Nakasero, Kampala— The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged the Government to reconsider its decision to suspend allowances for medical interns, arguing that the young health professionals play a critical role in Uganda’s healthcare system.
Archbishop Kaziimba made the remarks on Sunday while presiding over the ordination and installation service of Deacons, a Priest, and Canons at All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala.
Questioning the Government’s priorities, the Archbishop criticized the decision to halt the allowances while substantial funds were allocated for other expenditures.
“You cannot say that you have Shs158 billion to purchase cars for Members of Parliament and then claim that you do not have Shs28 billion to pay medical interns’ allowances, with the excuse that it would crush the economy. By the way, doctors are rarely in the hospitals. It is the medical interns who are everywhere doing the donkey work,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
The Archbishop also called on Ugandans to support health workers as they continue to combat the Ebola outbreak. He urged the public to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Health to help contain the spread of the disease.
During the service, seven candidates were ordained as Deacons, one was priested, while two clergy canons and one lay canon were installed.
The clergy canons installed were Rev. Dr. Henry Majwala as Canon for Administration and Management and Rev. Emmanuel Kalagala as Canon for Ministerial Formation and Clergy Welfare.
Rev. Canon Dr. Henry Majwala serves as the Diocesan Secretary of the Diocese of Kampala, while Rev. Canon Emmanuel Kalagala is the Archdeacon of Kisugu Archdeaconry.
The Provincial Fathers’ Union President, Mr. Samuel Bakutana, was installed as Lay Canon for Men’s Ministry.
Preaching under the theme, “Anchored in Christ for Faithful Stewardship,” the retreat leader and Dean of All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala, The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye, reminded Christians that faithful stewardship begins with being firmly rooted in Christ and recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God.
She encouraged believers to support the Church’s ministry by ensuring decent accommodation and welfare for clergy, while also according them the respect due to servants of God. Dr. Nyegenye further cautioned Christians against judging clergy based on their past lives, emphasizing that their sins have been forgiven through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Addressing the newly installed canons and clergy, Dr. Nyegenye challenged them to lead exemplary lives and serve as role models to the congregations under their care. She urged them to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and faithful stewardship of the resources entrusted to them, noting that Christian leaders are called to reflect Christ in both their public ministry and private conduct.
