The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has cautioned priests against partisan involvement in politics, urging those who wish to contest for elective office to first retire from active ministry.
Speaking at the opening of the Church of Uganda’s All Clergy Conference (ACC) at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized that priests are called to serve all people regardless of political affiliation and must remain neutral.
“Priests are not partisan; they are supposed to accommodate all people from different political affiliations. If one decides to take sides or directly stand for elective positions, they should first retire from priestly duties,” Kaziimba told journalists shortly after leading the opening service.
The Archbishop’s concerns were echoed by Rev. Canon William Ongeng, the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, who warned that partisan influence was threatening the integrity of some priests.
“We have received cases of priests being sponsored by political parties to fight against their very own leadership. This is unfortunate. A shepherd must always desire harmony among the flock, not division,” Ongeng said, calling on clergy to guide believers without “wearing any political colour.”
He reminded priests that politics is “a game of numbers” and urged them to focus on their biblical role as shepherds, saying: “Do not let politics disorganize your work in the parishes and dioceses where you represent the Most High God.”
The four-day retreat, convened under the theme “The Good Shepherd and the Flock of God” (Ezekiel 34:1–15), brought together clergy from all 39 dioceses of the Church of Uganda. By reporting day, over 2,000 participants had registered, with more expected to join.
Archbishop Kaziimba underscored the importance of retreats in providing clergy with opportunities for rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
“Even Jesus took his disciples to the mountain after daily ministry. As clergy, we too need moments of retreat to be re-energized. Without feeding on God, we cannot feed the flock with the right food,” he said.
He cautioned against “heretical teachings” and reliance on titles, noting that true spiritual authority comes from a deep connection with God. “Titles such as Most Rev., Right Rev., or Venerable are good, but without proper spiritual food, they are nothing,” he stressed.
The Archbishop further encouraged priests to remain faithful in their calling, avoid “bad money,” and defend the truth of the Church. Using the example of the Uganda Cranes’ dramatic last-minute win against South Africa, he reminded clergy: “It is never over until it is over—serve God diligently and stay rooted.”
Participants welcomed the retreat as a moment of revival and self-reflection. Rev. David Obonet of Kachede Parish, Kumi Diocese, said the conference provided much-needed renewal.
“These gatherings help us return to our spiritual roots beyond theological training. They should even be held more frequently, and perhaps made rotational across dioceses to reach more clergy and lay leaders,” Obonet suggested.
Similarly, Rev. Kezaya Itungo, Chaplain at St. Paul Hospital, Kasese, observed that retreats help tackle rigidity among long-serving priests. “They refresh us, strengthen networks, and reconnect us to the heart of ministry,” he noted.
UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi commended the province for continually supporting the institution, noting the University’s role in training priests, bishops, and archbishops.
“Through UCU Sunday contributions, we are able to support clergy children with tuition and extend scholarships to every diocese annually. We have also introduced capacity-building programs for church leaders, offered free of charge in partnership with dioceses,” Mushengyezi said.
The four-day conference will feature keynote addresses, workshops, and panel discussions on clergy well-being, discipleship, leadership, and the Church’s role in education and mission.
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