By Chipo Brenda
Retired clergy across Uganda have received a generous donation of UGX 50 million from PaxTel Telecom to support their welfare and financial stability after years of serving in the ministry.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu applauded the initiative, saying the clergy may be retired from active duty but remain spiritually active in their communities.
“These people are retired from work but they remain in their areas still preaching the good news. They need to be provided for because a person preaching on an empty stomach may not do it well,” Dr. Kaziimba said jokingly.
He also encouraged Ugandans and other nationals to embrace the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, noting that PaxTel is a Ugandan-owned telecommunications company.
Ugandan Telecom Gives Back
Mr. John Kamya Mukalazi, Chairman of PaxTel, said the company was proud to give back to society and to support the Church of Uganda’s efforts to empower retired clergy.
“We have worked outside the country, but it feels good when you contribute to something that benefits your own nation,” Kamya said.
He commended the early missionaries who established the church in Uganda, noting that today’s clergy are following in their footsteps and carrying forward the legacy of community service.
“This is not merely a signing ceremony, but a shared vision to harness the power of technology to serve the community and foster development,” he added.
Kamya further revealed that PaxTel had partnered with Mastercard to enhance financial management and help the church improve its revenue generation.
He explained that the UGX 50 million contribution marks the start of a nationwide initiative to operationalize a retirement fund for clergy, stressing that no servant of God should be left struggling after years of faithful service.
Church Highlights Achievements and Challenges
Provincial Treasurer Balaam Muheebwa, who also serves as Acting Provincial Secretary, outlined the Church of Uganda’s wide reach and ongoing projects.
He noted that the church operates over 200 health centers, 5,578 primary schools, 3,602 secondary schools, 66 vocational institutes, 11 tertiary institutions, and five chartered universities across the country.
Muheebwa, however, raised concern over the persistent problem of land grabbing, urging the need for systematic land registration and active development to secure church properties.
“To secure church land, there must be visible activity on it — we need everyone’s support to make that possible,” he said.
Both Kaziimba and Kamya commended Mr. Edward Kiyingi from Mityana for playing a key role in strengthening collaboration between the Church of Uganda and PaxTel.
Recent statistics indicate that about 13.5 million believers (80.8%) live in rural areas, while 19.2% reside in urban centers — showing the church’s strong presence in grassroots communities across Uganda.
