Namirembe, Kampala – The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has met with the leadership of the Pastors’ Children Network (PK Network) and pledged to support their inclusion in the governance structures of the Church.
The meeting, held today at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe, focused on strengthening fellowship among clergy and lay readers children and empowering them to play an active role in the life and mission of the Church.
Archbishop Kaziimba urged the pastors’ children to embrace their identity and divine calling with confidence, describing it as a blessing rather than a burden.
“The Lord is calling each one of you to be the salt and light of the world. Sometimes, clergy children hide or shy away from this identity because of how society views them. Others feel the weight of expectations that they must be perfect. But being a pastor’s child is a blessing; you are part of the mission field God has already prepared,” he said.
He added, “You are children of clergy, and I know it is not always an easy journey. My own grandfather, Simeon Kaziimba was a Lay Reader, and the children in that family did not become clergy, but here I am, his grandson, today, by the grace of God, serving as Archbishop. God’s call is unique and often surprising,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by pastors’ children, including frequent relocations, social expectations, and financial constraints.
“You move often because of your parents’ transfers, you have to make new friends wherever you go, and sometimes you host guests when there is very little food at home. These experiences shape your character. Have patience and perseverance—these are the tools God uses to mold great leaders,” he encouraged.
Archbishop Kaziimba pledged to advocate for their inclusion in the governance structures of Church of Uganda for them to have formal recognition. He called upon every diocese to recognize and support Pastors’ Children Networks within their structures, noting that such fellowships strengthen families and the Church at large.
He also urged them to love, encourage, and pray for their parents in ministry, reminding them that their support brings comfort and joy to those called to serve.
Ordinand Shem Kimera, President of the Pastors’ Children Network, explained that the Network was established to unite children of clergy and lay readers within the Church of Uganda, providing a platform to share experiences, support one another, and contribute to the transformation of the Church.
He reaffirmed the Network’s mission to mobilize pastors’ children into a united and productive team committed to building the Kingdom of God, and its vision to raise a dedicated generation that promotes holistic transformation within the Church.
Kimera highlighted the Network’s achievements, including contributing to the care of COVID-19 patients at Mengo Hospital, donating clerical shirts to clergy in Karamoja Diocese, and supporting the construction of Diocesan Pension Houses in Mityana and Mukono Dioceses and Mukono team supporting in the construction of churches and welfare of the ministers.
He revealed that the Network is also planning to establish a SACCO to promote financial empowerment, savings, and mentorship among members.
Rev. Canon Dr Paul Kakooza, the Director of Education Services noted that Church of Uganda founded Universities like Uganda Christian University and Ndejje University already have Scholarships for Clergy and Clergy and lay leaders’ children and pledged to lobby through the Universities leadership forum more scholarships to respond to the Pastors’ Children Network appeal for education scholarships.
Rev. Canon Simon Peter Ddembelya Yesu the Director of Mission and Outreach and Rev. Richard Rukundo, the Coordinator for Children’s Ministry attended the meeting.
