Bishops from the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA), together with their spouses, joined Christians at Uganda Christian University’s Thornycroft Chapel on Sunday.

 

It was a joyful morning, and a reminder of the role UCU continues to play in raising Christian leaders for Africa and beyond.

 

The bishops are in Uganda for a leadership and ministerial formation conference. Before returning to their training sessions, they set aside time to worship with the UCU community.

 

Speaking during the service, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe, welcomed the visitors warmly. He noted that Uganda has many churches, yet the bishops chose to fellowship at UCU.

 

“We are honoured that amidst all the churches in Uganda today, you chose to come and fellowship with us,” Mugawe said. He added that some of the visiting bishops once studied at UCU and were now returning to their alma mater.

 

The Right Reverend Professor Alfred Olwa, Chairperson of the UCU Council and leader of the delegation, explained what brings the GSFA together. It is a fellowship of Anglican provinces, dioceses, and ministry partners united in holding on to the historic, biblical Christian faith, while pushing forward evangelism, discipleship, theological education, and mission across the Global South.

 

He described the leadership programme as intense and purposeful, a course built for “the generals of the Church.”

 

Prof. Olwa also spoke about why the delegation had chosen UCU as part of their visit. He said the university stands as proof that a church can build an institution that is strong both academically and spiritually.

 

“The testimony of Uganda Christian University is one that church leaders need to experience firsthand, so they can be inspired to establish similar mission-focused institutions in their own contexts,” Olwa said.

 

 “Over the years, the School has had a significant impact not only within our region but also across the global Church. Many of our graduates have gone on to become bishops, archbishops and other senior church leaders. We thank God for this remarkable legacy,” Rev Muhereza said.

 

“The testimony of Uganda Christian University is one that church leaders need to experience firsthand, so they can be inspired to establish similar mission-focused institutions in their own contexts,” Olwa said.

 

For many bishops, the visit felt like a homecoming. Among them was Bishop Eraste Bigirimana, Archbishop-elect of Burundi and Bishop of Bujumbura Diocese, who once studied at UCU.

 

“It is my pleasure to come back to Uganda Christian University, where I was nurtured, trained, and equipped for ministry,” he said.

 

“The sermon of the day came from Rev. Gerald Byarunhanga, who preached on “Obedience: The Catalyst for Discipleship,” drawing from the words of Jesus in John 14:15: “If you love me, keep my commands.”

 

The preacher reminded the congregation that obedience is not a burden Christians carry out of duty. Instead, it is the clearest sign of true discipleship. Real love for Christ, he said, shows up in the small, faithful act of obeying His teachings.