Nkoyooyo Steps In Shalita Wrangle

By Milton OlupotTHE House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda has said the Rev. Canon David Sebuhinja is the rightful bishop-elect for Muhabura Diocese.Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo defended Sebuhinja’s election in a statement yesterday. He said the correct procedure and requirements for the nomination and election as provided in the Diocesan and Provincial Constitutions and Canons were duly followed.The statement signed by the Provincial Secretary the Rev. Canon Dr. George Tibeesigwa said, “It is our conviction that if the Diocesan Electoral College had not found Sebuhinja suitable to be bishop, they would not have forwarded his name to the House of Bishops for consideration.”The bishops said Sebuhinja would succeed the Rev. Ernest Shalita and all Muhabura Christians should respect the decision.“We appeal and urge all Christians in Muhabura Diocese to respect both the Diocesan and Provincial Constitutions and Canons. They should desist from using provocative language, issuing threats to human life and other actions that disturb peace and tranquillity,” the statement said.There has been discontent among some Christians in the diocese led by former minister Philemon Mateke.They demand that the Rev. Canon Wilson Baganizi should succeed Shalita.Mateke reportedly said that being the head of laity he would not allow Sebuhinja to become the Muhabura bishop because Christians do not like him. In a malicious act believed to be related to this conflict, needles were recently planted in Shalita’ seat.Sebuhinja and Baganizi were nominated by the Muhabura Diocesan Electoral College to the House of Bishops, which endorsed Sebuhinja as Shalita’s successor. Nkoyooyo said the final decision of election lies with the House of Bishops. “Every Christian in the Church of Uganda is duty bound to respect, obey, and observe the Diocesan and Provincial Constitution,” he said.Ends