Why Ankole Christians protested against Bishop Mwesigwa

NTUNGAMO- As Christians cerebrated the birth of Jesus Christ on Monday, a section of Anglican Christians in Itojo Sub-county, Ntungamo District, protested against the leadership of Ankole Diocese for reportedly blocking them from joining South Ankole Diocese where they can “conveniently” get services.

The Christians say they have desired to join South Ankole Diocese since it was in created in 2012.

On Christmas day, the Christians at their different churches carried placards and blurred posters of Ankole Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Sheldon Mwesigwa.

Some of the posters carried messages that read: “Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa, stop dividing Itojo Archdeaconary, you are a shepherd not a ruler of the flock. Avoid temptation, Jesus overcame it.”

Mr David Ndyabahika, the leader of the Laity at Ruhanga Church of Uganda said Kyamate, the seat of South Ankole Diocese is only 10 kilometers from their local church yet Ruharo-Mbarara, the headquarters of Ankole Diocese which currents serves them; under Ankole Diocese, is 68 kilometers away.

“If I want to see the bishop or have services from the diocese I need to travel to Mbarara yet there is a diocese so close to me, and it is in the district where we live, that is a reason we want to move,” he said.

Ruhanga Church is under Itojo Archdeaconry which has 20 churches with over 25,000 Christians.
Mr Myres Tumusiime Katahwa, the head of laity in Itojo Archdeaconry said much as they have on several occasions petitioned Ankole Diocese and the Provincial Assembly as well as Archbishop Stanley Ntagali over the matter, Bishop Mwesigwa has failed to care.

“This is why we have resolved not to remit any money to the diocese and if the reverends go against this [decision], we shall lock the churches and stop any activity related to Ankole Diocese,” Mr Tumusiime said.

He said: “Bishop Mwesigwa has been threatening us and calling us rebels. He thinks we do not know what we want. On December 14, we held a meeting at the archdeaconry headquarters but the bishop sent in police who dispersed us.”

Mr Sam Bekunda, a church member said Christians would protest until they achieve their goal.
“Our goal is to go to South Ankole Diocese. The person failing us is Bishop Sheldon [Mwesigwa]. We have started protesting and we must achieve that goal. He cannot be allowed to rule over us like that, Mr Bekunda said. We have our rights. He is giving us nothing and we are giving him everything, let him tell us if he owes us any money.”

Itojo Sub-county Councillor, Mr Denis Muhumuza Savimbi said since Itojo Archdeaconry has been remitting its financial quota effectively and “giving lots of prizes and money to the bishop”, he is becoming selfish and doesn’t want them to move on. “If he fails, we shall attack his reverends and drive them to Ruharo. By the beginning of 2018, we do not want any reverend appointed by Ankole Diocese in our churches and we shall do it.”

The archdeaconry remits about Shs76 million to the Ankole Diocese every year, according to Mr Tumusiime.

Bishop Mwesigwa, however, on Tuesday criticized Daily Monitor for following up empty issues.
“For you, you go to where only bad things are. I don’t think that is good. Those issues need time and I can’t explain now. May be you need to come to office and we talk. There are many things,” he said.

Ms Peace Musiime, the former Itojo sub-County Councillor said South Ankole Diocese is running many projects which they are missing.

Mr Polly Tumwine Katahwa, an opinion leader, said during Christmas service at St. Augustine Archdeaconry Church that Christians need to be respected as Church leaders make decisions because they are the Church themselves.

“What Christians want has to be taken seriously. If the church wants to be successful, Church leaders must respect the laity. We can’t allow to be duped or taken for granted,” he said.
South Ankole Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe said the concerns of Christians in Itojo are genuine but called for patience.

“Everyone knows the issues of Itojo,” Bishop Ahimbisibwe said on Tuesday.
At the formation of South Ankole Diocese, Itojo had not become archdeaconry. It was part of the Ndeija Archdeaconry, according to a senior leader in Ankole Diocese who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He said Bishop Mwesigwa started the process of giving away Itojo to South Ankole by making it an archdeaconry.
“He should therefore, not be seen as the person against the wishes of the Christians there,” he said.

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