Bunyoro Kitara Diocese bishop, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Kahuma, has reversed a ban that prevented politicians from attending church services and events. The ban was previously imposed by the Kagadi inter-religious council due to a dispute related to the Kapyemi Healing City project.
Bishop Kahuma made this announcement during a confirmation service and the inauguration of a new dormitory at Naigana Secondary School in Kagadi district. He stated, “I wish to declare on behalf of the Anglican Church and myself that Kagadi district LC5 chairperson Yosia Ndibwami and his councilor are no longer considered guilty of their previous disagreement. They are now free to attend church services.”
Bishop Kahuma emphasized that church leaders do not have the authority to prohibit anyone from attending church services, as these gatherings provide solace to individuals dealing with stress, illnesses, and traumatic situations. The ban had been initiated during an inter-religious council meeting where some politicians in Kagadi district clashed with religious leaders regarding the Kapyemi Healing City project. It was agreed that politicians, including councillors and their leader, would not be allowed to make speeches during religious events.
Kahuma criticized the act of idolizing human beings, cults, and pretending to belong to other religious sects, describing it as sacrilegious, blasphemous, apostasy, and hypocritical.
Notably, the ban had been imposed on Ndibwami and district councillors for allegedly supporting the creation of Kapyemi Healing City within Kagadi district. Ndibwami was also accused of holding unauthorized meetings with Faith of Unity leaders and forwarding unapproved documents to the local government ministry regarding the creation of Kapyemi Healing City instead of focusing on the development of Kagadi Municipality.
Bishop Kahuma argued that banning politicians from attending church events violated their freedom of worship and speech rights, emphasizing that no one has the right to deny these fundamental freedoms in Uganda.
While acknowledging that his decision might not sit well with some fellow religious leaders, Kahuma encouraged them to adopt a similar stance. He clarified that the lifting of the ban only applied to events and services organized by the Church of Uganda and that he was not a spokesperson for other religious denominations.
In conclusion, Bishop Kahuma forgave Ndibwami and the district councillors, urging other religious denominations to follow suit for the sake of peace and harmony between religious leaders and politicians in Kagadi district.
Naigana Secondary School, the oldest institution in greater Kibaale, was also highlighted during the event, with the headteacher, Patrick Chance, expressing the school’s need for additional teachers on the government payroll, laboratory equipment, dormitories, and a school bus. Leo Kiwanuka, an alumnus of the school, appealed for government assistance in the form of school structures, classroom blocks, and a bus.
