The Church of Uganda has dismissed Social Media reports that claimed Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni of West Ankole Diocese was facing legal action over the management of schools and church land.
The Church of Uganda clarification is in response to the report, authored by Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante and circulated on social media on 2nd September 2025 under the headline “Double Tragedy: Bishop Johnson to be taken to Court on Another Case of Schools.”
The Church says that the report is said to have misrepresented facts and caused unnecessary public confusion.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon William Ongeng clarified that the Bishop’s involvement in the nomination of School Management Committees (SMCs) is a legal and canonical responsibility.
“For Church of Uganda, founded, Government-aided schools, the policy is clear: the Church nominates six members, including the chairperson, and submits these names to the District. The Chief Administrative Officer or District Education Officer then formally appoints the SMC,” Ongeng said.
He emphasized that these schools remain Church-founded and Government-aided, not Government-confiscated institutions, and that bishops, as registered trustees of the Church of Uganda, act within their mandate when nominating SMC members.
On the matter of Katikamwe Forest land, Rev. Ongeng explained that its planned utilization was a resolution of the West Ankole Diocesan Council aimed at generating sustainable income for the Church.
The process, he said, involves the Diocesan Council, Synod, and the Provincial Board of Trustees, ensuring accountability and transparency.
“The decision is not a personal action of the Bishop but a resolution of the Diocese, subject to Synod and Provincial oversight,” he added.
The Church condemned the framing of the developments as a “double tragedy,” describing it as reckless reporting that undermines public trust.
“Such sensationalism sows confusion among the faithful and tarnishes the image of the Church without regard for facts,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and good governance, the Church of Uganda commended Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni and the Diocesan Council of West Ankole Diocese for following due process in managing both schools and Church land.
