Court summons Orombi over bishop
Sep 05, 2010
THE High Court in Kampala has summoned the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, outgoing Kinkizi Diocese Bishop Wilson Ntegyereize and the Bishop-elect of Kinkizi Diocese, the Rev. Can. Bernard Bagaba.
By Angela Nalumansi
THE High Court in Kampala has summoned the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, outgoing Kinkizi Diocese Bishop Wilson Ntegyereize and the Bishop-elect of Kinkizi Diocese, the Rev. Can. Bernard Bagaba.
Recently, a group of 29 Christians of Kinkizi Diocese, led by the Rev. David Rubarema, asked the court to restrain Orombi from consecrating Bagaba on October 10, saying his election by the House of Bishops was illegal.
Bagaba’s election has been marred in controversy after he was accused of infidelity.
A maid, Annette Tugumisiriza, had said the senior cleric was the father of her two children.
The church subsequently commissioned a DNA test, which was carried out in South Africa.
The House of Bishops last month cleared Bagaba after he was exonerated by the DNA test.
However, the Christians sued the clerics. According to the plaint, the Christians contend that there was an irregular selection of the nomination committee chaired by Ntegyereize which denied several synod members a chance to nominate a candidate of their choice.
They want court to order Ntegyereize to vacate his office as he was supposed to retire in May 2010.
The Christians accused Ntegyereize of influencing the nominations, arguing that he has no authority over the diocese.
The group said Bagaba was not fit to be a bishop due to his social and spiritual life, which they did not disclose.
The senior clerics are supposed to file their defence by September 16.
THE High Court in Kampala has summoned the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, outgoing Kinkizi Diocese Bishop Wilson Ntegyereize and the Bishop-elect of Kinkizi Diocese, the Rev. Can. Bernard Bagaba.
Recently, a group of 29 Christians of Kinkizi Diocese, led by the Rev. David Rubarema, asked the court to restrain Orombi from consecrating Bagaba on October 10, saying his election by the House of Bishops was illegal.
Bagaba’s election has been marred in controversy after he was accused of infidelity.
A maid, Annette Tugumisiriza, had said the senior cleric was the father of her two children.
The church subsequently commissioned a DNA test, which was carried out in South Africa.
The House of Bishops last month cleared Bagaba after he was exonerated by the DNA test.
However, the Christians sued the clerics. According to the plaint, the Christians contend that there was an irregular selection of the nomination committee chaired by Ntegyereize which denied several synod members a chance to nominate a candidate of their choice.
They want court to order Ntegyereize to vacate his office as he was supposed to retire in May 2010.
The Christians accused Ntegyereize of influencing the nominations, arguing that he has no authority over the diocese.
The group said Bagaba was not fit to be a bishop due to his social and spiritual life, which they did not disclose.
The senior clerics are supposed to file their defence by September 16.