Archival Sense
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has pushed back against growing criticism from civil society actors and political voices who have urged him to adopt a more confrontational stance on alleged human rights abuses in the country. His remarks have reignited a longstanding debate about the role of religious leaders in times of political strain, particularly in a nation with a fraught history of State excesses.
At the heart of the criticism lies a comparison many activists have drawn between Dr Kaziimba and the late Janani Luwum, the revered archbishop who was murdered in 1977 after openly condemning the brutalities of the regime of Idi Amin. For critics, Luwum represents a moral benchmark. An embodiment of fearless spiritual leadership in the face of tyranny. They argue that the current clergy, by contrast, have largely retreated into silence as reports of arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, torture, and restrictions on civil liberties continue to surface.
Dr Kaziimba, however, has rejected the notion that moral leadership must always manifest through public denunciation. Speaking in response to the criticism, he articulated a philosophy grounded in what he described as “quiet engagement,” arguing that meaningful influence is not always achieved through vocal confrontation.
Bishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu (image courtesy of The Independent Ug)
“You can do God’s work by approaching power with love, quietly,” he said. “You make an impact, but people who are shouting end up doing a lot of nothing. Not every time that we use one approach.”
His remarks suggest a deliberate preference for “behind the scenes” diplomacy. An approach that, while less visible, he insists is no less effective. The criticism gained renewed urgency following comments by the late Helen Nakimuli, while speaking during celebrations marking the 71st birthday of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II in Kampala, Nakimuli lamented what she described as a culture of silence among religious leaders in the face of alleged post election abuse of human rights.
“We shouldn’t allow our country to go down the wrong path,” she said. “Our country is heading in the wrong direction, but people are silent, including religious leaders. They wonder whether they will be given cars by the government if they speak against the human rights violations. Let’s speak truth to power, for our rewards are in heaven.”
Nakimuli’s remarks resonated widely, particularly among opposition supporters and rights advocates who have accused the State of targeting dissenting voices following President Yoweri Museveni’s January 15 electoral victory. Allegations of abductions, enforced disappearances, and illegal detentions have continued to dominate public discourse, with critics warning that such practices risk eroding the country’s democratic foundations.
Source - Daily Monitor
At the heart of the criticism lies a comparison many activists have drawn between Dr Kaziimba and the late Janani Luwum, the revered archbishop who was murdered in 1977 after openly condemning the brutalities of the regime of Idi Amin. For critics, Luwum represents a moral benchmark. An embodiment of fearless spiritual leadership in the face of tyranny. They argue that the current clergy, by contrast, have largely retreated into silence as reports of arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, torture, and restrictions on civil liberties continue to surface.
Dr Kaziimba, however, has rejected the notion that moral leadership must always manifest through public denunciation. Speaking in response to the criticism, he articulated a philosophy grounded in what he described as “quiet engagement,” arguing that meaningful influence is not always achieved through vocal confrontation.
Bishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu (image courtesy of The Independent Ug)
“You can do God’s work by approaching power with love, quietly,” he said. “You make an impact, but people who are shouting end up doing a lot of nothing. Not every time that we use one approach.”
His remarks suggest a deliberate preference for “behind the scenes” diplomacy. An approach that, while less visible, he insists is no less effective. The criticism gained renewed urgency following comments by the late Helen Nakimuli, while speaking during celebrations marking the 71st birthday of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II in Kampala, Nakimuli lamented what she described as a culture of silence among religious leaders in the face of alleged post election abuse of human rights.
“We shouldn’t allow our country to go down the wrong path,” she said. “Our country is heading in the wrong direction, but people are silent, including religious leaders. They wonder whether they will be given cars by the government if they speak against the human rights violations. Let’s speak truth to power, for our rewards are in heaven.”
Nakimuli’s remarks resonated widely, particularly among opposition supporters and rights advocates who have accused the State of targeting dissenting voices following President Yoweri Museveni’s January 15 electoral victory. Allegations of abductions, enforced disappearances, and illegal detentions have continued to dominate public discourse, with critics warning that such practices risk eroding the country’s democratic foundations.
Source - Daily Monitor
