The High Court in Kampala has dismissed a case in which six members of the Anglican Church challenged the Most Rev Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu’s decision to revoke the election of Rev Canon Godfrey Kasana as the bishop of Luweero Diocese.
The group, comprising Joyce Mazzi, Zigwa Mubiru, Godfrey Sabavuma, Paul Wasswa, Stephen Mutebi, and Edith Kagimu, contested the revocation process of Rev Can Kasana by the House of Bishops on June 28, primarily attributing the resolution to Archbishop Kaziimba. However, Principal Judge Flavian Zeija rejected the case, citing a lack of merit and its incompatibility with the law.
Justice Zeija emphasized that adherents of a particular faith must follow its doctrines. In this case, the Anglican Church in Uganda has established canons governing the appointment of bishops, and the court cannot intervene in spiritual matters. The Anglican Church has its mechanisms for resolving disputes related to the election of bishops.
The six individuals had requested the court to prevent Archbishop Kaziimba from interfering with the consecration of Rev Can Kasana as the fourth bishop of Luweero Diocese. They sought a declaration that Rev Can Kasana was rightfully elected and called for a halt to any actions opposing his consecration.
The court based its decision on a sworn statement by Mr. Naboth Muheirwe, asserting that the complainants lacked the standing to bring the case to court and had sued the wrong party.
The background of the case involves the election of Rev Can Kasana as the fourth diocesan bishop of Luweero by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda on April 3. However, a petition challenging Rev Can Kasana’s suitability due to alleged adultery led to the dispute, with Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba involved.
Currently, Luweero Diocese is undergoing a fresh nomination process for the position of bishop.
