The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Luwero, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A Section of Christians in Luwero Diocese has launched weekly prayers seeking divine intervention in the suspended enthronement of Reverend Canon Godfrey Kasana Ssemakula as their Bishop
Kasana had been elected bishop to replace the Rev. Eridard Nsubuga who abdicated on July 9 upon clocking the mandatory retirement age of 65. But his consecration was halted by the House of Bishops following queries about his integrity.
The House of Bishops had reportedly learnt that the Bishop-elect’s integrity was misrepresented during the nomination and election process. Subsequently, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu appointed James William Ssebaggala the retired Bishop of Mukono to serve as caretaker of Luwero Diocese until March 2024.
However, a section of Christians has expressed dissatisfaction about the developments and has now taken the matter to the divine court asking God to prevail over the decision and allow the Archbishop to consecrate Kasana Ssemakula as Bishop. The prayers were launched at the home of Sam Sserunjogi, a congregant at St. Paul’s Church Kigulu in Wobulenzi town.
Sserunjogi said that they have resolved to dedicate Rev. Canon Kasana to God to enable him to overcome the current challenges which befell him on the basis of a malicious petition. Similarly, Rev. Abel Sserwanja of Buzibwera Church said that Kasana was chosen by God to become a Bishop and this should have been respected for the harmony of the Diocese.
David Lule Muzzanganda, another congregant at St Peter’s Church, Bukalasa said that they will also use the weekly prayers to mobilize support for Rev. Canon Kasana and a team that is pursuing the matter in the court.
Agnes Kirabo, the Youths Central Member of Parliament said that she is hopeful God will hear their prayers as believers who want Kasana to be enthroned.
Luwero District Chairman Erastus Kibirango asked the Diocese Caretaker Bishop James Wiliams Ssebaggala to refrain from what he called intimidating Rev. Canon Kasana’s supporters and instead inform the Archbishop about the ongoing protests about the decision of the House of Bishops.
Kibirango who is also a legal advisor of the section of Christians also asked the Diocese Select Committee to stop the process of nominating fresh candidates for the Bishop’s seat until the matter is resolved by the Court.
Rev. Canon Kasana was expected to attend the launch of the prayers but skipped them at the last minute saying he was held up in another meeting with a section of bishops over the same issue.
Seven Christians from the Diocese petitioned Luwero High Court demanding a declaration that the nullification of Kasana was null, void, and had no legal effect. The petitioners include Patrick Kizito, Stephen Mutebi, Wasswa Paul Tumwebaze, Godfrey Bwenene Sabavuma, Fred Mubiru Zigwa, David Muzzanganda and Joyce Mawanda Mazzi.
However, the Luwero High Court Judge Henrietta Wolayo excused herself from the case on the grounds that she currently resides on the premises of the Diocese and this may raise an issue of conflict of interest. The case file has since been transferred to the Principal Judge in Kampala, where the parties were summoned to appear on October 11.
The Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has already filed a defense stating that the nullification was done in accordance with the rules and regulations that govern the church of Uganda and by a duly mandated organ.
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