Eleven canons led by Christopher Kisembo have sued Church of Uganda Archbishop Stanely Ntagali.
They allege that he has unlawfully taken over the management of West Ankole Diocese in Bushenyi district.
They further claim that members of the highest decision-making body of the diocese (West Ankole Diocese Synod) had already set up a commission to select new bishop.
As the Daily Monitor reports, “the clergy say Ntagali’s actions portray West Ankole as a failing diocese, for which they are seeking court to declare his actions illegal and order him pay to them general damages and costs of the suit.”
The News Paper further reveals that the High Court deputy registrar Alex Ajiji has given Archbishop Ntagali 15 days from October 10 (Monday) to file his defense in court.
This move by the canons has generated mixed reactions, with many emphasizing that spiritual matters should be kept out of the High Court.
Archbishop Stanely Ntagali took over the diocese leadership recently following dissension in which an estimated 200 Christians led by Mr Zeddy Byakyaro, Mr Andrew Twinamatsiko and Mr Phillip Murwani petitioned him, protesting what they called delayed election of a new Bishop of West Ankole Diocese by the House of Bishops.
This was after the retirement of Bishop Yona Katoneene.
The Christians said the House of Bishops elected new bishops for the dioceses of Bunyoro Kitara and West Buganda on June 1, but did not elect the bishop of West Ankole, revealing that the names of the candidates were referred back to the diocese without a “justified reason.”
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Here are some of the reactions to the matter;
Benjamin Emor Kol Tum says, “They must be sick, Archbishop Ntagali has all rights as a custodian of the Anglican church to reclaim a rotting Diocese. If anything; he’s more called than them. Whose interests are they serving? Going to court is not only gross but satanic!”
Mzee Nyabyondo Vitas Muhairwe says, “It’s getting too much in West Ankole Diocese. A series of problems. One after the other. Its not good for the church. A church is meant to be a center of Unity. You wanted Bishop Katonene out, he retired. Now you are getting your Arch Bishop into hot seat. Its getting too much. Break away from the Church of Uganda (COU) and do your own Church of Ankole with autonomous powers,”
Kintu Daniel says, “In Uganda today everyone is summoned, it started with president rigging the vote, Kabaka over land and now Bishop Ntagali,”
Katushabe Sarah says, “From Katonene to Ntagali, people of West Ankole what’s wrong with you, what is it that you want? En when did Church issues become court matters. The devil is at work,”
Chaks Bap says, “Here we go again! The devil continues to confuse and use those supposed to collaborate with the bishop instead to disrespect him. We Christians need a lot of prayers these days. However the confidence is that God is the head and no one who tries to fight against the Church will be victorious. History can testify to this. The Arua goons will not and the Bushenyi goons will not!”
Kisule Charles says, “Couldn’t they have issues solved internally? i feel they w’d have called for episcopal meeting than going to court,”
Ashley George Liam Sembuze says, ” The Archbishop is the overall and so it’s assumed he takes care of the church in Uganda. I see no problem with him taking over People of that kind. [Those] against him are sent to tarnish the name of the institution because of the peaceful strike organized by inter religious council.
Ronald Ogwang says, “Thought Canons rely on heavenly judgement, not earthly judgment,”
