The High Court has struck out a case in which a group of Luwero Christians had dragged the Church of Uganda Arch-Bishop, Most Rev Steven Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, to court.
They archbishop was accused of refusing to consecrate Reverend Ssemakula Kasana as the 4th Bishop of Luweero Diocese.
The controversy came from a decision made on June 28, 2023, by the House of Bishops who during a meeting nullified the election of Reverend Kasana
The Bishops has obtained credible information that the Bishop-elect’s integrity was under question and misrepresented during the nomination.
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Unsatisfied with the decision, a faction of Christians sought legal redress. They filed a suit on July 23, 2023, including Christians from various Anglican churches in Luwero contending that the House of Bishops lacked the mandate to such a call.
They argued that such matters should be reserved for the Diocese and provincial tribunals.
The plaintiffs also asserted that Canon Kasana’s fundamental right to a fair hearing was not fully observed, as he was never summoned to present his defense.
The Christians then petitioned the High Court to issue an injunction halting the House of Bishops from nominating another candidate and to declare the nullification of Kasana’s election null and void.
As events would take a turn Arch-Bishop Kazimba Mugalu counter-sued the aggrieved Christians, arguing that their case was filed against the wrong party.
He clarified that he was not the one who made the decision to nullify Canon Kasana’s election.
In today’s ruling, Justice Zeija emphasized that it is not within the purview of the courts to adjudicate disputes related to the consecration of Bishops, as these matters are inherently spiritual and fall outside the competence of secular courts. He advised the congregation to utilize the appropriate ecclesiastical bodies within the Anglican Church to resolve such disputes.
The aggrieved Christians since the decision was made have been holding prayers on Saturday for God to vindicate their servant as they say he was chosen by God.
At the moment the diocese is being care taken by Bishop James William Ssebagala,retired Mukono Bishop .