LWEZA- It was a joyful occasion on Wednesday morning as retired Bishops of Church of Uganda, along with their spouses and the widows of late Bishops, gathered at Lweza Training and Conference Centre for their two-day residential retreat.
The retreat began with a Holy Communion Service, with the Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, as the Main Celebrant and Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, the Bishop of Lango Diocese, as the Preacher.
Archbishop Kaziimba, who officially opened the retreat after the Holy Communion Service, highlighted its key objectives.
“This retreat was organized for our seniors in ministry to reconnect, fellowship, for us to seek their advice and guidance, and to support each other. Many have retired and been far apart from one another. We believe it’s a very good opportunity to meet again and make important reflections,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He added, “This retreat is also an opportunity for us to account to them because they handed over to us. They need to be updated on where the Church stands, such as the completion of the Church House debt, which many of them laid the foundation for, the development of the Uganda Martyrs Anglican Site in Namugongo, Family TV, our stand against homosexuality, among other issues.”
Archbishop Kaziimba, who visited all incumbent and retired Bishops and widows of late Bishops during the COVID-19 pandemic in two weeks, expressed his happiness that retired Bishops are still concerned about the governance of the Church and are always keeping it in their prayers.
“When I visited all of them in their homes within two weeks, it was risky, but I gained a lot of knowledge from them. In this retreat, we have lined up a number of speakers on health, spirituality, and responsible living in retirement,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
Retired Bishops Speak Out
Bishop William Rukirande, 92, the former Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, shared his experience in retirement, stating that he is actively engaged in farming and writing.
Rt Rev Eng. George Bagamuhunda, the retired Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi and representative of retired Bishops in the House of Bishops urged retired Bishops to live within their means and plan for the little resources they have.
Bishop Zebedee Masereka, the retired Bishop of South Ruwenzori Diocese, attributed his peaceful retirement to his wife, whom he credited for rearing chicken, growing mushrooms, managing fish ponds, and operating their family clinic in Kasese Town. He also disclosed that he is a Special Presidential Assistant for the Western Region.
Over 70 participants including retired Bishops, their spouses and widows of retiredBishops are in attendance. The next retreat has been scheduled to take place in July 2025.
