Mbarara- Church of Uganda’s 9th Provincial Annual Youth and Students Convention (PAYSCO) 2025 has kicked off today at Mbarara High School, hosted by Bishop Stuart University, with the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, urging young people to shun violence and instead become agents of peace, dialogue, and reconciliation as the country moves toward the 2026 General Elections.
The convention, taking place under the theme “Leadership That Imitates God’s Goodness” (Galatians 6:9), has attracted more than 900 youth leaders from Dioceses across the Province.
Archbishop Kaziimba cautioned the youth against being used by political actors to fuel division, manipulation, or electoral violence. He emphasized that meaningful leadership must be grounded in truth, justice, and the pursuit of the common good. He encouraged young people to engage with the nation’s political processes with integrity, to make informed decisions, and to foster unity rather than division.
“Uganda needs a generation that rises above corruption, tribalism, misinformation, and selfish political schemes. Be the generation that transforms politics through service, not selfish gain; through principle, not power seeking. Your voice matters, use it to build, not break; to heal, not hurt,” he said.
The Archbishop also encouraged the youth to embrace creativity, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven living. He warned them against deceptive job opportunities, trafficking, and exploitative practices disguised as quick avenues to success, stressing that every young person’s dignity and destiny must be protected.
He called on them to develop skills in technology, agriculture, the arts, and other trades; seek mentorship; pursue legitimate opportunities for growth; and remain anchored in moral and spiritual values. He reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to empowering the youth through training, mentorship, and mission support, urging them to be courageous in service and responsible in their use of digital platforms.
Real estate business magnate Melvin Karuhanga, the CEO of Blue City Investments Ltd who was the Chief Guest at the opening, delivered a compelling testimony on his entrepreneurial journey of failure, resilience, and eventual success.
He underscored perseverance, trust, patience, meaningful networks, and personal branding as essential pillars for any young person aspiring to thrive. Karuhanga encouraged the youth to cultivate self-esteem, pray consistently, seek good mentors, live within their means, embrace discipline, prioritize physical health, and avoid destructive lifestyles including alcoholism, smoking, and sexual immorality. He advised them to read books that nourish personal development and character.
The Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, Bishop of Ankole Diocese and Dean of the Province, called upon the youth to embrace the core values of the East African Revival, emphasising repentance, integrity, and moral uprightness. He noted that spirituality remains central to educational excellence, pointing to Mbarara High School as a model institution where spiritual formation has contributed significantly to academic success and the shaping of morally upright leaders.
The Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe of South Ankole Diocese, who preached during the opening Holy Communion service at St. James Cathedral, Ruharo, encouraged the youth to be courageous, take up leadership roles, and pursue lives anchored in purpose and integrity. He reminded them that leadership begins with the willingness to serve and live honourably.
The Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon William Ongeng announced that PAYSCO will now be organized regionally across Church of Uganda, beginning with this year’s maiden regional hosting in Western region, and with Eastern region set to host the next edition in 2026. He commended the Directorate of Mission and Outreach under Rev. Canon Simon Peter Ddembe Lya Yesu, together with Rev. Emmanuel Koboi, the Provincial Youth and Students Coordinator, and the entire organizing committee for their effective mobilization, planning, and coordination that made the convention possible.
Upon his arrival in Ankole Diocese yesterday, Archbishop Kaziimba met with diocesan youth coordinators and provincial delegates during a dinner hosted by Bishop Stuart University. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Mugisha, commended the Archbishop for his unwavering commitment to youth development and expressed gratitude for choosing Bishop Stuart University to host PAYSCO 2025. He assured the Archbishop of the university’s full support to ensure a successful and memorable convention.
During the dinner, youth leaders appealed for formal recognition within the Church of Uganda’s administrative structures and advocated for the establishment of an independent youth Directorate. They noted differences across dioceses, where youth work is variously placed under Mission, Education, Household and Community Transformation, Mothers’ Union, and other departments, complicating coordination and visibility.
Throughout the convention, youth will engage with several church leaders and professionals on transformative topics. Speakers include Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe of South Ankole Diocese, Mr. Balaam Muheebwa (Provincial Treasurer of the Church of Uganda), Mr. Brian Muyunga (Executive Youth Secretary, All Africa Conference of Churches), Rev. Robinah Kunihira (HCT Coordinator – Ruwenzori Diocese), and Rev. Barbara Mugisha (Provincial Family Life Ministry Coordinator).
During today’s official opening ceremony, the Provincial Youth Logo was launched.
