The retired Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Stanley Ntagali, has advised all public and civil servants and the clergy to always prepare for life after service before they clock the retirement age to avoid leading a miserable life.
Speaking at the housewarming party of the Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, the Rt Rev Samuel Kahuma Abwoli, at Nyarugabu cell in west division in Hoima city, the archbishop said retirement preparation is realised through hard work while one is still in office.
He observed from his personal experience that once one retires, the number of people one used to interact and connect with and the services and assistance one used to be accorded by friends, the government and well-wishers lessen hugely.
Addressing his guests at the function that was combined with bidding farewell to the flock as he nears his retirement age, the outgoing Bishop Kahuma urged Church of Uganda Christians in the diocese not to press him on who his successor is as he leaves office in 2024 when he clocks the mandatory 65 years as per the Constitution of the Province of the Church of Uganda.
The bishop informed the flock that for one to become a bishop, he is selected by a 14-person-committee on which a current bishop does not sit.
He pleaded that the Christians should accept what the committee will decide by welcoming, supporting and working with the spiritual steward who will be elected to minister to them.
“Let us agree with the one who will be elected as bishop. I don’t sit on the committee that elects a bishop. If I dare to sit there, it becomes illegal. Some of you are asking me about who will succeed me – but I don’t have any authority over the election. The committee that elects a bishop comprises 14 people including five Reverends, three women, three men and three youth. Therefore, don’t ask me about the name of the next bishop. Don’t ask me about that and I implore you to stop asking me about it,” Bishop Kahuma said.
In his speech, the Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister) of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Mr Andrew Kirungi Byakutaaga Ateenyi, underscored the good leadership of Bishop Kahuma who he described as being crucial in uniting the people of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
he described him as a bishop who has exhibited a good relationship with the monarchy.
Mr Christopher Ayeranga, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party mobiliser for Bunyoro region, appreciated the bishop for considering constructing a new residence where he hosted his guests as a befitting place of abode after retirement.
He urged religious leaders to always mobilise and advise their followers to embrace government financial development projects so as to combat poverty and cause socio-economic transformation in society.
