Bishop, preacher in talks over defamation

(Left to right) The Rev Benard Mushabe, Ms Jenifer Ndahura and Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa leave court on Thursday after a mediation meeting. PHOTO BY FELIX AINEBYOONA

MBARARA- The High Court in Mbarara District on Thursday, set August 3 for submission of the mediation report between Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa of Ankole Diocese and Mr Nassan Ibrahim Turyamureeba, the leader of Daystar Cathedral in Mbarara.

The defamation issue
Mr Turyamureeba alleges that the Ntare School Chaplain, the Rev Bernard Mushabe, and Ms Jenifer Nduhura under the stewardship of Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa went to several Anglican churches and claimed he sacrificed his wife for wealth and that he enrolls boys in the region into homosexuality.

On July 7, the High Court selected a team of three lawyers in the case; Kanduho and Co. Advocates, Ngauruye Ruhindi, Spencer and Co. Advocates and Butagira and Co. Advocates, and Grade One magistrate Hajji Hussein Lugoloobi to mediate before the hearing. Lawyer to the defendant, Bonaiface Ngaruye Ruhindi is the lead negotiator.
Mr Turyamureeba told journalists after the Thursday mediation session that he is not interested in any form of money from the suit but rather wants the Anglican Church to clear his name in public.

Effects of the allegations
Mr Turyamureeba says his church was affected by the allegations in schools, churches and the community. “Our church was affected by the allegations and recovered when we took the court step,” he said.

However, the Rev. Mushabe said he cannot apologise for preaching the Gospel and he will continue spreading Gospel.
“I cannot apologise for preaching the gospel of truth. It will continue to be spread. When you talk about the proverb of the old age, the old woman next feels you are talking about her,’’ he said.