The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has explained why he is not ready to die like Janani Luwum.
A Ugandan Anglican archbishop who is revered for his courage, Janani Luwum was the second African head of the Anglican Church of Uganda from 1974 until his mysterious death in 1977. He stood up to Idi Amin’s brutal regime as he pushed for respect of human rights and justice. Uganda even marks a public holiday to honour Janani Luwum — but Kaziimba is not excited about Luwum’s approach.
Kaziimba firmly defended his stance amid mounting criticism from sections of the public who want religious leaders to speak out more aggressively on alleged human rights violations.
His remarks come in the wake of growing pressure on clergy to take a stronger position on issues such as abductions, disappearances, and illegal detentions reportedly targeting Opposition supporters following the January 15 elections.
While addressing a congregation at St John’s Church, Makerere University during the installation of Rev Can Micheal Mukhwana as archdeacon, Kaziimba directly responded to those urging him to emulate fallen church leaders.
“Some people have approached me saying, ‘Why don’t you do like Janani Luwum. The man did a great job.’ The man who was killed! Do you think I can make an impact by being killed! Then [when I’m dead] they will say ‘Kaziimba is also a good man, he was killed.’ Don’t I have a family! Why don’t you be sensitive?” asked the archbishop.
The Archbishop made it clear that he does not subscribe to the idea that sacrifice through death is the only path to meaningful leadership or impact.
“I am a person, I need life also. I have life to live,” he said.
He also dismissed expectations that he should take on the burden of solving people’s problems, insisting that individuals must take responsibility for their own spiritual lives.
“I’m not your savior to carry all your problems. You take them to the Cross. I do my part and leave it to God,” noted Kaziimba.
“I am not here to save you.”
Kaziimba explained that his approach is guided by divine direction rather than public pressure, noting that some matters are better handled away from the spotlight.
“I choose and follow what God leads me to say, and not everything is said publicly,” he said.
He further elaborated on his leadership philosophy by drawing comparisons from the Bible, arguing that measured and strategic engagement can be more effective than loud confrontation.
“I discovered the power of Nathan’s approach than the power of John the Baptist’s approach. You can speak and speak but create no impact,” he said.
“John the Baptist did a good job but he ended up losing his head and the mission ended there.”
To reinforce his message, the Archbishop referenced Psalm 51, pointing to the story of King David’s repentance after being confronted by the prophet Nathan. He emphasized that true change begins with inner reflection and humility rather than public defiance.
According to Kaziimba, David’s response—seeking forgiveness and renewal—demonstrates a model of leadership that prioritises transformation of the heart over dramatic public action.
Despite his explanation, critics continue to accuse religious leaders of remaining silent at a time when stronger voices are needed. Some have even drawn comparisons between the current situation and the era of Idi Amin, when Janani Luwum was killed for speaking out.
However, Kaziimba maintains that his role is not to court martyrdom but to act in accordance with his faith, balancing truth with wisdom and personal responsibility.
But Kaziimba has been vocal on issues that the Ugandan government is supportive of. For example, he wrote a ‘point blank’ letter to the Church of England, accusing it of veering off the path by supporting hom0se*uality. (See Details Here and There).
