Pastor Kabuleta sues Father Lokodo

 

The National Religious and Faith-Based Organisations (RFBOS) Policy, 2019, among others, seeks to harmonise the governing structures for all religious organisations by having all religious organisations registered and established under one regulatory authority.

 

Through Namara Twenda and Company Advocates, Pastor Joseph Kabuleta Kiiza of the Watchman Ministries is suing the minister alongside Rev.Canon Aaron Mwesigye in the Civil Division of the High Court in Kampala.

 

Kabuleta contends that the policy is an infringement of and or threatens the fundamental right to freedom of worship and freedom to practice any religion.

 

On February 1, 2019, Manjiya County MP, John Baptist Nambeshe withdrew his motion seeking leave to introduce a Private Member's RFBOS bill after it was opposed by fellow legislators, who dismissed it as unconstitutional and infringement on the freedom of worship of Ugandans.

 

The court documents filed Tuesday indicate that Government under the directorate of ethics and integrity and office of the president repackaged the bill into policy, which will soon be enforced across the country to regulate the activities of religious and faith-based Organisations in Uganda.

 

Kabuleta claims the policy is being popularised by Fr.Lokodo and Rev. Mwesigye as the of religious affairs in the government through workshops and training of various sections of the public.

 

"As a Ugandan, I have read and understood the Constitution of Uganda and know that it provides in Article 7 that Uganda shall not adopt a state religion," he said.

 

Kabuleta says the policy is an attempt and a step by the state to impose a state religion contrary to Article 7 of the Constitution, by attempting to harmonise all religions, faith, and beliefs.

 

He contends the policy seeks to disseminate to the public selectively censored government-approved information to the public through appropriate information, education and communication strategy thereby creating a state-controlled belief system.

 

Kabuleta also contends that the policy contravenes the national objectives and directive principles of the state policy 111 on national unity and stability as laid in the Constitution, as it seeks to erode the religious diversity of Ugandans.

 

He asserts that the evil manipulation exploitation of followers, loss of property, loss of lives, domestic violence, family breakdowns, instability in communities, promotion of immorality, noise pollution are taken care of under the diverse laws on the protection of life, property, environment, and marriage.

 

Kabuleta seeks a court declaration that the Government is prohibited from enforcing or implementing (RFBOs) Policy because it is unconstitutional.                                                                                     

 

He contends that RFBOS policy is a contravention of Article 7 of the Constitution and is therefore null and void. Article 7 of the Constitution states that Uganda shall not adopt a State religion.

 

Kabuleta further wants Fr.Lokodo and Rev.Mwesigye prohibited from enforcing and or implementing (RFBOs) for it infringes on the right to freedom of worship.