Fight Erupts In Kisoro Church Before Nkoyooyo

May 20, 2002

A scuffle erupted at St. Andrews Cathedral, Muhabura Diocese in Kisoro district on Thursday when a sympathiser to the Bishop-elect, the Rev. Canon David Sebuhinja, attempted to interrupt a speech by Dr. Philemon Mateke, the head of laity and district LC5

By Hannington MbabaziA scuffle erupted at St. Andrews Cathedral, Muhabura Diocese in Kisoro district on Thursday when a sympathiser to the Bishop-elect, the Rev. Canon David Sebuhinja, attempted to interrupt a speech by Dr. Philemon Mateke, the head of laity and district LC5 chairman. This was during a visit by the Archbishop, Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyooyo, to the diocese to settle the ongoing wrangles between Sebuhinja and Christians who have contested and rejected his election.Nkoyooyo was meeting members of the synod and Christians. Mateke was explaining why Christians will not allow Sebuhinja to be their bishop. At this point, George Mushobora, a relative to the out-going bishop Rt. Rev Bishop Earnest Shalita and sympathiser to Sebuhinja, attempted to stop Mateke from speaking.A group of Christians swiftly grabbed Mushobora and threw him out of the church as Nkoyooyo and the provincial secretary, Dr. George Tibesigwa, looked on puzzled and pleaded to the Christians not to fight.The situation normalised and Mateke ordered that parishes stop giving money to the diocese unless Sebuhinja left office. He blamed Sebuhinja for threatening the clergy and Christians.The worried-looking Sebuhinja appreciated the Christians for their open criticism against him.Nkoyooyo promised to take the report to the House of Bishops. He said six bishops will visit the diocese to investigate the matter further. He also visited church projects including the Batwa housing project in Kisoro town. Ends

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