A Sunday service in Boston was unexpectedly interrupted when demonstrators targeted Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, leader of the Church of Uganda, accusing him of remaining silent on the pressing human rights issues plaguing Uganda. The protesters, some waving Ugandan flags and donning the colors of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), interrupted the service, confronting the Archbishop while he stood on the pulpit.
In footage shared widely on social media, the protesters can be heard loudly accusing Kaziimba of not speaking out against alleged injustices in Uganda, particularly the ongoing political oppression. One protester’s voice is heard declaring, “God will rebuke you,” while another voices frustration, asking, “How can you be silent when people are languishing in prisons?”
The disruption caused a brief pause in the proceedings, with security and church officials escorting some of the demonstrators out of the venue. The exact location of the service was not independently confirmed, but it is believed to have occurred at a church in Boston where the Archbishop was visiting the Ugandan diaspora community.
The protest is seen as a direct response to Kaziimba’s recent remarks on “quiet diplomacy,” where he defended his stance of not publicly criticizing the Ugandan government. His comments, made in a speech at St. John’s Church in Makerere, Uganda, had sparked controversy when he compared his position to that of the late Archbishop Janani Luwum, who was killed during Idi Amin’s regime.
Kaziimba suggested that making bold statements or opposing the government openly could lead to personal harm, questioning, “Do you think I can make an impact by being killed?”
In the aftermath of these comments, Archbishop Kaziimba defended his approach, arguing that he preferred to engage with government leaders privately, much like the biblical prophet Nathan.
This position, however, has drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures like Bobi Wine, president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who has voiced disappointment at religious leaders who fail to speak out against the Ugandan government.
Bobi Wine has been particularly vocal about Kaziimba’s reluctance to take a firm stand. During a recent appearance in the United States, he criticized the Archbishop for admitting fear in challenging those in power. He argued that this passive approach contradicted the example set by historical figures like Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X, all of whom stood courageously for justice despite the risks.
The protest in Boston highlights the growing tensions within Uganda’s political sphere, especially within the diaspora. It serves as a reminder that the issues dividing the nation are no longer confined to its borders but are also being passionately debated among Ugandans living abroad. For many, the Archbishop’s “quiet diplomacy” is seen as a betrayal of the values of social justice and activism that many believe religious leaders should uphold.
As the political discourse intensifies both within Uganda and in global Ugandan communities, the question remains whether religious leaders like Kaziimba will continue to take a backseat approach or step forward in the fight for justice. The protesters in Boston made one thing clear: they demand more than silence from those in positions of spiritual influence.
In a world where the line between faith and politics is becoming increasingly blurred, Archbishop Kaziimba now finds himself at the heart of a larger debate about the role of religious leaders in times of political unrest. The disruption in Boston was not just an interruption to a church service—it was a powerful statement from those who feel their cries for justice have been ignored for far too long.
