Kabale police foil plan to evict clergyman

Christians at All Saints Cathderal in Kabale Town accuse him of failing to deposit Christmas and New Year’s collections on the church account.

The police in Kabale District yesterday blocked the eviction of an archdeacon by Christians, accusing him of mismanaging at least Shs20 million in church collections.

On January 9, at least 25 Christians from All Saints Church in Kabale Town petitioned the Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, the Rev George Katwesigye, demanded the transfer of the Rev. Joshua Owoyesiga, claiming that he had not deposited the money on the account.

“Our lord bishop, we demand that a total of Shs20 million that was collected during Christmas and New Year’s Day 2013 be deposited on the church bank account immediately. The Rev Joshua Owoyesiga should try his talents elsewhere within seven days from the date of this letter,” the petition reads in part.

Contacted for comment, the Rev. Owoyesiga said he had sent Shs16 million to the diocese and banked Shs4 million.
Trouble started when the lead petitioner, Mr Benjamin Mayanja, ran radio announcements urging Christians to witness the removal of the Rev. Owoyesiga from church premises.

Shortly after, the diocesan secretary, the Rev. Obed Turihohabwe, ran another announcement, saying the removal of Rev. Owoyesiga was illegal.

Order
The acting Resident District Commissioner, Mr Mathew Erayu, called police to protect church property and the deacon’s belongings from being vandalised.

The diocesan secretary for Kigezi Diocese, the Rev. Obed Turihohabwa, said Bishop Katwesigye would meet with the Christians to sort out the matter.
Mr Mayanja said he was ready to meet the bishop.

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