Kaziimba, 6 Bishops Prepare for Retirement

Archbishop Kaziimba is expected to begin farewell visits to dioceses across the country ahead of his retirement, while the outgoing bishops will also tour parishes within their dioceses to bid farewell to Christians

Kaziimba (top left) will retire alongside six bishops in 2027

The Church of Uganda is preparing for a major leadership transition after announcing that its Archbishop, Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, and six diocesan bishops will retire on August 14, 2027, in line with constitutional requirements.

The announcement was made on Christmas Day by the Church’s communications officer, Sadiiki Adams, while addressing worshippers at Kancerere Church of Uganda in Kinkiizi Diocese, Kanungu District.

Archbishop Kaziimba, who took office in 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.

Adams said the bishops due for retirement include the Bishop of Kinkiizi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka; the Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sheldon Mwesigwa; and the Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, among others.

All will be attaining 65 years, the mandatory retirement age set out in the Church of Uganda Constitution.

He added that Archbishop Kaziimba is expected to begin farewell visits to dioceses across the country ahead of his retirement, while the outgoing bishops will also tour parishes within their dioceses to bid farewell to Christians.

Adams urged believers to pray for the Church as it enters what he described as a sensitive transition period, noting that the selection of a new Archbishop and six bishops would require unity, calm and spiritual discernment.

Preparations to elect new delegates to the Provincial Assembly — the Church of Uganda’s supreme decision-making body — are expected to begin in 2026, he said.

The assembly plays a central role in electing senior church leaders and shaping doctrine, governance and policy.

Leadership transitions in the Church of Uganda are closely watched, both within and beyond ecclesiastical circles, given the Church’s influence in education, health services and public debate.

Archbishop Kaziimba succeeded the late Archbishop Stanley Ntagali in 2020 following internal challenges that prompted calls for reforms in governance and accountability