By BM
In a defining moment for Uganda’s ecclesiastical leadership, the Church of Uganda is mobilizing clergy from all 39 dioceses for a nationwide gathering aimed at renewing the Church’s vision and strengthening the future of ministry in the 21st century.
The All Clergy Conference (ACC), set to take place from 18th to 21st August 2025 at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono, will bring together hundreds of ordained leaders in a historic four-day summit designed to empower, equip, and encourage the shepherds of the Church.
The announcement was officially made by Rev. Canon William Ongeng, Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, who emphasized the strategic significance of the gathering.
“This is more than just a meeting, it is a sacred convocation,” said Rev. Ongeng.
“The Church of Uganda is entering a new season, and this conference is a pivotal moment to equip our clergy for spiritual leadership, personal renewal, and missional impact.”
Anchored in the biblical theme “The Good Shepherd and the Flock of God” (Ezekiel 34:1–31), the conference will be opened by His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, who will preach and preside at the opening Holy Communion service on Tuesday, 19th August at 8:00 a.m.
Empowering the Shepherds
This landmark summit will feature a dynamic lineup of keynote addresses, theological reflections, pastoral workshops, and strategic dialogues led by renowned church leaders, theologians, and professionals from Uganda and beyond.
Key sessions include:
- Rev. Prof. Samuel Luboga on Physical and Mental Health of a Shepherd
- Mr. Balaam Muheebwa, Provincial Treasurer, on Financial Planning and Retirement Preparedness
- Rt. Rev. Michael Okwii Esakhan, Bishop of Kumi Diocese, on Biblical Exposition of the Conference Theme
- Dr. Jerry Rueb on Making Discipleship the DNA of the 21st Century Church
- Dr. Habtamu Umer on Holistic Leader Development
- Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, Rev. Canon Paul Sembiro, and Canon John Fredrick Kazibwe on family, spiritual health, and the Church’s educational mission
A special graduation ceremony for PEN Certificate recipients will also be held, celebrating academic and pastoral advancement within the clergy.
A Time for Renewal and Reconnection
Beyond the sessions, the ACC will serve as a hub for spiritual renewal and strategic reconnection among the Church’s leadership.
Daily worship, prayer, sports, and evening fellowship gatherings will strengthen the communal life of clergy and provide space for reflection and encouragement.
Clergy will also engage with key institutional partners and stakeholders, including Uganda Christian University, Uganda AIDS Commission, Words of Hope Uganda, Stanbic Bank, Equity Bank, Liberty Insurance, and Child Evangelism Fellowship, to explore collaborative opportunities for ministry.
A Commissioning for the Next Chapter
The conference will culminate on Wednesday, 20th August, with a Holy Communion service and commissioning led by Archbishop Kaziimba, a symbolic sending out of Uganda’s clergy into the next phase of spiritual leadership and national transformation.
As the Church of Uganda boldly steps into this new season, Rev. Canon William Ongeng underscored the heart behind the conference:
“Our clergy are the frontline of the Gospel. This gathering is about restoring strength, rekindling calling, and renewing commitment. We are building for the future a future led by shepherds after God’s own heart.”
