By Our Reporters
Political bickering will soon commence in the top echelons of Church of Uganda (CoU) as the search for Archbishop Stanley Ntagali’s successor commences. Its official Ntagali, who years ago replaced Henry Luke Orombi, will after 12 months not be eligible to occupy office on the account of age. He has to vacate at 65 years which he will be attaining in the next 12 months.
In fact in his Easter homily, Ntagali revealed this was his last Easter celebration as the big man for the CoU Province. He was preaching at All Saints Cathedral during the Easter Sunday service. “I’m about to make 65 years. Our CoU Constitution says once you make 65 you don’t add even a day. You retire immediately,” Ntagali said thanking Christians for the support they have accorded him in his close to 40 years of ministry work. He asked Christians to pray for Uganda specifically against ills like corruption, violence, conflict and land grabbing. “Our country is faced with many challenges like corruption, murders and land grabbing. Our neighboring countries are in conflicts. We need to pray and preach the message of Christ’s resurrection,” Ntagali said.
Ntagali, whose exit will most likely attract nasty competition as has always been the case, was consecrated Archbishop CoU on 16th December 2012 at the conclusion of Orombi’s tour of duty. He is now destined to respect the CoU Constitution and bow out on 1st March 2020. Indeed CoU leaders last August converged at UCU Mukono for their 24th provincial assembly and reflected on the need to commence planning so as to have enough time to ensure a smooth transition from Ntagali to the next Archbishop. Before ascending the top office, Ntagali served as pioneer Bishop for the Anglican diocese of Masindi Kitara.
NEW APPOINTMENT
In a related development, Ntagali has appointed Rev Stanley Origye as the new Chaplain for the office of the Archbishop. Origye, who Ntagali says he chose after significant spiritual consideration, is replacing
Rev Hosea Odongo who at the beginning of this year was elevated to the office of Bishop for Soroti Dioceses. Currently undergoing orientation, Rev Odongo will be enthroned as new Soroti Bishop on 16th June. He will be the diocese’ 6th Bishop and his consecration ceremony will be held at St Peter’s Cathedral which is the headquarters of Soroti Dioceses. As Archbishop, Ntagali has directly been overseeing Soroti Diocese as caretaker since the July 2018 retirement of Rt Rev Bishop George William Erwau. (For comments, email us on mulengera2040@gmail.com).
