MUKONO, Uganda — Seven bishops of the Church of Uganda are scheduled to retire next year, marking a significant leadership transition for the Anglican Church in Uganda.
The bishops were presented to the 28th Provincial Assembly by Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu at Uganda Christian University in Mukono.
The bishops scheduled to retire are:
- The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of Kampala Diocese
- Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka, Bishop of Kinkiizi Diocese
- Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, Bishop of Ankole Diocese
- Rt. Rev. Patrick Wakula, Bishop of Central Busoga Diocese
- Rt. Rev. John Wilson Nandaah, Bishop of Mbale Diocese
- Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of Kigezi Diocese
- Rt. Rev. Amos Magezi, Bishop of North West Ankole Diocese
Under the Church of Uganda’s retirement provisions, bishops retire upon reaching the prescribed retirement age of 65.
The seven bishops have already started farewell visits in their respective dioceses, giving them an opportunity to meet Christians and church leaders as they prepare to conclude their episcopal ministry.
The retirement of the six diocesan bishops will lead to the election of their successors. In a diocesan succession, a nominations committee is constituted to identify and recommend suitable candidates, after which the House of Bishops elects the new bishop in accordance with the Church’s provincial canons.
The process for choosing the Archbishop is different. The Archbishop is elected by the House of Bishops from among eligible bishops. The election is conducted by secret ballot, with the required majority determining the successful candidate.
The 2027 transition will therefore involve the election of six new diocesan bishops and a new Archbishop, although the election of a new bishop will also be required in the diocese whose bishop becomes Archbishop, depending on the circumstances of the transition.
Archbishop Kaziimba became Archbishop of the Church of Uganda in March 2020 and has served as the head of the province since then.
The transition is expected to bring a new generation of episcopal leaders to the Church of Uganda as the province prepares to continue its ministry under new leadership.
