By Sadiiki Adams
On Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, was the main celebrant at the Ash Wednesday service at the Parliament of Uganda.
During his sermon, he strongly condemned human rights violations in Uganda, particularly those perpetrated by security operatives. Using a vivid analogy, he remarked that even cows are not beaten the way Ugandans are caned by men in uniform in the Kawempe North by-election.
This was not the first time Archbishop Kaziimba has spoken out against human rights violations. His consistent advocacy reflects a multi-dimensional approach, one that intertwines faith, justice and social responsibility in addressing human rights violations.
During the 48th commemoration of Archbishop Janani Luwum in Mucwini, Kitgum District, on February 16th, 2025, Archbishop Kaziimba once again called for a just society and denounced human rights violations in the strongest terms possible. He called for the immediate release of veteran politician Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, emphasizing the need for him to access better medical attention. Additionally, he called for the release of all political prisoners stressing that justice and fairness and fairness must prevail in Uganda.
As the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Chairman of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), Archbishop Kaziimba has been at the forefront of advocating for human rights. Under his leadership, the Council of Presidents has actively engaged key stakeholders, including the President, Ministers, Prison Authorities, and the Uganda Police, on the state of human rights in the country.
He has consistently condemned the heavy-handedness of some security personnel, warning that such actions not only violate the dignity of Ugandans but also tarnish Uganda’s image both locally and internationally.
During the celebration marking five years of his episcopal ministry as the 9th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, in Namirembe, Archbishop Kaziimba reflected on his approach to human rights advocacy.
He emphasized that his strategy prioritizes meaningful dialogue and constructive engagement over public demonstrations or media-driven advocacy, which he believes can sometimes be manipulated for personal or political gain. He reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering commitment to advocacy that is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, one that seeks practical solutions, upholds the dignity of all Ugandans, and promotes justice while fostering peace and reconciliation.
Incidentally, this approach is not new in the Church of Uganda. As Margaret Ford recounts in her book “Janan Luwum the Twentieth Century Martyr”, the late Archbishop would often seek appointments with President Idi Amin Dada to lobby him to end human rights violations in Uganda.
However, not everyone agrees with his stand. Some critics question the call for forgiveness and reconciliation, especially when individuals feel they have done nothing wrong. While acknowledging these concerns, he remains steadfast in promoting dialogue as a pathway to lasting peace.
Even as he condemns brutality by security personnel, Archbishop Kaziimba has also urged those who confront security forces to exercise caution, an aspect of his message that some misunderstood.
He highlighted that some security personnel struggle with personal challenges, including mental illnesses, financial, and family problems, which can sometimes cause them to project their frustrations onto citizens. To address this, he advocates for improved welfare and training for security forces to reduce such incidents, all while maintaining his firm position that brutality must stop.
Archbishop Kaziimba navigates a delicate role, ministering to both the oppressor and the oppressed. This dual responsibility neither easy nor universally understood, often drawing criticism, especially on social media. Yet, despite these challenges, his commitment to advocating for human rights remains unshaken.
Some people out of ignorance of the efforts being made take to social media and attack the Archbishop and other Church leaders personally. Such hostility not only undermines their efforts but also promotes social stifle in society which is a recipe for unending conflict.
Let us remain focused on the pursuit of justice, human rights and freedom for all. Only through unity and meaningful discourse can we build a just and compassionate society.
The writer is the Communications Officer, Church of Uganda.
