Bishops and spouses from the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA) have been encouraged to embrace servant leadership, practice effective delegation and strengthen accountability in order to sustain healthy and fruitful episcopal ministry.

The call was made by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, today during the Global South Bishops' Formation Retreat at the Lweza Training and Conference Centre.

Archbishop Kaziimba said, bishops often face enormous expectations from the people they serve, with many looking to them to resolve every challenge and respond to every request. He urged participants to recognise that effective leadership does not mean carrying every responsibility alone, but empowering others to share in ministry.

He challenged the bishops to practice intentional delegation by providing clear guidance on expected outcomes, setting appropriate boundaries, equipping those entrusted with responsibilities through training and support, and establishing systems for monitoring progress. He told participants that delegation is a biblical principle that enables leaders to focus on their primary calling while developing the gifts and capacities of others within the Church.

Drawing from Galatians 1:10, Archbishop Kaziimba encouraged the bishops to remain focused on their God-given calling rather than attempting to meet every human expectation. As a practical exercise, he challenged each participant to identify one responsibility they could delegate during the week, intentionally assign it to a suitable person, and commit to providing the necessary support and accountability to ensure its successful execution.

Archbishop Kaziimba noted that servant leadership lies at the heart of Christian ministry. He said bishops are called to lead by example through humility, integrity and sacrificial service, following the model of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. He noted that true leadership is measured not by authority or position but by faithfulness in serving God's people, nurturing the Church and equipping others for ministry.

Archbishop Kaziimba said Uganda continues to host the bishops' formation retreats because of the confidence the Global South Fellowship has in the Church of Uganda's strong commitment to biblical truth, as well as the Government of Uganda's willingness to facilitate the participation of bishops from different parts of the world through a supportive visa process.

The Chairman of the Ministerial Formation Track of the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans, The Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese, said the retreat has brought together bishops and their wives from the Provinces of Burundi, South Sudan, Indian Ocean and the Diocese of Sunyani in Ghana.

He said the retreat is being held under the theme, "Rooted in Christ, Renewing the Church, Reaching the Nations," and began on 14 July and will conclude on 20 July 2026.

Bishop Olwa explained that the formation programme is designed to equip bishops with practical and spiritual leadership skills before and after their consecration. Topics being covered include Christian leadership, retirement planning, fellowship, healthy ministry relationships, and dedicated sessions for bishops' spouses focusing on mutual support, expectations and healthy boundaries in ministry.

The retreat is facilitated by a team of experienced Anglican leaders, including Archbishop Dr. Justin Badi, Chairman of the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans; Bishop Danald Jute from South East Asia who brought the daily bible expositions; Archbishop Mouneer Anis, retired Archbishop of Egypt and one of the Fellowship's founders; The Rt. Rev. George Bagamuhunda, retired Bishop of Kigezi Diocese and facilitator on retirement planning; Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, host of the retreat and Treasurer of the Global South Fellowship; and Rev. Canon Charles Raven of GSFA.