AMECEA: At a Solidarity Visit, AMECEA Chairman Lauds Uganda Bishops, Calls for Renewed Missionary Vigour
Members of Uganda Episcopal Conference pose for a photo with the chairman and Secretary General of of AMECEA
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
During the plenary assembly of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), which took place in Kampala at St. Augustin Centre, the Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) paid a solidarity visit to the Church leaders. He commended them for their enduring commitment to the regional body and urged a renewed focus on missionary zeal.
The Chairman, Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde, whose current visit also includes Kenya and Tanzania Conferences, stressed that his presence was to demonstrate “fraternity and collegiality in the shared mission of shepherding the People of God.”
In a message shared with AMECEA Online on Thursday, November 6, and addressed to the chairperson of UEC Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa, of Kiyinda-Mityana, Diocese, Bishops and priests, the Local Ordinary of Solwezi Diocese in Zambia, acknowledged the role of the Ugandan Bishops, highlighting that they were among the pioneers of the Association and have remained “champions of building a vibrant and effective AMECEA family” for the past sixty-four years.
Recognizing the local Church’s transition to full governance, the Chairman paid tribute to the solid foundation laid by the missionaries. He noted that their zeal for evangelization and emphasis on primary evangelization and catechesis continue to sustain faith communities today.
He pointed out the Uganda Martyrs as heroes of faith for the entire region, rising from the firm foundation laid by the missionaries.
Looking ahead, the Chairman highlighted the theme of the upcoming 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly, to be held in 2026: “AMECEA’s Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice, and Good Governance,” which speaks to the challenges and realities facing young people.
Quoting Pope Francis’ message from the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit that focuses on young people, Bishop Kasonde said, “Young people are the now of God.” He underscored that the youth are not just the Church’s future, but her “living present,” calling upon the Bishops to walk with the young, listening, accompanying, and empowering them to be active agents of communion and transformation.
The Chairman, who visited the UEC Bishops together with the Secretary General of AMECEA, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Makunde, expressed heartfelt condolences on the recent passing of Bishop Charles Martin Wamika on October 22, 2025, and remembered him for his dedication and commitment to the Church.
He also shared his deep sadness that his planned visit to Tanzania coincides with political demonstrations involving young people after the general elections, and he entrusted the souls of those who lost their lives to God’s mercy and prayed for comfort, healing, and the “prevalence of peace, justice, and reconciliation in Tanzania.”
He further urged the Bishops to continue living and working in the spirit of communion, participation, and mission, which is the very heart of the synodal journey.
