Arch. Lwanga urges Christians to resist Fr. Kibuuka's antics

THE Archbishop of Kampala archdiocese, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga has called upon the faithful from Namugongo Catholic Parish to remain steadfast in their faith and desist from following the misleading ministry of suspended catholic priest, Fr. Jacinto Kibuuka.

In a message delivered on Sunday, July 24 to all Namugongo parishioners, the archbishop said that the Catholic Church stands for unity and would wish that all the faithful show solidarity despite the challenges being posed by some errant members of the clergy.

"It is important that you all remain together, unwavering in faith and steadfast in such moments," the Bishop counseled the faithful in a message delivered for him by Anthony Mateega the head of the laity in Kampala Archdiocese.  

In a campaign aimed at emphasizing  the Kampala archdiocese position on the recent developments involving Fr. Kibuuka and reassuring the catholic faithful in the archdiocese, Mateega will deliver this message of encouragement to different parishes in the archdiocese.

Early this month, the archbishop suspended Fr. Kibuuka from his duties as a Roman Catholic priest following the priest's failure to adhere to the diocesan regulations on praise and worship.

He also banned him from administering sacrament and enjoying other clerical privileges until he atones for his transgressions. The ordinary also denounced Kibuuka's new prayer station known as Mamre prayer centre in Namugongo.

Anthony Mateega, the head of the laity in Kampala Archdiocese. Photo/Mathias Mazinga

Following his suspension, Fr. Kibuuka announced his decision to quit the Roman Catholic Church citing injustice against him from church authorities. He also said he had joined the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Namugongo parish has been particularly central to Fr. Kibuuka's ministry. This is where the priest served in the years prior to his suspension, following his transfer from Bukalango. He was also part of the team that organized Pope Francis visit and celebration of mass at the Catholic martyrs' shrine in November last year. At that time, Kibuuka actively conducted healing prayers in Namugongo.  As a result of his activities in the area, he had over time gained a cult following in the place and beyond. That his prayer canter is based in Namugongo portends even more activities and potentially more followers.

"Be firm"

Invoking St. Paul's First letter to Timothy, in which the apostle offers instructions on the organization of the Church and the responsibilities for church leaders, the archbishop reiterated the need for leaders in the Catholic Church to work in unity with their bishop instead of working to drive a wedge in the body of Christ that is the church.

In light of the Fr. Kibuuka's claim to have joined the Eastern Orthodox Church, the prelate said that one cannot just cross over from one church to another without the express permission of bishops from either churches. "There are procedures to be followed; it is not just a matter of moving from the Roman rite to the Eastern Orthodox rite," he said, reminding the faithful to be wary of such misleading moves.

Ordained in Lubaga 8 years ago by Archbishop Lwanga, Fr. Jacinto Kibuuka had been a popular preacher among various sections of the Catholic Church. However, following his strained relationship with his bishop over failure to respond to the ordinary's calls for repentance over his errant ways, the young priest recently fell out with the church leaders resulting into his suspension. He however continues leading prayers at his Mamre prayer centre despite his suspension from performing all priestly roles.