Summary:
- In a letter dated November 12, 2024, signed by Bishop Rubaramira, the suspension prohibits Rev Fr. Arinaitwe from performing priestly duties both within Kabale Diocese and in any other dioceses, whether in Uganda or abroad.
KABALE: The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, has suspended Rev. Fr. Ignatius Arinaitwe over allegations of financial impropriety and dishonesty.
In a letter dated November 12, 2024, signed by Bishop Rubaramira, the suspension prohibits Rev Fr. Arinaitwe from performing priestly duties both within Kabale Diocese and in any other dioceses, whether in Uganda or abroad.
“I regret to inform you that I have suspended the above-mentioned priest in reference to Canons related to financial impropriety and dishonesty. Fr. Ignatius Arinaitwe is prohibited from practicing priestly ministry both in this Diocese of Kabale and in other dioceses within and outside Uganda. I request your kind prayers for this priest, that he may seriously reflect on his priestly commitment and the grave consequences of his actions.” The letter states.
The letter was also copied to Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda.
While the letter does not provide specific details about the accusations, sources within the diocese told our reporter that Fr. Arinaitwe has been under scrutiny for the past two years.
Allegedly, he used his clerical position to obtain loans from businessmen and moneylenders in Mutorere Deanery (Kisoro), Makiro Deanery (Kanungu), and Kabale, where he previously served, but failed to repay them.
Rev Fr. Arinaitwe was serving in the administration department at the diocesan headquarters at the time of his suspension.
He is also the founder and executive director of Good Samaritan Ministries for Batwa Action (GSMBA), a nonprofit organization advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, especially the Batwa (Pygmies).
When contacted, Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, the Vicar General of Kabale Diocese, confirmed the authenticity of the suspension letter.
