By Ben Musanje
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has announced a leadership transition following the unanimous election of Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Antony Zziwa as its new Chairperson for the 2026–2029 term.
According to a press statement released on June 23, 2026, Bishop Zziwa, who also serves as Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Catholic Diocese and Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, will take over leadership of the council following the conclusion of the tenure of The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
The IRCU Council of Presidents noted that Archbishop Kazimba’s term had come to a natural end after years of service at the helm of the interfaith body, which brings together major religious institutions in Uganda to promote peace, unity and social development.
The Council expressed appreciation for Archbishop Kazimba’s leadership, describing his tenure as one marked by dedication to dialogue, national cohesion and moral guidance. It also extended congratulations to Bishop Zziwa, wishing him success in steering the council’s mission of fostering a Godly, peaceful, united and prosperous Uganda.
The leadership change at IRCU comes at a time when the Church of Uganda itself is preparing for a broader transition that will see Archbishop Kazimba and six diocesan bishops retire on August 14, 2027, in line with the Church’s constitutional retirement age of 65 years.
The announcement was earlier made during a Christmas Day address by the Church’s communications officer, Sadiiki Adams, who informed worshippers at Kancerere Church of Uganda in Kinkiizi Diocese that preparations for the leadership change were already underway.
Archbishop Kazimba, who assumed office in March 2020 as the ninth Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, has been widely recognized for his emphasis on accountability, unity and social responsibility within the Church.
During his tenure, he has been vocal on issues of governance, morality and national cohesion, positioning the Church as a strong voice in matters of public concern, including elections and social justice.
He also led the Church through the difficult COVID-19 pandemic period, during which religious gatherings, education and pastoral work had to be restructured under strict health guidelines. His leadership during that time was credited with maintaining spiritual support and institutional stability.
According to church officials, the bishops due for retirement alongside Archbishop Kazimba include the Bishop of Kinkiizi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka; Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sheldon Mwesigwa; and Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, among others. All are expected to retire upon reaching the mandatory age stipulated in the Church of Uganda constitution.
In preparation for the transition, Archbishop Kazimba has embarked on farewell visits to various dioceses across the country, where he has been meeting clergy and Christians as part of his final pastoral engagements. The bishops due for retirement are also expected to undertake similar visits within their dioceses.
Church officials have also confirmed that preparations for the election of new delegates to the Provincial Assembly, the Church of Uganda’s highest decision-making organ, will begin in 2026. The assembly plays a central role in shaping doctrine, governance and leadership appointments within the Church.
Leadership transitions in the Church of Uganda are traditionally viewed as significant national events due to the Church’s influence in education, healthcare and public discourse. Its leadership often plays an important role in shaping moral and civic conversations in the country.
In recent months, Archbishop Kazimba has also urged bishops, clergy and Christians to plan for retirement early, emphasizing the importance of financial preparedness. He made the remarks during the launch of the Church of Uganda Retirement Fund at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe, a scheme designed to support retired clergy and church workers who have historically faced financial challenges after service.
As part of his farewell engagements, the Archbishop recently visited North West Ankole Diocese, where he commended Bishop Amos Magezi for his leadership and development work. He also encouraged Christians to remain faithful stewards of church resources and to uphold unity during times of transition.
With the leadership change at IRCU and the approaching retirement of senior bishops in 2027, both the interfaith and Anglican communities are entering a period of significant transition that is expected to shape Uganda’s religious landscape in the coming years. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
