The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on Ugandans to remain anchored in Christ as a foundation for unity, stability, and peace.
Most Reverand Kazimba Mugalu revealed a number of national and social concerns including rising substance abuse among young people, post-election reconciliation, refugee welfare, environmental conservation, and church development initiatives.
Delivering his Easter 2026 message on April 2 at the Provincial Secretariat, the Archbishop noted that Easter remains the most significant celebration in the Christian faith because it commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, events that he said represent humanity’s liberation from sin and death.
Quoting from the Bible in the book of John, Kaziimba reminded Christians of the central message of Easter and the challenge it poses to believers.
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me though he may die he shall live, and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” the Archbishop said, urging Christians to reflect deeply on the meaning of Christ’s resurrection.
Kaziimba explained that the Church of Uganda’s theme for 2026, “Anchored in Christ for Unity Stability and Peace,” drawn from the biblical passage in Ephesians 2:14–17, calls on believers to place their identity, strength, and direction in Christ.
According to the Archbishop, the message is especially relevant in today’s society because Christ’s death and resurrection offer the only lasting foundation for reconciliation, unity, and social harmony.
“To be anchored in Christ therefore is to find our identity strength and direction in Christ alone. It is a call for the Church and all believers to live in reconciliation, to promote harmony in society, and to remain steadfast in faith knowing that in Christ all divisions are overcome and a new united community is formed,” he said.
Call for National Unity and Reconciliation
Kaziimba also spoke about the need for continued reconciliation and unity in the country following recent general elections.
He revealed that religious leaders working under the Inter Religious Council of Uganda, together with other state and non-state actors, have been actively engaged in promoting dialogue and reconciliation aimed at preserving peace and stability in the country.
The Archbishop said these engagements have already begun yielding encouraging results.
“Uganda does not belong to any single political party. It belongs to all of us. It is therefore our collective responsibility to safeguard and preserve Uganda,” he said.
He further encouraged Ugandans to treat the national and regional anthems as prayers that reflect the country’s aspirations for unity and divine guidance.
According to Kaziimba, the Uganda National Anthem and the East African Anthem carry powerful messages of unity and peace that should inspire citizens to remain committed to building a stable and harmonious society.
Refugees and Regional Stability
The Archbishop also addressed the humanitarian situation of refugees in Uganda, noting that the country currently hosts more than two million refugees from neighboring states affected by conflict and instability.
He said Uganda’s continued hospitality toward refugees reflects the country’s compassion and solidarity with those facing hardship.
Kaziimba recounted his recent visit to the Nakivale Refugee Settlement where he delivered food relief items mobilized by the Church of Uganda.
The Archbishop said his interaction with refugees, especially children, highlighted the urgent need for sustained peace and stability in the region.
“The human suffering in our midst is real. We cannot function well in unstable environments. We must pray and work against anything and anybody that causes socio-economic instability and restlessness to our neighbors and us,” he said.
Participation in Global Anglican Meetings
Kaziimba also briefed Christians on his recent participation in the Global Anglican Future Conference 2026 held in Abuja Nigeria from March 3 to March 6.
The conference brought together 347 Anglican bishops and 121 clergy and lay leaders from 27 provinces across the global Anglican Communion.
According to the Archbishop, the gathering focused on strengthening Anglican doctrine, governance, and global mission.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the transition of the GAFCON Primates Council into the Global Anglican Council, a new leadership body expected to provide spiritual and strategic oversight for the communion.
He welcomed the election of Laurent Mbanda as Chair of the Global Anglican Council, Miguel Uchôa as Deputy Chair, and Paul Donison as General Secretary.
Following the conference, the Archbishop travelled to Cairo where he attended a meeting of the Anglican Relief and Development Fund, where he serves as a trustee.
He commended the organization for supporting humanitarian and development programs in Uganda including emergency response assistance in Nakivale and the construction of a medical facility in Sebei Diocese aimed at addressing the problem of female genital mutilation.
Kaziimba also revealed that the organization has committed funding for the construction of the Maama Kaziimba health facility in Madudu in Mukono Diocese, whose first phase is expected to be commissioned later this year.
Rising Concern Over Youth Substance Abuse
A major concern highlighted in the Archbishop’s Easter message was the growing problem of drug and alcohol abuse among young people in Uganda.
Kaziimba warned that studies indicate that more than 70 percent of Ugandan adolescents have experimented with drugs or alcohol, a trend he described as deeply troubling.
“The rising tide of substance abuse among our youth is deeply concerning. It threatens their health, education, and spiritual well-being,” he said.
To address the challenge, the Church of Uganda has introduced a Drug Prevention Training Manual for church-founded schools and universities.
The manual provides guidance to school administrators, chaplains, teachers, and parents on how to handle prevention, counseling, and rehabilitation efforts among students affected by drug use.
Kaziimba called on all dioceses, parishes, and Christians across the country to actively participate in efforts aimed at protecting young people.
“Let us commit ourselves to safeguarding the wellbeing and future of our young people. Let Christ be their anchor, not drugs,” he said.
Environmental Conservation Efforts
The Archbishop also announced a nationwide environmental conservation campaign launched by the Church of Uganda aimed at restoring ecosystems and promoting environmental stewardship.
The initiative seeks to plant 15 million trees across the country, with each diocese expected to plant at least 385000 trees within a two-year period.
Kaziimba said the campaign is rooted in biblical teaching that calls on humanity to care for and protect God’s creation.
He explained that the initiative will help restore degraded landscapes, mitigate climate change, and safeguard livelihoods for future generations.
Church Development Projects
Kaziimba also updated Christians on the progress of the Zimba Lweza project, a development initiative aimed at expanding the Lweza Training and Conference Centre.
During a recent thanksgiving service organized by the Directorate of Household and Community Transformation, funds were mobilized to support construction of modern accommodation and conference facilities at the center.
The Archbishop expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for pledging two billion shillings through the Vice President toward the project.
He said the Church remains committed to completing the development in order to support community transformation and socio-economic programs.
Digital Systems for Church Administration
The Church of Uganda is also developing a new Management Information System aimed at improving service delivery, accountability, and operational efficiency.
The system is being developed with support from Hamilton Telecom, the parent company of PaxTel.
Kaziimba said the digital platform will complement the Church’s existing Land Information System to strengthen the management of church assets, particularly land, while improving communication and coordination across dioceses.
He also encouraged Christians to consider using PaxTel services including calls, internet connectivity, and mobile money transfers through PaxSente.
Easter Blessings to the Nation
In his concluding remarks, Kaziimba called on Ugandans to reflect on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection while remaining anchored in faith as a source of hope and unity.
He extended Easter blessings to national leaders including President Museveni, members of parliament, the judiciary, security forces, cultural leaders, church leaders, and Christians across Uganda.
The Archbishop also conveyed Easter greetings to Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Pentecostal believers as well as Christians across the global Anglican communion.
“Through His resurrection we are called to live in harmony with one another and to find lasting strength and assurance in Him,” he said.
He urged Ugandans to celebrate Easter by embracing reconciliation, unity, and faith, noting that Christ’s resurrection offers hope and direction for both individuals and the nation.