already considered married by the British government.
Many Ugandans welcomed the decisive move by the Church of Uganda to break away and Archbishop Kaziimba said they cannot continue to walk in the same line with the English church that he described as being “sinners” in all they have done.
Other bishops due to retire in the same year are Kinkiizi Diocese, Rev. Dan Zoreka; the Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rev. Sheldon Mwesigwa; and the Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna .All will be attaining 65 years, the mandatory retirement age set out in the Church of Uganda Constitution.
