Viral Video Exposes Financial Vulnerability Among Ugandans
Bishop Michael Lubowa recently became the center of attention after a video of him speaking at the 2024 Heroes Day event in Gomba District circulated widely on social media. The event, held on June 9, took an unexpected turn when the Anglican bishop, after praying for President Museveni and the heroes of Uganda’s 1986 liberation, made a personal appeal for a new car.
Standing alongside a Muslim cleric and a Catholic bishop, Lubowa first expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made during the five-year guerrilla war that ended in 1986. He praised the liberation from dictatorship and oppression, highlighting the significance of the Heroes Day celebration.
But what happened next shocked many. Right after saying “Amen,” Bishop Lubowa began pleading for a new car. He told General Museveni that his current car was in poor condition and wouldn’t last until the 2026 general elections. Bishop Lubowa urged the President to provide him with a new vehicle before the upcoming elections. This sudden shift from solemn prayer to personal request did not sit well with many Ugandans, who quickly took to social media to express their outrage.
Critics accused the bishop of hypocrisy, questioning the integrity of church leaders who seem to prioritize personal gain over their spiritual duties. Social media platforms buzzed with scathing comments, with many Ugandans calling out the church for what they perceived as blatant self-interest.
According to the World Anglican Clergy Portal, Bishop Michael Lubowa, elected as the next Bishop of Central Buganda Diocese, has a long history within the church. He was consecrated on January 29, 2017, at St. John’s Cathedral, Kasaka, Gomba-Mpigi.
Bishop Lubowa is the third-born of eleven children to retired Bishop George and Edith Sinabulya. Growing up in a devout Christian home, he regularly attended church and participated in daily family devotions. However, it wasn’t until he attended Uganda Christian University in 1999 that he had a personal religious awakening and became born again.
Currently serving as the Archdeacon of Busimbi Archdeaconry in Mityana Diocese, Lubowa has overseen significant growth in the Archdeaconry, even leading to the creation of a new one. His past roles include Diocesan Stewardship and Resource Mobilizer, parish priest, and Bishop’s Chaplain in Central Buganda Diocese. Before his ordination, he worked in the coffee industry with Wamala Growers Cooperative Union.
Ordained as a deacon in 2001 and as a priest in 2002, Bishop Lubowa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Theology from Redcliffe College, University of Gloucestershire, and a Diploma of Theology from Uganda Christian University. He is married to Janepher Nankya Lubowa, and they have four children.
Despite some Christians protesting his appointment, Lubowa was consecrated as the new Bishop of Central Buganda Diocese. His election had been contentious, with accusations of defrauding hundreds of Christians through a defunct NGO, Action Christ in Development (ACID). Allegedly, he collected over 100 million shillings from parents by promising scholarships that never materialized.
Protesters also claimed irregularities in the election process, pointing fingers at Isaac Jombwe, Chancellor of Central Buganda Diocese, for not being a proper communicant and illegally participating in the election. They alleged that outgoing Bishop Jackson Matovu influenced the election by including Lubowa’s name on the nominee list despite previous allegations of financial dishonesty.
During Lubowa’s consecration, Rt Rev Dr. Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, Bishop of Mityana Diocese, preached about forgiveness and staying focused. He compared the situation to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, urging Lubowa to forgive those who opposed him. Archbishop Rt Rev Stanley Ntagali also called for reconciliation among the divided Christians.
Despite Lubowa’s calls for unity, some Christians remain steadfast in their opposition. Mr. Kamya Kasozi, a leading protester, argued that the church ignored their petition and went ahead with the consecration. He claimed that many attendees were from neighboring dioceses, and that some protestors were bribed to abandon their cause.
However, not all Christians oppose the new bishop. Ms. Harriet Nakintu and Mr. Ivan Muwanguzi changed their stance after meeting Lubowa and hearing his commitment to working with everyone. Despite the controversies, Lubowa’s ability to heal the rifts within his diocese remains a critical challenge.
The scandal surrounding Bishop Lubowa’s car plea has highlighted broader issues of financial priorities and leadership integrity in Uganda. Whether he can overcome this controversy and lead his diocese effectively remains to be seen.
