Church of Uganda’s 27th Provincial Assembly was officially closed last evening by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu. The Assembly, which convened for two days from 21st to 22nd August 2024 at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, saw intense deliberations on critical Church matters and the formulation of strategies aimed at enhancing self-sustainability.
During the Provincial Assembly, the Archbishop’s book, “Authority that turns followers into leaders” was launched.
In his Charge, the Archbishop called for revitalization of Church of Uganda-founded schools, which he said, many have suffered from neglect and mismanagement by Boards of Governors. He recommended that each diocese establish a model school in every archdeaconry to provide quality education.
Addressing the issue of land and property management, Archbishop Kaziimba voiced concern over the loss of significant Church assets due to greed and negligence. He announced that the Church is undertaking a massive initiative to title, survey, and map its land to build a comprehensive Church land database, a move aimed at safeguarding and better managing Church properties.
He condemned the misuse and desecration of Church vestments and symbols of worship by various denominations and cults. He noted that such actions are divisive and disrespectful, and called for a united effort to protect the sanctity of the Church’s traditions.
The Archbishop announced The Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, Bishop of Ankole Diocese, as the incoming Dean of the Province. He will succeed The Rt. Rev. Joseph Abura, Bishop of Karamoja Diocese, who is set to retire on Sunday, 25th August 2024.
According to the Provincial Constitution 1972, as amended in 1994 and 2016, Article 11(1) stipulates that the Dean of the Province is the most senior Bishop. Seniority is determined based on the date of consecration as a Bishop.
The Archbishop encouraged delegates to play an active role in tree planting at Baptism, confirmation, weddings and on other important functions. He said that Bishops resolved that all confirmation candidates must be given a chance to plant a tree – fruit or environmentally friendly tree on Church land or at home to restore natural beauty.
Key Resolutions and Announcements:
1. Approval of the 2025 Theme and Ongoing Initiatives:
The Provincial Assembly approved the theme for 2025, “Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good” (Galatians 6:9). This new theme builds on the 2024 theme, “Conforming to the Truth of God’s Word, Not the Patterns of This World” (Romans 12:1-2).
2. Enhanced Support and Funding for Youth and Children’s Ministry: The Provincial Assembly resolved to deliberately and intentionally support the Youth and Children’s Ministry by ensuring it receives adequate funding. Church of Uganda remains committed to prioritizing financial resources for programs and initiatives aimed at spiritual growth, education, and leadership development among young people. This resolution re-affirms the Church’s dedication to empowering the youth and children, equipping them to become strong, faith-driven leaders who will carry forward the mission and values of the Church of Uganda.
3. Strategic Partnership and Continued Support for Uganda Christian University (UCU): Prior to the Provincial Assembly, the Bishops, who are the Trustees of Uganda Christian University (UCU), held a strategic meeting with the university’s management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Bishops to receive valuable updates on UCU’s developments. Archbishop Kaziimba expressed his gratitude for the management’s dedication to advancing the shared mission of the Church and the University. Additionally, the Bishops reaffirmed their commitment to supporting UCU Sunday on 29th September, a day set aside to raise funds for the university. All collections from across the province on every last Sunday of September are dedicated to supporting UCU for its growth and sustainability.
4. Advocacy on HIV/AIDS: The Uganda AIDS Commission presented a comprehensive report to the Assembly, highlighting the ongoing challenges and progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In response, the Provincial Assembly resolved to advocate for increased HIV testing, especially among men, who have been less proactive in getting tested. The Church committed to encouraging those living with HIV/AIDS to adhere to their medication regimens and to actively combat stigmatization within the community, for a more inclusive and supportive environment for those living positively.
5. Support for Women Clergy: The Provincial Assembly approved the establishment of the Church of Uganda Women Clergy Fellowship (COUWCF), recognizing the growing number of active women clergy, now numbering around 400. This decision follows the successful 14th conference of the women clergy held at St. Katherine Girls Senior Secondary School, Boroboro in Lango Diocese from 9th to 12th August 2023, which saw 273 clergy in attendance. The next conference is scheduled for May 2025, with the Western Region cluster, led by Ruwenzori Diocese, taking the lead.
6. Environmental Conservation and Climate Change Awareness: The Provincial Assembly resolved to promote environmental conservation through various initiatives, including supporting government efforts in phasing out polythene bags (kavera) and to explore alternative solutions through the Directorate of Household and Community Transformation.
7. Upholding the Moratorium on New Dioceses: The Provincial Assembly reaffirmed the moratorium on the creation of new dioceses, emphasizing the need to focus on consolidating and strengthening existing dioceses before considering further expansion.
8. Provincial Constitutional Amendment and Canons Review: The ongoing Provincial Constitutional Amendment and Canons Review process was stayed, pending the findings of a comprehensive study on the growth of the Province. The Provincial Assembly Standing Committee (PASC) will commission this study with clear terms of reference by 31st December 2024, after which an Extraordinary Provincial Assembly will be convened to discuss the findings.
9. Equity Bank Partnership: Equity Bank, represented by their Executive Director Elizabeth Kassedde Mwerinde, handed over a dummy land title to the Church of Uganda, symbolizing the Church’s full clearance of its debt on the Church House property located along Kampala Road. Archbishop Kaziimba, alongside other Church leaders, expressed deep gratitude to Equity Bank for their steadfast partnership and support throughout this process.
10. Support for Uganda Revenue Authority (URA): The Commissioner General of Uganda Revenue Authority, Mr. John Musinguzi Rujoki, who was the Chief Guest at the Assembly’s opening ceremony, lauded Church of Uganda for its significant role in the socio-economic development of the country. He urged the Church to lead by example in tax compliance and encouraged its advocacy for businesses to fulfill their tax obligations. The Assembly resolved to support URA in its endeavors, while also calling for greater accountability in the use of tax revenues, condemning corruption and the misappropriation of government funds.
The Provincial Assembly commenced with a Holy Communion service, with The Rev. Canon Jackson Frederick Bbalwa, Assistant Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Kampala, delivering a powerful sermon on doing good. He charged the delegates to embody God’s goodness by actively doing good, aligning with the Provincial Assembly’s theme for the upcoming year.
About the Provincial Assembly: The Provincial Assembly is the supreme governing body of the Church of Uganda, convening every two years to deliberate on critical Church matters and provide strategic direction for its development and self-sustainability. In between sessions, the Provincial Assembly Standing Committee (PASC) regularly meets to conduct business on its behalf.
