Kampala, Uganda – The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has charged the clergy to remain non-partisan and avoid being used for defamation ahead of the 2026 elections.
The Archbishop delivered this message while speaking to a gathering of clergy men and women during the recently concluded All Clergy Conference 2025, held at the Uganda Christian University in Mukono District.
The conference, which carried the theme ‘The Good Shepherd and the Flock of God’, drew the participation of over 1,500 clergy members from across the country.
Its central focus was on the critical importance of innovative servant leadership in the core duties of defending, pastoring, nurturing, and discipling God’s flock.
Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu explicitly discouraged the clergy from seeking active elective political office, stating that such positions are fundamentally beneath their divine calling.
Instead, he implored them to dedicate themselves to preaching messages of hope, unity, and reconciliation while upholding the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.
He was unequivocal in his position, stating that any member of the clergy who feels compelled to enter the political arena must first resign from their ministerial duties.
“I discourage you from joining active elective politics because these positions are way below our calling, but rather, you should preach hope, unity, reconciliation and uphold integrity. But if you are to go, you should resign,” the Archbishop stated.
The Archbishop urged the clergy to strengthen children’s ministries, prioritize intentional discipleship programs, and embark on a mission to revitalize Church-founded schools to restore their historical reputation for academic and moral excellence.
Furthermore, he called for the embrace of environmental stewardship by incorporating the planting of a tree at every baptism service as a symbol of faith and a commitment to caring for God’s creation.
Archbishop Kaziimba reiterated that the fundamental role of the clergy is to serve as innovative, servant leaders who are wholeheartedly committed to the comprehensive care and spiritual growth of their congregations.