Nkoyooyo takes over Muhabura diocese

By Darious Magara Church OF Uganda Archbishop Dr. Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyooyo on Friday took over the troubled Muhabura diocese to settle the succession crisis.Nkoyooyo took over from Bishop Ernest Shalita, who was supposed to retire on December 31, 2001 after serving the diocese for 12 years. Nkoyooyo was represented by the Dean of the province, Rev. Nicodemus Okille, who was accompanied by the provincial secretary, Rev. Can. Dr. George Tibesigwa and Rev. Can. Hannington Mutebi.Nkoyooyo will be assisted by a six-member caretaker team of clerics and laity under the chairmanship of Rev. Can. Baker Habimana.The members were sworn in at around 10:00am before thousands of excited Christians. Nkoyooyo postponed the consecration of Bishop-elect Rev. Can. David Sebuhinja, who is also the diocesan secretary. Shalita handed over office property, documents and an 11-page hand-over report signed by the bishop’s representatives and commissary, the clergy and head of laity Dr. Philemon Mateke. Nkoyooyo called upon all the diocesan officials, clergy, laity and synod members in the diocese to “join hands and work as a team with us the team of the House of Bishops and the team of our commissaries on reconciliation.”Shalita said he was happy to retire. “it’s a great relief because leadership of any kind is a burden.” he said.