Archbishop Kazimba Urges Bunyoro to Exploit Oil Opportunities

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, has urged residents of the Bunyoro region to position themselves to benefit from opportunities expected to arise from the country’s oil and gas industry. Commercial production is approaching, and Kazimba believes the development of oil and gas infrastructure in the Albertine region will attract investors and thousands of visitors. This, he said, will create opportunities in business, tourism, and hospitality.

Kazimba made the remarks during his pastoral farewell visit to Bunyoro Kitara Diocese at St Peter’s Cathedral in Hoima City. He emphasized that the oil and gas industry could significantly contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the region. However, he warned that residents needed to prepare to participate in the emerging economy rather than remain spectators. The Archbishop encouraged local entrepreneurs and businesses to identify opportunities to supply goods and services to the industry.

The Archbishop also challenged residents to explore ways of becoming suppliers to the oil and gas sector and take advantage of the infrastructure being developed in the region. He urged them to ensure that investments translate into tangible improvements in the livelihoods of people in Bunyoro. Kazimba appealed to the government to consider directing part of the revenue from the oil and gas sector towards supporting the long-awaited National Health Insurance Scheme.

Uganda remains the only East African Community member state without an operational public national health insurance scheme. Kazimba argued that oil revenues could help strengthen access to healthcare. He also called on Christians to reject divisions based on religion, political affiliation, race, and gender, and instead promote unity, forgiveness, humility, and peaceful coexistence.

During his sermon at St Peter’s Cathedral, Kazimba urged Christians to remain committed to their faith. He said a strong relationship with God could transform their lives and help them overcome personal and social challenges. The Archbishop also called on parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s education by providing scholastic materials and other basic necessities.

Kazimba commended Bunyoro Kitara Diocese Bishop Jacob Ateirweho, the clergy, and Christians for expanding the Church’s theological and infrastructure programmes. He praised the working relationship between the Church, political leaders, and technical officials in the region, saying the partnership had supported initiatives in education, healthcare, and household transformation.

Kazimba’s pastoral visit was part of his farewell engagements with dioceses ahead of his mandatory retirement in 2027, when he turns 67. Bishop Ateirweho commended Kazimba for promoting stability, humility, and spiritual renewal within the Church of Uganda during his tenure. The visit brought together clergy, lay leaders, government officials, and Christians from across Bunyoro Kitara Diocese to reflect on the Archbishop’s leadership and the growth of the diocese.

Key points

• Archbishop Kazimba urges Bunyoro residents to benefit from oil and gas industry opportunities.
• The Archbishop encourages residents to prepare for the emerging economy.
• Kazimba appeals to the government to support the National Health Insurance Scheme with oil revenues.