MUKONO.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda , Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has cautioned priests against fighting for titles instead of focusing on their goals and direction.
Speaking during the Provincial All Clergy Conference 2025 at Uganda Christian University on Tuesday where over 300 religious leaders attended, Archbishop Kaziimba cautioned that getting swept up in titles and public recognition can lead to loss of focus thus failing them to fulfill their purpose as expected.
“I see clergy fighting for titles; they want to be called Reverend Canon. It’s not about the title, but about your commitment to God, your universe, and about tapping into the good shepherd, our God,” he said
He said some priests preach better summons than a Canon “ I know many clergy who are preaching better than other Bishops, so it is not about titles, it is about your connection to the source of blessing to God,” the prelate emphasized
The Archbishop also warned the religious leaders against partisan politics saying as clergy they are supposed to accommodate all people from different political sheds .
‘If you decide to take direction for elective positions, then go through procedures, first retire from priestly duties and join politics,’ he said .
He asked also politicians to respect each other because everybody is important in society .
Rev. Canon William Ongeng, from the provincial secretary Church of Uganda, urged the Christian leaders against politicking, noting that it may disorganise the peace of the flock.
“The clergy are neutral and should not show their political colours openly, they should not allow politics in their churches,” he said ,adding
“We have received cases of priests being sponsored by politicians to fight against other leaders. This is very bad and is not a characteristic of a shepherd.”
The Vice Chancellor of UCU, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, said that as a church, they must be self-reliant and use the resources available because even the outside world they used to run to, they are out of funds.
He called on priests to be transformational leaders in society.