Namirembe, Kampala – Diocesan Secretaries and Human Resource Officers from the 39 Dioceses of Church of Uganda have today converged at Namirembe Guest House for a one-day governance training aimed at strengthening leadership, human resource management, and alignment with the Church’s newly launched Vision 2030 Strategic Plan.
Speaking during the opening session, Ms. Jane Kigundu, the Human Resource Manager of Church of Uganda, underscored the significance of the governance training as a unified effort to build capacity, streamline administrative structures, and improve staff welfare across the Province.
“We are delighted to meet here as Diocesan Secretaries, Human Resource Officers, and staff from the Provincial Secretariat to discuss human resource and leadership matters in our Dioceses. This training comes at a crucial time when we have launched our new Strategic Plan – Vision 2030 – which guides us in governance, human resource management, and overall leadership,” Ms. Kigundu said.
She further emphasized the importance of harmonizing administrative structures in all Dioceses, addressing staff welfare and retirement benefits, and enhancing the service capacity of both clergy and laity.
“We believe the Church is one of the biggest employers in Uganda, and we must look at issues like capacity building, staff development, and proper alignment with the new administrative structure,” she said.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, officially opened the retreat, emphasizing servant leadership, integrity, and unity within the Church.
He reminded Diocesan leaders that their primary role is to support the formulation and implementation of policies that govern the Church’s operations.
He urged them to be diligent readers and researchers of all Church documents, stressing that informed leadership is essential for effective governance.
He called for emotional intelligence, particularly in managing conflict and crises within the Church. He further called for retirement planning, cautioning against dubious practices.
The Archbishop made a strong call for unity, reminding all Diocesan Secretaries and officers that Church of Uganda functions as one body. He warned against tendencies for Dioceses to act independently without regard for the Province, stressing that collaboration and collective commitment are vital for safeguarding the Church’s Vision.
The Provincial Secretary of Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, reminded participants about the Strategic Planning Framework launched on 31st March 2025 in Masaka and later disseminated virtually.
He emphasized that this framework provides a uniform guide for all Dioceses to develop and align their strategic plans with the Church’s overarching Vision 2030.
He expressed deep concern over the increasing number of petitions during the nomination of Bishops, describing the trend as alarming and a source of unnecessary unrest and division within the Church. He urged Diocesan leaders to approach the nomination process with prayer, transparency, and strict adherence to the Church’s constitution and Canons to avoid fueling conflict and weakening the unity of the Church of Christ.
Rev. Canon William Ongeng commended Dioceses that consistently respond promptly to official communication from the Provincial Secretariat, noting that such responsiveness reflects good governance. He encouraged other Dioceses to emulate this practice, emphasizing that timely communication is essential for the effective functioning of the Church’s structures.
He also reminded Diocesan secretaries to begin preparing for the 28th Provincial Assembly scheduled for August 2026 by convening their diocesan synods to nominate five representatives—namely the Bishop, one Clergy, one Laity, a Woman, and a Youth—and submit their names to the Provincial Secretariat no later than 31st May 2026. He further urged dioceses to submit names and CVs of professionals who can serve on the various Church of Uganda Boards.
The morning devotion was led by Rev. Canon. Dr. Paul Kakooza, Director of Education Services, who drew inspiration from 1 Thessalonians 2:1, Acts 16:19 and John 15:20.
He reminded participants that opposition and challenges are part of the Christian journey, just as Jesus faced resistance. He likened Church administrators to shock absorbers, bearing the weight of leadership from above and the pressure of expectations from below, and urged them to remain confident and faithful in their calling, trusting that God who called them will sustain them to the very end.
