Bishop Joshua Lwere served as General Secretary of the Church of Uganda for nearly two decades before his retirement in 2022. Now in his 70s, he remains one of the most respected voices in Ugandan Christianity — a bridge between generations who speaks with the authority of a man who has seen both the best and worst the Church can produce. We met him at his home in Mukono.

Church Guide Uganda: How is the Church of Uganda faring today compared to when you began your ministry?

Bishop Lwere: "In terms of numbers and buildings, we have never been stronger. In terms of depth — of genuine discipleship, of Biblical literacy, of moral formation — I have serious concerns. We have many people attending church but relatively few people being formed by Scripture. That is a challenge that keeps me on my knees."

CGU: What gives you hope for the next generation of Anglican leadership in Uganda?

Bishop Lwere: "The young people. I meet young Anglicans who are on fire for the Word, who are committed to social justice, who are willing to cross denominational lines to serve their communities. They give me tremendous hope. The question is whether we, the older generation, will give them the space to lead."

CGU: What is your prayer for Uganda's Church in the years ahead?

Bishop Lwere: "That we would be a Church that loves one another — across tribe, denomination, and economic class. Uganda's greatest witness to the world is not our beautiful buildings or our growing congregations. It is the love of Christ made visible in how we treat one another and how we care for the most vulnerable among us."