A demonstration unfolded as a faction of Christians expressed their discontent over the recent nomination of candidates for the Luweero Bishop’s seat. Their protest stemmed from the fact that these nominations were made before the court could address their petition challenging the nullification of the past elections. The House of Bishops, on June 28th, 2023, invalidated the election of Rev. Canon Kasana Ssemakula as the Fourth Bishop of Luweero Diocese, citing credible information that his integrity had been misrepresented during the nomination and election process.
On Sunday, the Search Committee embarked on a retreat to an undisclosed venue to nominate two candidates for the Bishopric. Comprising individuals such as Apollo Makubuya, Rebecca Nalwanga, Rev. Canon Keith Muwanga, Canon Christopher Nkoyoyo, and Amos Giita, the committee’s actions have, however, sparked protests from supporters of Rev. Canon Kasana. Demonstrations unfolded at St Mark Cathedral in Luweero town on Sunday evening, with protesters calling for the postponement of the nomination exercise.
Carrying placards denouncing the process and committee members, demonstrators, including Moses Kakembo and others, had previously taken the matter to the High Court. They challenged the decision by the House of Bishops to nullify Kasana’s election, insisting on a fair hearing before any fresh nominations take place. Despite summonses sent to each Bishop, the protesters were surprised to learn that the search committee was rushing to conduct fresh nominations before the court could determine the outcome of the petition.
Genza Paul and Robert Kalibbala from Sekamuli church expressed concerns that the nomination of new candidates during the ongoing legal battle could escalate conflicts within the diocese. Ruth Nakayenga stated that they would reject any new Bishop, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the current process. Christians appealed to Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu to halt the exercise until the court resolves the matter.
Police from Kasana Police Station dispersed the demonstrators and seized their placards, though no arrests were made. Erastus Kibirango, the lawyer representing the dissatisfied Christians, announced plans to apply to the High Court for a permanent injunction, aiming to halt the nomination of another Bishop until the court addresses the ongoing legal issues.
As of now, both the Luweero Diocese and the Search Committee have not responded to the fresh demands from the protesting Christians. Caretaker Bishop Rt. Rev. James William Ssebaggala, overseeing Luweero Diocese, reiterated that the search for a new Bishop was ongoing. Ssebaggala dismissed the protesters, stating that they were in denial instead of accepting the House of Bishops’ resolution against Kasana’s nullification. He affirmed his readiness to hand over to the new Bishop in March this year, marking the end of his caretaker assignment.
Principal Judge Flavian Zeija dismissed a previous case challenging the nullification of Kasana on October 25th, 2023. The dismissal was based on grounds that the petitioners brought the case against the wrong party and that the court lacked competence to handle spiritual matters. Despite this ruling, the Christians rejected it and petitioned the court of appeal to reverse the decision, with the appeal yet to be heard.
