Written By |
By Milton Niinga
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has condemned the growing levels of corruption in both government and private offices, which he says are crippling service delivery across the country. "I am deeply concerned about the increasing rate of corruption in Uganda. The media has been awash with stories of public officials receiving huge sums of money for no clear reason—meanwhile, hospitals remain in poor condition with no drugs, schools are underfunded, and roads are in a dire state," Kaziimba observed.
He added that such corruption reflects a moral decay and a lack of love for fellow citizens. "This shows a heart that has turned away from loving others. That’s why we must uphold integrity in public office," he emphasized.
Kaziimba made these remarks during his Easter Message 2025, delivered on Wednesday morning at Namirembe Cathedral in Kampala. He called on Christians to renew their hope in Christ and to become advocates for peace in a world marred by conflict and division.
"Christ’s victory over death gives us unshakable hope. His resurrection is not the end, but the beginning of a glorious eternity with God," he said.
A multifaceted message
Archbishop Kaziimba’s Easter message offered a deep reflection on the significance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and its implications for Christian living. His address touched on key themes including hope, peace, environmental stewardship, social justice, and healthcare.
Hope and Peace
The Archbishop stressed the centrality of hope and peace in Christian life, urging believers to find strength in Christ’s resurrection. He also condemned ongoing armed conflicts in the region.
Speaking on the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he said:
"We strongly condemn violence in all its forms. The crisis in the DRC has left many of God’s people hopeless, homeless, and others dead. I urge Ugandans to preserve our national stability in the face of regional unrest. Let us not import the politics of violence. Uganda should remain a haven of peace, promoting dialogue over conflict and placing respect for human dignity at the core of our actions."
Environmental stewardship
Kaziimba underscored the need for environmental conservation, describing it as a Christian duty.
"The Earth is the Lord’s. As stewards, we must protect its beauty and ensure sustainability for future generations," he said. He praised the Church of Uganda's Environment Month, launched in 2025, during which churches across the country organize tree planting and cleaning campaigns. "This is not just environmental activism; it is a sacred duty," he added.
Social Justice
The Archbishop addressed various social justice issues, from corruption to human rights. He encouraged Ugandans to uphold justice and equity, and to demand accountability from leaders. Kaziimba also emphasized the role of the Church of Uganda in healthcare delivery. He called for increased government investment in the health sector, including innovations and workforce development. "A serious national conversation is needed about implementing a National Health Insurance Scheme that ensures universal health coverage for every Ugandan," he urged.
Archbishop Kaziimba’s Easter message is a powerful call to action, urging Christians to live out their faith through hope, peace, justice, and compassion. His message resonates beyond the Church, appealing to all Ugandans to work toward a more just, peaceful, and corruption-free nation.
Torch Media Africa