Let Christ’s resurrection inspire national renewal—Archbishop Kaziimba

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As Christians across Uganda and the world prepare to celebrate Easter this weekend, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has delivered a stirring message of hope, compassion, and action.

Centred on the theme “Jesus’ Resurrection, Our Hope for Eternity”, the Archbishop’s message urged believers to embrace the risen Christ not only as a symbol of eternal life but also as a catalyst for renewal within their communities and the nation.

Quoting from 1 Corinthians 15 and Matthew 28, Archbishop Kaziimba reminded Christians that the resurrection of Jesus is the bedrock of their faith.

“Because He lives, we too shall live,” the Archbishop declared. “His resurrection assures us that death is not the end but the beginning of a glorious eternity with God.”

However, the Easter message extended beyond spiritual reflection. The Archbishop addressed a range of national and regional issues, calling for moral responsibility, environmental stewardship, and compassionate engagement with society’s most vulnerable.

Archbishop Kaziimba stressed the urgent need to protect the environment, linking it to the hope and renewal symbolised by Easter.

“Just as Easter represents new life and hope, so too must we bring hope to our planet,” he said, citing deforestation, pollution, and climate change as pressing threats.

Archbishop Kaziimba emphasised the urgent need to protect the environment, linking it to the hope and renewal symbolised by Easter. (Credit: Willy Ssemanda)

In March 2025, the Church of Uganda launched Environment Month to sensitise Christians across dioceses. Activities included tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and radio talk shows. While praising these efforts, the Archbishop urged that environmental action must extend beyond a single month.

“Environmental protection is not only a moral responsibility but a sacred duty,” he emphasised. “The earth is the Lord’s, and we are its caretakers.”

The Archbishop also highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has displaced tens of thousands. Uganda has already received over 64,000 new refugees since the beginning of 2025, placing pressure on border facilities and resources.

“Let us be a haven of peace in the region,” he appealed, warning against importing “the politics of violence” and urging Ugandans to promote “dialogue over conflict”.

While commending the Church’s Directorate of Household and Community Transformation for its efforts to combat gender-based violence in refugee camps, he noted that more support was urgently needed, particularly food, hygiene kits, medical supplies, and clothing.

On the issue of widespread corruption, Kaziimba expressed concern over mismanagement in public institutions, where large sums of money are syphoned off while essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure suffer.

“Corruption is not only a legal and governance issue—it is a deeply spiritual and moral crisis,” he warned. “This Easter, we must repent, renew our hearts, and uphold integrity.”

He called on Christians to look beyond themselves, cultivate empathy, and stand for justice, accountability, and good governance at every level.

The Archbishop thanked Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba and Dr Julian Bagyendera for their leadership in the Church’s planning process and acknowledged the need for adaptability in the face of global challenges. The Provincial Secretariat, he said, remains available to support dioceses as they tailor their own strategic plans.

Highlighting Uganda’s maternal and child health challenges, the Archbishop called for sustainable solutions. Speaking at the 10th Annual Maternal and Child Health Conference at Uganda Christian University on April 11, 2025, he joined Save the Mothers (STM) in celebrating 20 years of impactful service.

“It is time we develop a sustainable system where quality healthcare is accessible, equitable, and affordable to all,” he urged.

Church-run health facilities continue to serve thousands of Ugandans, but not without hurdles. At a meeting in January 2025 with medical directors of church health units, leaders raised concerns over underfunding, staffing shortages, and misconceptions among patients regarding free treatment.

In response, Archbishop Kaziimba recommended forming an association of medical directors to collectively address these challenges. He also appealed to the diocesan Boards of Directors to invest more in leadership, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.

“We must transform our challenges into opportunities for growth and better service delivery,” he said.

He encouraged all Church of Uganda members to enrol in the Provincial KIDO Health Insurance Scheme, implemented in partnership with the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau and the Cooperative Insurance Company.

He specifically called on bishops to lead by example by ensuring all clergy and church workers are enrolled.

“Let us demonstrate care and responsibility by providing health insurance to our staff,” he said, also urging the government to fast-track national health insurance legislation.

Archbishop Kaziimba also addressed the growing crisis of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people in Uganda. He warned that addiction is not only a health hazard but also a moral and security concern.

“Many of our youth are full of potential and promise, but are falling prey to addiction,” he lamented. “We must nurture a generation rooted in godly values, hope, and purpose.”

The Church has pledged to continue advocacy through its schools, churches, and health centres while supporting community-based rehabilitation and youth empowerment programmes.

The Archbishop concluded by saluting leaders from the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Pentecostal churches, stressing the importance of Christian unity in the shared hope of the risen Christ.

“A blessed Easter to you all,” he concluded. “Let us walk in the power of Christ’s resurrection—not just in word, but in deed—bringing hope, healing, and love to the world.”