By 37 bishops, including Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda (CoU), have been summoned by the High Court of Luweero to defend themselves against the removal of Rev. Canon Godfrey Kasana Ssemakula from his position as the fourth bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Luweero.
The House of Bishops decided on June 28, 2023, while gathered at the Kabalega Resort Hotel in Hoima, to revoke the election of Rev. Canon Kasana Ssemakula as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Luweero, citing misrepresentation of his integrity.
This happened as a result of a petition to Archbishop Kaziimba filed by a group of Christians led by St. Mark’s Cathedral member Kenneth R. Kikabi, who accused Kasana of having an extramarital child in violation of the Ten Commandments and canon laws.
Thus, through Lubega and Company lawyers and Waymo lawyers, seven Christians led by David Lule Mutyaba Muzzanganda filed a lawsuit at the Luweero High Court, requesting a ruling that the nullification of Kasana was void and had no legal significance.
Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeija declared in October that the petitioners’ case was without merit and that it was thus dismissed from court.
But the new summons to prelates comes after four Christians, Kakembo Moses, Ssajjabi Christopher Katende, Bemba Moses, and Ssendowooza Saight, filed a new lawsuit.
The plaintiffs in the case, represented by M/S Kibirango & Partners Advocates, charge the House of Bishops of violating fundamental human rights and failing to provide proper care for Christians.
In this context, they request that the defendants state that they violated the plaintiffs’ confidence in them by rejecting natural justice principles and established Church norms, thereby invalidating the installation of Rev. Canon Godfrey Kasana as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Luweero.
Additionally, they want confirmation that Rev. Canon Kasana is still the Luweero Diocese’s legitimately elected bishop.
Additionally, the petitioners demand a statement from the bishops stating that Rev. Can. Kasana’s right to a fair trial was violated by the nullification.
Additionally, the unhappy petitioners seek an order for Rev. Can. Kasana to be consecrated or enthroned as Bishop of Luweero.
Additionally, they advocate for a permanent injunction to prevent the House of Bishops from choosing a different candidate to serve as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Luweero.
The Assistant Registrar, Tumwebaze Kenneth, issued the summons on December 20, 2023, and stated that the Bishops would have 15 days from the date of summons serve to file their defense.
He issues a warning, saying that if they don’t listen, the plaintiffs might carry on with the lawsuit and the decision might be made without them.
