Written By | Jovita Hasto
PICTURES: Kaziimba during his pastoral farewell visit to Ibanda District at St Paul's Cathedral, stating that where there is segregation, there is no unity for peace. [Jovita Hasto]
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IBANDA
The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Dr. Steven Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged faithful in North West Ankole Diocese in Ibanda District to be peacemakers rather than troublemakers in their communities.
Kaziimba said this during his pastoral farewell visit to Ibanda District at St Paul's Cathedral, stating that where there is segregation, there is no unity for peace.
"Be peacemakers. You are called to be reconcilers, not conflict causers. There are people who are naturally conflict-causers, and when somebody appears, you immediately see war approaching. So ensure peace and unity without segregation in religion, tribe and appearance," he said.
He appreciated the development of infrastructure in different sectors of Anglican-founded institutions, while urging leaders in the area to support the education system in Ibanda.
He pointed to Kibubura Girls Secondary School in Ibanda for its continuous performance, urging leaders in the area to lobby for support for the school.
"Kibubura Girls Secondary School is one of the few schools that have not been supported enough in infrastructural development. They are doing great things, but the government has not supported it as required. So leaders who are here should listen and take it seriously so that it is supported properly," he said.
Mr Happy Herbert Mayanja, the Ibanda District Chairperson, appreciated the North West Ankole Diocese and Bishop Amos Magezi for working closely with the district in efforts to boost the education system in the area.
He explained that through this collaboration, schools have been constructed in areas that had no schools.
"I want to thank the Anglican church here in Ibanda District. Ever since the bishop was enthroned to head North West Ankole Diocese, he has helped me to develop the district in areas of education for our learners and also to put up structures in Igorora Town Council and other schools. He helped me to write letters to the Ministry of Education to lobby for funds for the construction of Lyabatenga SSS and many others. We had schools that last received grants in 1995, but with his intervention we managed to establish a secondary school."
He added that the church has also supported the development of the coffee industry in the area, since the district is known for coffee farming. He said the church has established coffee factories that have employed people, thus eradicating poverty.
"This church has also supported coffee growing in this district because the bishop has added voice to the district's efforts, and we are proud that people are earning. Much money brought as tithe comes from coffee, and many people have been employed in that sector. We thank Lord Bishop Magezi so much," added Mr Mayanja.
Lay Canon Christopher Bishaka, the head of Laity at North West Ankole Diocese, as he bid farewell to Archbishop Kaziimba, appreciated the work done across the country.
"We thank God for the support, Your Grace the Archbishop, for strategic planning such as the development of the Lweza Training and Retreat Centre, Family TV, and the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Munyonyo, and many other initiatives that will serve future generations across the country," he said.
Ms Hilda Mwesigye Ahabwe, the President of the Mothers' Union at North West Ankole Diocese, thanked Kaziimba for continuously supporting women under the Mothers' Union in the church, promising to play a key role in advocating for peace in homes.
"As you have always encouraged empowerment, as Mothers' Union we promise to keep the fire burning and pray for the church, uphold homes and serve our communities on the foundation that you laid," she stated.
