Follow clear procedures to get diocese, Bundibugyo Christians advised

The bishop of the Ruwenzori diocese Reuben Kisembo has advised the Christians in Bundibugyo district to follow the procedures of the Anglican church of Uganda as they demand for their own separate diocese.

Kisembo said that Bundibugyo is free to break away from Ruwenzori diocese provided they follow the procedures set up by the province of the Church of Uganda.

Kisembo disclosed that as a diocese of Ruwenzori, they had agreed to grant the Anglican Christians from Bundibugyo district their own diocese splitting from Ruwenzori diocese.

While addressing journalists on Wednesday at St. John's cathedral in Fort Portal town,  Kisembo noted that in a period of two to three years, Bundibugyo diocese will be granted but only if they follow the right procedures and meet the requirements.

"As a diocese we don't have any problem with Bundibugyo getting a diocese status because we agreed on it but there are procedures which must be followed and before a diocese is granted we assess if all the conditions have been met," says Kisembo.

According to Kisembo, there are only 21 parishes in Bundibugyo and not 25 as this is one of the requirements for a diocese.

"A diocese must be consisting of more than 25 parishes and in this case Bundibugyo still has 21 so Christians should be patient within a few years they will be having their own diocese," he said.

Last year, Christians led by Charles Kisembo, the head of laity Bumadu Archdeaconry announced plans to break away from Ruwenzori Diocese and form West Ruwenzori diocese with its headquarters at Bumandu in Bundibugyo district.  Kisembo alleged that they are being marginalized and oppressed by Ruwenzori diocese.

Kisembo also claims that there has been mismanagement of funds by some clergy based at the Diocesan headquarters in Fort Portal and Bishop Kisembo has done nothing to address the problem.

"We need to break away from Ruwenzori diocese and form our own diocese so that we can have control over our own resources because we are being marginalized by Ruwenzori diocese," said Kisembo.

The Christians also demanded for the withdrawal of a clergy who was posted at Bumadu archdeaconry.

Reverend Jonathon Kyangasha, who had been posted to Bumadu as Archdeacon two years ago was also asked by the Christians to return to Ruwenzori Diocese.