Archbishop Samuel Steven Kaziimba Mugalu of the Church of Uganda has requested that proposed amendments to the Provincial Constitution and Canons be postponed. Speaking at the 27th Provincial Assembly at Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Archbishop Kaziimba recommended delaying the changes until the Assembly has reviewed the results of a comprehensive study on the Province’s status.

“The Standing Committee presented a proposal to this 27th Provincial Assembly to conduct a comprehensive study on the Province’s growth, including governance structure and creation of new dioceses,” said Archbishop Kaziimba. “I believe the study’s findings may necessitate further amendments to the Provincial Constitution and Canons.”

The Assembly is set to address various issues related to the Church’s future and sustainability. The Archbishop noted that given the Assembly’s agenda and the expected extensive debate on the proposed amendments, it would be more practical to address these changes alongside other significant issues likely to spark substantial discussion.

“I therefore propose that the Provincial Assembly defer the current Constitutional and Canon review process until after the Assembly has reviewed the study findings,” he added.

Archbishop Kaziimba also suggested that the Standing Committee commission a comprehensive study on the Province’s status with clear terms of reference by December 31, 2024. An extraordinary Provincial Assembly should then be convened to review and debate the draft amendments along with the study’s findings.

The proposed amendments, suggested by the 26th Provincial Assembly, aim to address various issues affecting the Church and resolve inconsistencies between the Constitution and Canons. A provincial committee was formed to draft these amendments and present them to diocesan synods for discussion. Key proposed changes include adjustments to the nomination, qualifications, and retirement age of bishops, marriage and divorce matters, the expansion of the Archbishop’s powers, and land ownership issues.

Many proposed amendments sparked controversy during the diocesan synods, leading to the rejection of most proposals and the passing of a few with suggestions for modification. The committee’s report, which recommended amendments on at least 18 key issues, emphasized establishing the Constitution as the supreme law of the Church of Uganda and addressed contentious issues related to bishop nominations and elections.

Disputes over bishop elections in various dioceses have led to legal challenges and criticism. The committee’s proposal to expand the bishop nomination committee to include provincial representation has been debated since the Constitution’s adoption in 1972 and was previously rejected. However, this proposal has now been approved by the House of Bishops.

An anonymous bishop noted that the proposal must first be approved by the Assembly and highlighted ongoing discussions about extending the retirement age of bishops from 65 to 70. This issue remains unresolved and is subject to further debate.

Delegates have adapted the Archbishop’s charge and divided into their respective houses—Bishops, Laity, and Clergy—to deliberate further. If the recommendations are approved, the proposed amendments will not be debated in this Assembly. If rejected, the amendments will be discussed on Thursday, potentially marking the second time in history that both the Constitution and Canons will undergo revisions. The Constitution was previously amended in 1994 and 2016, while the Canons were revised in 1997 and 2018. The Assembly will also address other items, including recommendations from the province’s directorates.