The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on Christians to invest in the development of their home areas, utilise church resources responsibly, and establish sustainable income-generating projects that can strengthen both families and the Church.

The archbishop made the remarks while continuing his pastoral and farewell tour across dioceses ahead of his retirement in August 2027, when he will attain the mandatory retirement age of 65 as stipulated in the Church of Uganda Canons.

As he prepares to retire on August 14, 2027, the 9th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has continued his nationwide farewell and pastoral visits to dioceses across the province.

The archbishop arrived in Mbale on May 29, 2026, for a three-day pastoral and farewell visit that included North Mbale Diocese and later concluded with engagements in Mbale Diocese on May 31.

While addressing Christians at St. Matthew’s Cathedral Buhugu in North Mbale Diocese, Archbishop Kaziimba commended individuals who have chosen to invest in their home districts by constructing hotels, commercial buildings, and other modern infrastructure instead of concentrating all development in Kampala.

He encouraged Christians to emulate such examples by contributing to the social and economic transformation of the communities from which they originate.

The archbishop also urged dioceses and parishes to establish long-term investment projects such as Church Houses, saying such ventures provide sustainable income that can support ministry, development programs, and future generations of the Church.

He further challenged church leaders to utilise idle church land and property, warning that undeveloped assets often attract land grabbers and opportunists seeking to illegally acquire church property.

Archbishop Kaziimba also cautioned individuals involved in the theft or illegal acquisition of church property to repent, saying such actions carry serious spiritual consequences.

He called on Christians to embrace household and personal income-generating projects as a practical way of fighting poverty, improving livelihoods, and strengthening the work of the Church.

 Speaking about life after retirement, the archbishop said he intends to dedicate more time to mentorship, discipleship, writing books, and spending time with his family after decades of active ministry.

Paying tribute to the Archbishop, the Bishop of North Mbale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Gidudu thanked God for Dr Kaziimba’s faith-driven leadership, particularly his firm stand on biblical doctrine and moral issues affecting the Church.

Bishop Gidudu also praised the archbishop for key achievements during his tenure, including payment of the Janani Luwum Church House from UGX 60 billion to zero balance, the establishment of COU Family TV, and the advancement of various development initiatives across the province.

Since his enthronement as the 9th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda on March 1, 2020, at St. Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, Archbishop Kaziimba has overseen major church projects, consecrated and enthroned bishops, strengthened international partnerships, and championed initiatives that have contributed to the growth and transformation of the Church of Uganda.