Bishop Samuel Kaziimba (Courtesy Photo.)
Bishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba of Mityana Diocese is set to succeed the Most Reverend Stanley Ntagali as Archbishop of Church of Uganda.
The archbishop-elect, whose tenure officially starts in March 2020, will head the Anglican Church of Uganda at a time when major challenges exist over issues such as Bible illiteracy, stewardship, gender and sexuality, immorality, politics from the pulpit, Church attendance and technology/social media among others.
Describing his promotion to the top office as one made possible by the grace of God, Bishop Samuel Kaziimba said on Wednesday: “This is a new calling, a challenge and an opportunity for the gospel.”
Bishop Kaziimba was consecrated Bishop on 26th October 2008 and has served as the Bishop of Mityana Diocese for almost eleven years.
“This is my brother,” Ntagali said of his successor.
Here are the opinions of some observers of the Church and people within it about what his priorities should be as he starts the job.
Unity
“Congratulations man of God. Leadership comes from God, we pray that you can be able to bring unity in our churches, and also be involved in activities at the grass-root, for the betterment of the people and the church. Otherwise we need spiritual growth not spiritual division.” – Nyiramutuzo Jennifer (From Kisoro)
Evangelism
“I am Praying that during your tenure, the gospel of Jesus Christ will be more central and revival will over take the Anglican church. Souls will be saved.” – Samuel S. Muganzi (Pastor at World Outreach Prayer Centre Kabowa)
“Mityana is not small place. I am proud to have roots there. To Bishop Kazimba, please remember to preach Christ not to uplift religious systems. Promote the growth of congregations in numbers and in depth of discipleship. Blessings.” – Emmanuel Israel (Lives in Kampala)
Fight for the poor
“Congratulations Bishop Kazimba. We look forward to your guidance in 2021. Fight for the poor, vulnerable and oppressed Ugandans. You have been elected Bishop for Uganda. Current issues for you to ponder on. Land eviction in Uganda, safe houses, political torture, tired presidency, 2021 elections, gays and lesbianism, unemployment for youth, marginalization of other regions by regime functionaries. Killing and selling of human organs, slavering Ugandans in Arab world. God bless you.” – Wabwire Julius (From Busia)
Taxes
“There’s one problem that should be handled carefully and that is the introduced taxes on condolences collected upon one’s death. This is unthinkable.” – Mwanja Moses (Mbarara resident)
Exemplary leadership
“Congratulations Bishop Steven Kazimba upon being entrusted by the Body of Christ to the Highest office. Before you are crowned with the Highest Crown by Jesus. We Pray that you lead to the explanations of the flock of Christ.” – Juma Ssegawa (Lives in Masaka).
Nonpartisan
“Congratulations Bishop Kaziimba. Let us hope that you will be neutral, and free with politics because the inactive of our leaders is making our country to collapse.” – Edward Ssekikubo (Lives in Kampala)
What should new Archbishop’s priorities be? Share your view as well: editor@ugchristiannews.com
