Christian Relinquishes Petition to Nullify Bishop Akanjuna’s Election

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KAMPALA – Nelson Habasa, a devout Christian from the Church of Uganda in Rubanda District, has withdrawn a petition in which he had petitioned to the tribunal of Church of Uganda seeking for the nullification of the election of Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna as the Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi.

On April 20th, 2023, Habasa, represented by Lawgic Advocates, filed a formal complaint against Bishop Akanjuna, accusing him of willfully violating the provincial constitution and canons of the Church of Uganda, specifically citing Article 13(6) of the Provincial constitution and Canon 3.6.2 and 3.7.22.

The crux of Habasa’s petition centered around the claim that Bishop Akanjuna lacked the necessary educational qualifications, specifically a degree or post-graduate diploma in theology or divinity, at the time of his appointment. Habasa sought to have the Bishop’s consecration and appointment nullified.

In addition to the petition, Habasa had written to the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, urging them to establish a Provincial Tribunal to address the charges brought against Bishop Akanjuna.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Habasa decided to withdraw his petition. In a candid telephone interview with our reporter, he explained that he received reliable information about the schedule for the provincial chancellor to constitute the provincial tribunal, which was nominated by the House of Bishops and set to begin hearings in July.

Guided by what he believes to be divine guidance and his conscience, Habasa came to realize that Bishop Akanjuna possessed all the required qualifications to serve as the Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi. He found his petition lacking in merit and decided to withdraw it.

He also expressed his desire for unity within the Diocese of Kigezi in the pursuit of spreading the gospel to the world.

CUE IN HABASA….ON WITHDRAWING PETITON……ENG//

The formal withdrawal letter was submitted to Rev Susan Ayesu, the secretary at the province at the Provincial headquarters in Namirembe, Kampala on Tuesday this week. Present at the submission were Canon Johnson Baryantuma Munono, the head of laity for the Kigezi Diocese, and Counsel Eliab Naturinda Mporera, who acted as the mediator.