Archbishop Kazimba urges Bunyoro to exploit oil opportunities

What the report says

Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu has urged people in Bunyoro to prepare for business and employment opportunities linked to Uganda’s growing oil and gas sector. Speaking on Sunday at St Peter’s Cathedral in Hoima City during a farewell pastoral visit to Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, he said major projects in the Albertine region — including the airport, oil refinery, industrial park, roads and Hoima City Stadium — are likely to draw investors and visitors and create demand for local goods and services.

Kazimba encouraged residents, especially entrepreneurs, to position themselves as suppliers rather than remain on the sidelines as commercial oil production nears. He said the region’s infrastructure push could support wider socio-economic change if local communities are ready to participate. He also called on government to consider directing some oil revenue toward a national health insurance scheme, arguing that such funding could help improve access to healthcare.

Beyond the oil message, the Archbishop appealed for unity, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence across religious, political and social divisions. He also urged parents to support children’s schooling and praised the diocese, clergy and local leaders for strengthening education, healthcare and church-based development work. Bishop Jacob Ateirweho thanked Kazimba for promoting stability, self-reliance and renewal in the Church of Uganda. The visit formed part of Kazimba’s farewell engagements ahead of his mandatory retirement in 2027.