Elections 2026: Archbishop Kaziimba urges Ugandans to prioritise peace and nation-building
With Uganda’s 2026 general elections drawing near, the Archbishop urged citizens to embrace unity, prayer, and peaceful coexistence.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), His Grace Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu speaking during UCU’s 26th Graduation Ceremony (Part II) held at the main campus in Mukono on Thursday, October 24. (Photos by Eric Yiga)
________________
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), His Grace Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called upon Ugandans, especially young graduates, to champion peace, integrity, and service as they step into their professional and personal lives.
Speaking during UCU’s 26th Graduation Ceremony (Part II) held at the main campus in Mukono, Archbishop Kaziimba, earlier today ( October 24), reminded the congregation that education is not merely an academic pursuit, but a divine calling to transform society through faith and action.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), His Grace Dr Stephen Samu and Dr Felix Theonougrahan, President of Western Theological Seminary Michigan, USA. 
Some of the graduands after receiving their Degree.
With Uganda’s 2026 general elections drawing near, the Archbishop urged citizens to embrace unity, prayer, and peaceful coexistence.
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the active presence of justice, respect, and love for one another,” he said.
“Let our words heal, not wound. Let our actions unite, not divide.”
Quoting Matthew 5:9, Archbishop Kaziimba encouraged graduates to become “ambassadors of peace” wherever they go, adding that Uganda’s future depends not only on its leaders but on the collective commitment of its citizens to live in harmony.
The Archbishop described the graduation as a celebration of both academic excellence and God’s faithfulness, highlighting UCU’s mission of equipping students for holistic lives of service.
He commended the guest of honour, Reverend Professor Phyllis Fionnugraha, President of Western Theological Seminary (WTS) in the United States, for her institution’s enduring partnership with UCU.
“Western Theological Seminary remains a beacon of theological education and spiritual formation,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
“I am deeply honoured to be an alumnus of this great institution, where I earned both my Master’s and Doctoral degrees.”
He noted that many Ugandan clergy who trained at WTS are now faithfully serving in various dioceses across the country.
Archbishop Kaziimba praised UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi and his team for advancing academic excellence and infrastructure development through the Campus Transformation Initiative, which has significantly improved the university’s learning environment.
He also applauded the success of UCU Sunday, an annual Church of Uganda initiative that mobilises financial support for the university.
The Archbishop urged parishes to remit their contributions promptly to sustain the formation of future clergy, teachers, and professionals who serve both church and nation.
University achievements
In his report, Prof. Mushengyezi highlighted the university’s growing contribution to national development, particularly in maternal and newborn health. Through partnerships with hospitals such as Mukono General, Tororo General, and Amolatar’s Amai Community Hospital, UCU has supported the expansion of maternity wards and neonatal care facilities.
“At Mukono General Hospital, we are helping to double delivery capacity from three to six beds, improving safe and dignified maternal care,” he said.
He also cited achievements across various faculties, including international research collaborations, engineering innovations, agricultural projects, and award-winning student filmmakers from the School of Journalism, Media, and Communication.
Representing the University Council, Right Reverend Professor Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese, reaffirmed UCU’s mission to produce graduates who are academically excellent, morally upright, and spiritually grounded.
“In a world marked by moral compromise and corruption, may you, our graduates, shine as examples of integrity, compassion, and servant leadership,” Bishop Olwa’s message, read by Barbara Senkatuka, the Council’s Vice Chairperson, stated.
He urged graduates to view their degrees not just as certificates but as commissions to serve and lead with humility and faith.
This year’s graduation theme — “Excellence in Learning: Wisdom, Integrity, and Faith for Service” — underscored UCU’s commitment to nurturing leaders who embody Christian values in every sphere of life.
Concluding his message, Archbishop Kaziimba likened the graduates to Nehemiah, urging them to rebuild and restore their communities with courage and conviction.
“Like Nehemiah, our graduates have built something meaningful, brick by brick, through prayer, discipline, and perseverance,” he said.
“Go forth as modern Nehemiahs — rebuild communities, restore hope, and stand firm in your convictions.”
The colourful ceremony saw hundreds of students conferred with degrees and diplomas across various disciplines, marking yet another milestone in UCU’s legacy as a centre of excellence in the heart of Africa.
Dr Felix Theonougrahan, the President of Western Theological Seminary, Michigan, USA, encouraged graduates to embrace the opportunities of a rapidly connected and technologically advanced world, while also acknowledging its challenges.