Luwero, Uganda.
Turmoil has beset the Church of Uganda, Luwero Diocese, as a suit has been filed against one of its senior members. Led by David Lule Mutyaba Muzzanganda, a group of devoted followers has taken a courageous step, bringing Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu to the High Court. Their aim! To contest the nullification of the election of Bishop-elect, Canon Kasana Ssemakula. This legal showdown has the potential to redefine the diocese’s leadership and raises crucial questions about the Church’s canon principles vis avis state law.
On June 28th, the House of Bishops convened at Kabalega Resort Hotel in Hoima and made an extraordinary decision – nullifying the elections of Rev. Canon Kasana Ssemakula as the fourth bishop of Luwero Diocese. The rationale behind this move was the discovery of credible information suggesting that the Bishop-elect’s integrity had been misrepresented during the nomination and election process. Consequently, the House of Bishops deemed it necessary to nullify Kasana’s nomination and election.
However, not everyone in Luwero was content with this ruling. Seven determined Christians, including David Lule Mutyaba Muzzanganda, have petitioned the Luwero High Court, seeking a declaration that the nullification is void and illegal. They argue that the House of Bishops lacks the mandate to try ecclesiastical offenses, as such matters fall under the jurisdiction of Diocese and Provincial tribunals. Furthermore, they insist that Kasana was not given a fair hearing before the House of Bishops nullified his elections, thereby violating principles of natural justice.
In their suit filed at Luwero High Court, the petitioners are seeking a declaration that Rev. Canon Kasana Ssemakula is the rightful fourth elected Bishop of Luwero Diocese, and they call for an order to have him consecrated. Additionally, they request a permanent injunction restraining the House of Bishops from re-electing another person as the fourth Bishop of Luwero Diocese and a declaration that the nullification of Rev. Canon Kasana was illegal.
Archbishop Kazimba Mugalu has been given 15 days to respond to the petition. The plaintiffs are hopeful that the court will provide them with the opportunity to resolve the matter, which the Church and the Archbishop have, thus far, declined to grant.
Meanwhile, Right Reverend James William Ssebaggala, the retired Bishop of Mukono Diocese, has assumed the role of caretaker for Luwero Diocese for a period of eight months. This move comes after the nomination committee requested an extension of time to organize new candidates for the bishop seat, following the nullification of Rev. Canon Kasana Ssemakula’s election.
