By Jumah Kakomo
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on political leaders in Uganda and across the world to promote peace and unity as Christians prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Delivering his Easter message on Thursday in Namirembe, Archbishop Kaziimba urged leaders to avoid divisive rhetoric that could heighten tensions. Instead, he encouraged dialogue and mutual understanding, emphasizing that political competition should not undermine national stability.
He noted that citizens desire to live, work, and worship in an environment free from fear, stressing that peace remains essential for societal progress. The Archbishop also called on individuals to use the Easter season as an opportunity to reconcile differences, heal divisions, and renew a shared sense of humanity.
He emphasized that peace should not be viewed as a sign of weakness, but as a foundation for prosperity.
Archbishop Kaziimba also expressed concern over rising levels of drug abuse among young people in Uganda, describing the trend as alarming. He cited studies suggesting that more than 70 percent of Ugandan adolescents have experimented with drugs or alcohol, warning of the risks this poses to their health, education, and spiritual well-being.
He said the Church of Uganda has taken steps to address the issue through its Drug Prevention Programme. As part of these efforts, the Church recently commissioned a comprehensive Drug Prevention Training Manual during a Directorate of Education Thanksgiving event.
According to the Archbishop, the manual provides a practical, faith-based framework to support school administrators, chaplains, teachers, and parents in offering guidance, counselling, and rehabilitation to affected youth. He called on dioceses, parishes, and the wider community to take collective responsibility in tackling substance abuse and safeguarding the future of young people.
The Archbishop also urged the public to take an active role in environmental protection and conservation. He announced a nationwide campaign by the Church of Uganda to plant 15 million trees across the province.
He said the initiative reflects a biblical responsibility of stewardship, referencing Genesis 2:15, which calls on humanity to care for the earth.
Under the campaign, each diocese is expected to plant at least 385,000 trees over a two-year period. Archbishop Kaziimba noted that the initiative aims to restore the environment, mitigate the effects of climate change, and protect livelihoods for future generations.
