Former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi has received one of the highest honours in the Anglican Church after being installed as a Canon of the Church of Uganda by the Bishop of Kinkizi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka, in recognition of his longstanding service to the Church and the nation.
The colourful installation ceremony, held in Kinkizi Diocese, brought together church leaders, politicians, faithful and members of the community who gathered to witness the conferment of the honorary ecclesiastical title on one of Uganda’s most experienced statesmen.
The honour marks another milestone in Mbabazi’s distinguished public life, which has spanned several decades in government, Parliament and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), where he served in several influential positions before becoming Prime Minister between 2011 and 2014.
As Canon, Mbabazi joins a select group of distinguished lay leaders recognized by the Anglican Church for exceptional commitment to the Church’s mission, Christian values and service to society.
Recognition for Faith and Service
During the installation, Bishop Dan Zoreka said the honour was bestowed upon Mbabazi in appreciation of his unwavering commitment to supporting the Church and promoting values that strengthen communities.
Church officials described the former Prime Minister as a devoted Christian whose contributions have gone beyond politics to include supporting church programmes, education, community development and national service.
The installation reflected the Church’s recognition of individuals whose influence has positively impacted both religious and public life.
Although the title of Canon is largely honorary for lay persons, it carries immense spiritual significance within the Anglican Communion, recognizing distinguished service and encouraging recipients to continue supporting the Church’s ministry and outreach.
Congratulations Pour In
Among the first leaders to congratulate Mbabazi was Hon. Tom Bright Amooti, who hailed the recognition as well deserved.
“Congratulations Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi upon being installed as a Canon of the Church of Uganda,” Amooti wrote. He also applauded Bishop Dan Zoreka and the leadership of Kinkizi Diocese for recognizing Mbabazi’s contribution to the Church.
“Thanks to Bishop Dan Zoreka and the leadership of Kinkizi Diocese for recognizing Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi for his service to the Church,” Amooti added.His message reflected sentiments shared by many Ugandans who viewed the honour as recognition of Mbabazi’s decades of public and community service.
Distinguished Political Career
Mbabazi remains one of Uganda’s most prominent political figures. A trained lawyer, he played an important role during the National Resistance Army liberation struggle before holding numerous senior government positions after the NRM assumed power in 1986.
Over the years, he served as Minister of State for Defence, Minister of Security, Minister of Defence, Attorney General and Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement.
In 2011, President Yoweri Museveni appointed him Prime Minister, a position he held until 2014. He later contested for the presidency in the 2016 General Election as an independent candidate after parting ways politically with the ruling establishment.
Despite his departure from frontline elective politics, Mbabazi has remained active in national affairs through legal practice, mentorship, community initiatives and support for religious institutions.
A Lifetime Beyond Politics
Friends and associates describe Mbabazi as a leader whose life has been shaped by discipline, public service and faith.
His installation as Canon was seen by many attendees as recognition not of political office but of a lifetime dedicated to serving both God and country.Church leaders emphasized that the honour transcends political affiliation and instead celebrates commitment to Christian values, integrity and service to humanity.
The ceremony also highlighted the growing partnership between religious institutions and national leaders in promoting peace, moral leadership and social development.
Church’s Role in National Development
Speaking during the event, church leaders reiterated the Church of Uganda’s commitment to working with leaders from different sectors to advance education, healthcare, family values and community transformation.
The Church continues to play a central role in Uganda’s social development through its extensive network of schools, hospitals and humanitarian programmes.By honouring distinguished lay Christians such as Mbabazi, church leaders said they hope to inspire others in positions of influence to use their talents and resources in service of society.
Meaning of the Title
Within the Anglican tradition, the title of Canon is one of distinction and respect. While some Canons are clergy appointed to cathedral chapters, honorary Canons are often distinguished lay leaders recognized for extraordinary commitment to the Church’s mission.
Recipients are expected to continue supporting the Church spiritually, morally and materially while serving as examples of Christian leadership in society.The installation therefore represents both recognition of past service and a renewed call to continued service.
Looking Ahead
For Mbabazi, the honour comes at a time when he has largely stepped away from active partisan politics, allowing him to focus on community engagement, family and national reflection.
Observers say the recognition demonstrates that public service can continue to be appreciated long after one leaves public office.
It also reinforces the enduring relationship between faith and leadership in Uganda, where religious institutions remain influential voices in national development, reconciliation and moral guidance.
As applause filled the church following the installation, many described the ceremony as a fitting tribute to a man whose career has traversed law, security, politics and now formal recognition within the Church.
With the conferment of the title of Canon, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi adds another chapter to a public life that has seen him serve Uganda in many capacities—this time through a role rooted in faith, service and spiritual commitment.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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