The Church of Uganda has concluded its All Clergy Conference (ACC) at Uganda Christian University in Mukono and the three-day conference, which began on Monday and ended yesterday, Wednesday 20th August 2025.
The All Clergy Conference brought together over 1,500 Clergy from the Church of Uganda’s 39 Dioceses and they deliberated issues under the theme “The Good Shepherd and the Flock of God” picked from Ezekiel 34:1–31.
The Conference was addresed by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, urged Clergy to remain neutral as Uganda heads towards the 2026 general elections.
“If you want to contest in elective politics, make sure you resign from Church ministry and join the race. Do not degrade your calling to chase positions such as LC III, LC V Chairperson, or even Member of Parliament because our calling is far bigger than such positions. Preach the message of hope, because people have lost hope,” Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu said.
The Archbishop further called for integrity and accountability in ministry, urging Clergy to be role models in both public and private life.
“We need to pray for better transitions of leadership rather than character assassination and fighting each other. Leave everything to the Lord who chooses leaders, and don’t fight to become Bishops,” He said.
Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu also encouraged Clergy to prioritize discipleship and mentorship of young people, noting that children’s ministry is central to the Church’s mission. He emphasized environmental stewardship, urging Clergy to plant trees at every baptism and other services as a practical expression of creation care.
While speaking at the same event, the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev Canon William Ongeng, cautioned the public against the misuse of clerical vestments and warned Clergy not to allow politicians to manipulate them.
“Retirement is not an accident, but certainty. Prepare for it now, and make use of the Church of Uganda KIDO insurance scheme so that you do not have challenges with retirement,” Rev Canon Ongeng added.
Drawing from his global experience in equipping Christian leaders, the Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church in the United States Dr Jerry Rueb who is also the Chairperson of the Board of the Church Transformation Network and a respected pastor-trainer and author of Pastoring the Flock of God: A Guide to Pastoral Ministry and Defending the Flock of God: Unmasking the Threat of False Teaching, emphasized discipleship as the essence of the Church’s identity.
“Church of Uganda should not be turned into an institution but remain a movement of God. Institutions come and die, but the movement of God lives forever and ever. Discipleship must be the DNA of the 21st-century Church,” Dr Rueb said.
In his Bible exposition on Ezekiel 34:1-31, Rt. Rev. Michael Okwii Esakhan, the Bishop of Kumi Diocese articulated for integrity of the Clergy, discipline and patience in ministry. He advised the Clergy to avoid going astray because of selfish interests against God’s calling.
Rev Prof Dr Samuel Luboga, the Chairperson of the Education Service Commission, underscored the importance of health and wellness:
“Clergy must take time for their own health—spiritual, mental, and physical. It is important to do regular exercises and visit medical doctors for regular health checkups,” He said.
In his presentation, the Provincial Treasurer of the Church of Uganda, Balaam Muheebwa stressed financial discipline:
“You should begin planning for retirement the moment you join ministry. I encourage you to join accountability groups, investment clubs, avoid unnecessary expenditures, and try as much as you can to save.” Muheebwa said.
The Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, challenged Clergy to embrace servant leadership and abandon what he described as the “I don’t care” attitude that leaves Parishes stagnant or worse than they were before.
Prof Mushengyezi reminded the Church leaders that positions should not be for self-serving ambitions but for transforming communities and strengthening the mission of the Church.
“Some leaders take a laissez-faire approach, which many call the ‘I don’t care’ attitude. You inherit a parish and leave it the same or even worse. That is not the spirit of a servant of the Lord,” Prof Mushengyezi said.
The UCU Vice Chancellor further called for innovativeness, teamwork, and a commitment to doing things differently in order to drive change.
“Things cannot remain the same. Something must change during your time, the clergy must cultivate a mission-driven mindset that adds value to institutions and communities,” He emphasized.
Rev Canon Dr John Senyonyi who spoke during the same Conference reminded Clergy about the importance of family.
“Your authentic sermon is with your family, not in church or when doing your ministry. If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” He questioned.
Dr Ssenyonyi also urged Clergy to spend quality time with their families to pray, play, plan and live together.
The Chaplain of Uganda Christian University, Rev Canon Eng Paul Sembiro, emphasized the necessity of spiritual health:
“A shepherd who neglects his spiritual health risks leading his or her flock astray,” He said.
Sharing about the Clergy’s role in enhancing the philosophy of the Church in her Education institutions, the headteacher of Kings College Budo Canon John Fredrick Kaziibwe, challenged Clergy to revitalize Church-founded schools and called for deliberate engagement in building morals of the Church in these schools.
Canon Dr Ruth Ssenyonyi, the Chairperson of the Uganda AIDS Commission, commended Uganda’s progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS:
“Uganda has made tremendous progress in combating the HIV and AIDS epidemic over the past years. This progress is attributed to the strategic leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and consistent stewardship of faith leaders in the country.” Dr Ruth Ssenyonyi said.
She however, raised concern saying that six people still get infected with HIV every hour in Uganda, and adolescent girls and young women account for 78 percent of these infections which calls for urgent and consistent action.
Rev Simon Peter Ddembe Lya Yesu, the Director of Mission and Outreach in the Church of Uganda, noted that the conference was well attended and expressed optimism that the lessons learned would strengthen Clergy in their service.
“This conference has been a blessing. Clergy were enthusiastic and ready learn and network. We believe the teachings and experiences shared here will sharpen our clergy and equip them to defend, pastor, nurture, and disciple the flock of God,” He said.
During the Conference, over 500 Clergy graduated with a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, awarded by Church Transformation Network (CTN).
According to the Church of Uganda Communications Officer Sadiiki Adams, Uganda Christian University launched the construction of the Thornycroft Chapel, which will seat over 1,000 people and the function which was held on the sidelines of the All Clergy Conference was officiated by Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu vy presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony.
The Uganda Christian University Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration, David Mugawe, revealed that the construction of the Chapel will begin on 1st October 2025, with the first phase projected to cost Ugx 3.5 billion.
