A committee established by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda to investigate the deferred Namirembe Diocese Bishop election convened a lengthy session on Thursday. The purpose of this gathering was to scrutinize the actions of the nominations committee, who were accused by Namirembe Diocese elders of conducting an election process marred by corruption, conflict of interest, and unfairness.
Chaired by Rev Johnson Gakumba, the Northern Uganda Bishop Emeritus, the committee was tasked with identifying any discrepancies in the nomination process, as per the Provincial Canon 3.7.30, and to advise the House of Bishops on the way forward for the postponed election.
In early October, the House of Bishops declined to consider the nominated candidates to succeed retiring Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira. This decision was based on the belief that the nomination process had not adhered to the provincial constitution.
The investigation committee, which commenced its session at 8:30 am and was still in progress by 8:00 pm, summoned the 13 members of the Nominations Committee, who had nominated candidates on September 30. The committee interrogated each member individually, seeking information regarding the integrity of the process and individual responsibilities. Despite this inquiry, the committee members remained indoors, avoiding contact with journalists who had been present since 8:00 am. They only ventured outside after being instructed to do so by a guard at the provincial offices.
It is unclear why the nomination committee members, who were accused of bias and unfairness, chose to avoid the media and provide no explanations for their actions. By 7:00 pm, approximately three committee members were yet to undergo interrogation.
Rev Can William Ongeng, the provincial secretary, who left the venue at 5:46 pm, declined to comment on the matter and urged journalists to be patient, indicating that the interrogation process was ongoing.
One committee member, initially willing to provide a statement at around 5:00 pm, later decided against it, citing the sensitivity of the situation.
The Church of Uganda, represented by Sadiiki Adams, its communications officer, recently stated that the two candidates could still be removed if the ongoing investigation confirms irregularities in the nomination process.
