Stephen Kaziimba enthroned Archbishop

Rt Rev Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has officially assumed the leadership of Church of the Uganda (CoU). He was enthroned as the 9th Archbishop of Church of the Uganda (CoU) at a colorful ceremony held this morning at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe.

The special Service was attended by among others; President Yoweri Museveni and his wife, Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, Nabagereka of Buganda Kingdom Sylvia Nagginda, Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, 11 Archbishops and 30 Bishops from across the world, 39 active Bishops under CoU and their retired colleagues.

During the enthronement, the outgoing Archbishop, Stanley Ntagali abdicated the position and handed over the Provincial Staff – a symbol of the Archbishop’s spiritual authority to Kaziimba. In his last remarks, Ntagali said that he has seen God's love and faithfulness.

"I am very happy to retire today. Which by God’s grace happens to be my 65th birthday. It is my joy to congratulate Rt Rev Stephen Kaziimba, I pray that God guides you in your leadership as Archbishop of Church of Uganda," said Ntagali.

Before signing off his abdication, Ntagali handed over to the new Archbishop, the CoU constitution, the Canons, Vision 2020 and his hand over report. Rev Kaziimba was then presented to the congregation and renewed his vows. The 39 active Bishops under the CoU pledged canonical obedience to the new Archbishop. The Dean of the Church of the Province of Uganda, Jackson Nzerebende then guided Kaziimba to his Provincial Chair, symbolizing that he was elected to lead the Bishops and the entire Church of Uganda.

In his sermon during the enthronement service, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, Rev Foley Beach, said this was a historic occasion and appreciated CoU for its faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.