By Ivan Naijuka
The Diocese of Kampala held a pivotal Synod session on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala, during which delegates elected new leadership, received key ministry updates, and approved a series of strategic resolutions to strengthen the Diocese’s governance and mission.
The Synod was chaired by The Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda who is also the Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, who commended members for their dedication to the work of God.
In the elections conducted during the Synod, the House of Clergy elected Rev. Canon David Serunjoji as the Chairperson House of Clergy, while the House of Laity chose Prof. Elizabeth Kukunda Bacwayo as the new Diocesan Head of Laity.
In his remarks, the Archbishop officially welcomed Rt. Rev. Jackson Frederick Baalwa to the Synod as the 5th Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala. He also announced that Rev. Canon Francis Omond, a Canon of All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala, had been elected Bishop of the Diocese of Galisa in Kenya.
In a moment of reflection and thanksgiving, Archbishop Kaziimba expressed appreciation for the ministry of Rt. Rev. Hannington Mutebi, the retired Assistant Bishop, and Mrs. Meramb Gaamuuwa, former Diocesan Treasurer. He further commended Rev. Canon John Awodi, the Diocesan Secretary, who is due to retire at the end of August 2025, for his faithful service to the Diocese.
The Synod passed several resolutions to guide the Diocese’s continued growth and effective ministry:
- Approval of the fourth Archdeaconry and renaming.
The Synod approved the establishment of the fourth Archdeaconry and to permanently stay at the selected parishes. The approved naming of four archdeaconries:
- All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala Deanery
- St. John’s Makerere Archdeaconry
- St. Stephen’s Kisugu Archdeaconry
- St. Luke’s Ntinda Archdeaconry
- Senior Staff Management Committee. The formation of a Senior Staff Management Committee was approved. However, the Synod referred the clarification of its roles, alongside those of the Staff Welfare Board, to the Diocesan Council.
- Strategic Plan Oversight
A committee will be established to oversee the formulation and implementation of the Diocesan Strategic Plan.
- Clergy Training for North Karamoja. The Synod supported this initiative and referred it to the Commission on Training for detailed planning and implementation.
- Constitutional Review. All matters related to the constitutional review were referred to the Provincial Constitution Review Committee for finalization.
- Church Licensing for Weddings. The Synod directed that churches currently not licensed to officiate weddings should actively seek licensing to regularize the conduct of such services.
- Pension Plan Project. A new pension plan project was approved as an income-generating initiative to support retired clergy and to fund the Diocese’s Prison and Hospital Ministries.
- Staff Welfare Measures. The Synod approved the establishment of a Provident Fund for lay staff and reaffirmed its commitment to NSSF and gratuity benefits for clergy.
The Synod concluded in a renewed spirit of unity and purpose, reaffirming the Diocese’s commitment to its vision of becoming a Christ-Centred, Self-Sustaining Church.