AMECEA: Former AMECEA Chair Credits Eastern Africa’s Shared Identity for Shaping His Leadership

Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde of the Solwezi Diocese in Zambia attributed his leadership approach to the shared identity and unity of the eight episcopal conferences within the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA).

In an interview with AMECEA Online, Bishop Kasonde stated that the sense of the Church in Eastern Africa working as one family helped the organization navigate the near-collapse of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), increase vocations, and renew its commitment to evangelization.

Bishop Kasonde served in AMECEA leadership for 16 years. He held the position of chairman for social communication from 2010 to 2018 and served eight years as chairman of AMECEA. His role as chairman also included serving as chancellor of CUEA.

His term as chairman concluded at the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly in Nairobi in July 2026. Archbishop Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga was elected to succeed him.