Summary:
- Mbabazi, who initially challenged the election process citing irregularities, has now shifted his focus to reconciliation, after consulting with his friends that include, Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, the Rukiga County MP, former Kabale District LC5 Chairman Adison Kakuru, and Mrs. Jacqueline Katabazi, the wife of the Deputy Director of ISO advising him to step back.
KABALE: The Rubanda District Deputy Speaker Pierre Mbabazi Ntegyereize has formally withdrawn his petition to annul the election of Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna as Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi.
Mbabazi, who initially challenged the election process citing irregularities, has now shifted his focus to reconciliation, after consulting with his friends.
Bishop Akanjuna was elected the 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi in February 2022, following the retirement of Rt. Rev. George Bagamuhunda. However, Mbabazi, a resident of Bushundwe village in Kakore parish, questioned the legitimacy of the election, arguing that the diocese lacked a tribunal during the time of Akanjuna’s consecration. His legal challenge was further bolstered by affidavits from other locals, including Nelson Habasa, a former MP, who argued that the bishop was not qualified for the role based on academic grounds.
In a court ruling on January 24, 2025, Justice Ssekaana of the Civil Division dismissed the case, citing that the Provincial Tribunal had already been established to handle such matters. The judge emphasized that the court could not intervene in church affairs and advised both parties to resolve their issues through the church’s own procedures.
Following the court’s decision, Mbabazi revealed he had decided to withdraw the case, citing consultations with his friends that include, Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, the Rukiga County MP, former Kabale District LC5 Chairman Adison Kakuru, and Mrs. Jacqueline Katabazi, the wife of the Deputy Director of ISO advising him to step back.
Mbabazi expressed a change of heart, stating that his initial concerns had been addressed and that it was time to heal the divide, urging for reconciliation within the church.
CUE IN MBABAZI….ON RECONCILIATION…..RR/ENG//
Justice Ssekaana’s ruling further clarified that Bishop Akanjuna met the educational requirements stipulated in the Provincial Constitution, which calls for a degree and a diploma in theology—credentials the bishop holds. The court affirmed that church-related disputes must be handled by the church’s established tribunal, reinforcing the separation between ecclesiastical and civil matters.
Canon Baryantuma Munono, the diocesan head of laity, welcomed the ruling, admonishing Mbabazi for challenging the church’s decisions. He emphasized that attempts to interfere with the church’s work were misplaced, calling for unity and understanding.
Counsel Geoffrey Mutayomba of Agaba & Co. Advocates said he was not at liberty to discuss the matter, but insisted that the matter was settled by the court, and if Mbabazi wanted anything from them, he should let his lawyers write to them accordingly. He noted that they can only do anything regarding the case on instruction of their client (the Church).
In 2022, Mbabazi, along with Drake Twebaze Katabaazi, Professor John Kakitari, Margaret Bikangaga, Michael Zaribwende, Dickson Kyabaseeta, and Lauben Kuribakanya, had also petitioned the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda through their lawyers, Nzige, Jamero, and Company Advocates. They disputed the legality of Akanjuna’s election, arguing that he did not meet the academic qualifications required for the office.
