EDITOR
Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu was happily received by jubilant Christians, clergy, and church leaders on Friday evening as he arrived at Kahengye in Kebisoni Town Council, at the border of North Kigezi and South Ankole Dioceses, for a pastoral and farewell visit to North Kigezi Diocese in Rukungiri District.
The Archbishop, who is the head of the Church of Uganda, was welcomed by the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, alongside hundreds of Christians who gathered to greet him as he began his visit to the diocese.
His visit coincides with celebrations marking three years of episcopal ministry of Bishop Asiimwe, who was consecrated as the sixth Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese on March 12, 2023, after being elected by the House of Bishops on January 18, 2023. Before his consecration, Bishop Asiimwe served as the Chaplain of St. Francis Chapel at Makerere University.
Bishop Asiimwe succeeded the late Bishop Benon Magezi, who passed away from COVID-19 in 2021. Following Bishop Magezi’s death, Archbishop Kaziimba appointed retired Bishop Patrick Tugume Tusingwire to temporarily oversee the diocese until Bishop Asiimwe was elected, consecrated, and enthroned.
As part of the pastoral visit, Archbishop Kaziimba is scheduled to lead a farewell service on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Kasoroza Church of Uganda in Nyakagyeme Archdeaconry. On Sunday, March 15, 2026, he will preside over a thanksgiving and farewell service at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano, where Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo is expected to attend as the guest of honor.
The services are expected to attract Christians from across the diocese and neighboring areas who will gather to celebrate the Archbishop’s visit and give thanks for his leadership.
Archbishop Kaziimba, who assumed office on March 1, 2020, is expected to retire on August 18, 2027.
