BISHOP ZZIWA TAKES IRCU HELM AS INTERFAITH BODY PLEDGES UNITY AGENDA

DAILY MONITOR

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has announced a change in leadership, electing Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Antony Zziwa, the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese and Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, as its new Chairperson for the 2026–2029 term.

“The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, Council of Presidents at its meeting of June 23, 2026 has unanimously elected Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Antony Zziwa… as its new Chairperson for the period 2026–2029,” the statement read in part.

Bishop Zziwa takes over from the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, who has been serving as Chair of the Council of Presidents following the completion of his tenure.

IRCU described the transition as part of its routine leadership rotation among faith leaders representing Uganda’s major religious blocs, including the Catholic, Anglican, Muslim, Orthodox, Seventh-day Adventist, and Born-Again faiths.

In its statement, the Council expressed appreciation to Archbishop Kaziimba for what it termed as “dedicated leadership” during his term, noting his role in strengthening interfaith cooperation and advancing the council’s peace and unity agenda.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Kaziimba for his dedicated leadership during his term,” the statement adds.

The Council also congratulated Bishop Zziwa on his new appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to steer the interfaith body in advancing its vision of a peaceful, united, and prosperous Uganda.

“We also warmly congratulate Bishop Zziwa and wish him every success as he takes on this important role, leading IRCU in fulfilling its vision of a Godly, peaceful, united, and prosperous Uganda,” the statement added.

IRCU, a national interfaith umbrella body bringing together major religious institutions in Uganda, plays a key role in promoting peacebuilding, dialogue, and social cohesion across the country, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections.

The transition comes at a time when sections of the public and civil society actors have accused senior religious leaders in the country of maintaining silence amid concerns over State-sanctioned restrictions on civil liberties, including cutting back free speech, assembly and media, among others.

The chorus of voices on social media platforms have dismissed Dr Kaziimba as cowardly posturing on governance and human rights issues.

However during a Sunday sermon at St. John’s Church at Makerere University on April 19, 2026, Archbishop Kaziimba pushed back against calls to take a confrontational stance reminiscent of past figures.

Responding to critics who had urged him to emulate the courage of martyred Archbishop Janan Luwum in condemning human rights violations, Kaziimba said: “Some people have approached me saying, ‘Why don’t you do like Janan Luwum. The man did a great job.’ The man who was 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?” Dr Kaziimba asked.