KYAMBOGO: On a bright Sunday, 30 Nov 2025, at St. Kakumba Chapel, the university community gathered for a service that stitched together worship, sacrament, and pastoral encouragement, a morning that celebrated new life, reaffirmed marriage vows, and invited the whole university to lean on God’s goodness. The Most Reverend Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu delivered a rich sermon on the goodness of God revealed in the Incarnation and led prayers over baptisms, confirmations, marriage vow renewals, and the campus itself.
From the pulpit, the archbishop drew directly from the day’s readings (Isaiah 52:1-7 and Mark 1:1-8), explaining why God’s coming in the flesh matters for ordinary life: “Incarnation… reveals God’s love to us,” he reminded the congregation, urging believers to believe, to live humbly, and to promote love and peace in public life.
Music and movement were central: the worship team led energetic praise and dance that invited the whole assembly into worship, and the choir’s ministry was both praised and cheered, a reminder that liturgy and life at the chapel are lively and communal.
Baptisms and Confirmations
18 Baptized, 44 Confirmed: One of the day’s most tender ministries was baptism. Eighteen infants and young children, welcomed by parents and godparents, were brought forward and baptized by the Chaplain and Assistant Chaplains. The Archbishop prayed a powerful blessing over the children and their families. The act was not only a rite for the children but also an occasion for parents and the congregation to recommit to discipleship and spiritual nurture. The Archbishop emphasized the responsibility of families and the church in raising the baptized to faith and service. In the earlier service, the archbishop presided over Confirmation for 44 people who boldly stood and reaffirmed their faith in public.
Marriage Vow Renewals
Over 50 couples came forward to renew their marriage vows in a moving public recommitment. The archbishop spoke plainly about the realities of married life, “Marriage is not an institution of roses”, and called couples to forgiveness, humility, and mutual protection. He led the traditional questions and prayers, and then prayed a blessing that sought renewal, reconciliation, and a future rich in God’s favor for every household represented.
Sermon highlights: God’s goodness, humility and reconciliation
Archbishop Kaziimba’s sermon was both pastoral and prophetic. He wove theology with practical counsel, exploring three key themes: First, incarnation as God’s self-giving love. The Archbishop described the coming of Jesus as love “excessive, extravagant, extraordinary, extreme, expensive”, a divine making oneself-near so we might be healed, forgiven, and reconciled. Secondly, humility as true power. Drawing on the image of Jesus who “descended into greatness,” he urged congregants to see humility not as weakness but as the source of real strength and promotion.
And thirdly, A call to peace and unity. In a timely appeal, he encouraged the congregation, students, staff, and community to promote love across tribes, parties, and positions, and to resist the culture of division. “Let us promote peace,” he said, urging forgiveness and dialogue, especially in seasons of heightened political activities.
He also invited those who had not yet taken a personal step of faith to stand for prayer. Dozens responded to that invitation for renewal.
University Leadership and Campus Partnership
The service was strongly supported by university leadership. The Vice Chancellor was represented by Prof Justus Kwetegyeka, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, who conveyed the VC’s good wishes and offered the university’s appreciation for the chapels’ ministry
Prof Kwetegyeka reaffirmed the university’s partnership with places of worship on campus, highlighted ongoing campus projects (including student accommodation and perimeter security), and asked for prayers for wisdom and provision as the University prepares its next graduation. A university gift was presented to the Archbishop as a token of gratitude. Dr. Agnes Nakimuli Mugalu represented the Dean of Students, and many other University staff graced the occasion.
Rev. Eng. Dr Emmanuel Mwesigwa, Chaplain of St. Kakumba Chapel, guided the local arrangements with his pastoral team; the Chapel Council and various fellowship leaders played visible roles, with the Head of Laity Mr Guster Kayinja, giving the welcome address on behalf of the congregation.
Practical elements included a warm breakfast prepared by the Mothers’ Union; a joyful luncheon for the married couples with the Archbishop in a beautifully decorated Musiime Hall, complete with a custom photo booth for memorable pictures; and a well-coordinated lunch service for the rest of the congregation and children across the wider church grounds. The Archbishop was accompanied by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev Dr Henry Majwala, as well as his Chaplain, Rev. Johnson Kansiime, and their driver.
This service at St. Kakumba Chapel became a radiant reminder that God still walks among His people, stirring worship, rekindling love, restoring hope, and knitting together a university community that chooses faithfulness over fear. It was a day when heaven felt near, when families, students, and leaders stood side by side, and when the story of Christ’s coming was written again in real lives. May this flame of renewal continue to burn brightly in every home, every lecture hall, and every heart touched by His grace.
Tags: Anglican Church Uganda, Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba, Baptism and confirmation service, Campus ministry Uganda, Christian worship at Kyambogo, Church of Uganda, Emmanuel Mwesigwa, Faith and education, Kyambogo University, Kyambogo University community, Marriage vow renewal, Reconciliation and peace, St. Kakumba Chapel, University chaplaincy, University worship service