By Moses Lokeris
The outgoing Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has started his farewell pastoral visit in Karamoja Sub-region with North Karamoja Diocese.
Archbishop Kazimba, who has served as the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda since 2020, is set to retire in August 2027.
As part of his retirement programme, he is conducting farewell pastoral visits to dioceses across the country to thank Christians for their support during his tenure.
Archbishop Kaziimba arrived in North Karamoja Diocese on Monday and was welcomed at Chamkok trading, which is at the border between Kotido and Abim districts by a delegation of cheerful Clerics, Christians and Political leaders who sung songs of worship and praise.
The delegation was led by the North Karamoja Diocese Bishop Rev. Simon Aisu Akol and the Kotido LCV Chairperson Paul Komol Lote.
Komol Lote warmly welcomed the Archbishop and his entourage to North Karamoja.
He expressed joy for the Archbishop’s visit and prayed for God’s protection over him during his stay in Kotido.
Upon his arriving in Kotido town around 4:00 p.m., the Archbishop was ushered to Christ Church Cathedral, where he was warmly welcomed by a delegation of clerics, including the Bishop of Kotido Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu Lokut, and enthusiastic Christians.
In his welcome remarks, Bishop Simon Aisu of North Karamoja highlighted that the hundreds of Christians gathered to receive the Archbishop demonstrated their deep love and respect for him as their Shepherd.
Addressing the Christians, Archbishop Kaziimba commended the Bishop of North Karamoja, local leaders, and the Christian community for their warm reception.
The Archbishop also expressed sympathy for the people of Karamoja regarding the ongoing hunger situation.
However, the Archbishop thanked Bishop Dominic and Bishop Aisu for their collaborative efforts toward the betterment of Karamoja.
According to Bishop Rt. Rev. Aisu, the Archbishop, will today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, officially flag off the emergency food relief distribution at the diocesan headquarters at 9:30 a.m
He added that the food is meant for 135 selected households in Lokochil Cell in Kotido Central division.
“After the launching the emergency food relief distribution, the Archbishop will then proceed to Christ Church Cathedral where he will lead a Holy Communion service, which will be followed by public speeches and presentation of gifts by the Mothers Union, Virtuous Women and Fathers Union followed by a special meeting with clergy and selected district dignitaries”, said Bishop Aisu.
Bishop Aisu added that after the meeting and his farewell ceremony, a delegation of clerics from Karamoja North Diocese will then escort the Archbishop and his entourage up to Napak-Moroto boundary where he will then proceed to Karamoja Diocese for a similar ministry
