By Eliab Tukamushaba,
MUKONO
The Church of Uganda has successfully concluded its 27th Provincial Assembly, held over two days from 21st to 22nd August 2024 at Uganda Christian University, Mukono.
The Assembly was officially closed by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, who led delegates in deliberating on key issues impacting the Church’s future.
In his closing address, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized the urgent need to revitalize Church of Uganda-founded schools, many of which he noted have suffered from neglect and mismanagement.
He urged each diocese to establish a model school in every archdeaconry to ensure the provision of quality education.
The Archbishop also addressed the ongoing challenges related to land and property management within the Church, expressing concern over the loss of significant Church assets due to greed and negligence.
He announced a major initiative to title, survey, and map all Church land to create a comprehensive land database aimed at safeguarding these assets.Furthermore, Archbishop Kaziimba condemned the misuse of Church vestments and symbols of worship by various denominations and cults, calling for a united effort to protect the sanctity of the Church’s traditions.
He also announced the appointment of The Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, Bishop of Ankole Diocese, as the incoming Dean of the Province, succeeding The Rt. Rev. Joseph Abura, Bishop of Karamoja Diocese, who will retire on 25th August 2024.
Among the significant resolutions passed during the Assembly was the approval of the 2025 theme, “Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good” (Galatians 6:9), building on the 2024 theme of “Conforming to the Truth of God’s Word, Not the Patterns of This World” (Romans 12:1-2).
The Assembly also resolved to enhance support and funding for Youth and Children’s Ministry, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to empowering young people through spiritual growth, education, and leadership development.
The Assembly also focused on strategic partnerships, particularly with Uganda Christian University (UCU). Prior to the Assembly, the Bishops, who are Trustees of UCU, held a strategic meeting with the university’s management to discuss ongoing developments and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting UCU Sunday on 29th September, dedicated to raising funds for the university’s growth and sustainability.
In a significant move, the Provincial Assembly advocated for increased HIV testing, particularly among men, and committed to combating stigmatization within the community.
Additionally, the Assembly approved the establishment of the Church of Uganda Women Clergy Fellowship, recognizing the growing number of women clergy.
Environmental conservation was another key focus, with the Assembly resolving to promote initiatives such as tree planting at important Church functions and supporting government efforts to phase out polythene bags.
The Assembly also reaffirmed a moratorium on the creation of new dioceses, emphasizing the need to strengthen existing ones.A highlight of the Assembly was the symbolic handover of a dummy land title by Equity Bank to the Church of Uganda, marking the full clearance of the Church’s debt on the Church House property along Kampala Road. This was met with deep gratitude from Church leaders.
The Assembly concluded with a powerful Holy Communion service, during which The Rev. Canon Jackson Frederick Bbalwa, Assistant Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Kampala, delivered a sermon on doing good, aligning with the Assembly’s theme for the upcoming year.
The Provincial Assembly, the supreme governing body of the Church of Uganda, convenes every two years to deliberate on critical matters and provide strategic direction for the Church’s development and self-sustainability.
