Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Uganda: More Catholic Priests Rebel Against Archbishop Lwanga

Image result for Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito LwangaThe Roman Catholic Church in Uganda is facing a tough test as more priests walk away from the mainstream, threatening the harmony and discipline it has always been associated with.

At Lubaga, the seat of Kampala Archdiocese, there are fears that the growing resentment among priests towards Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga's leadership could lead to an Arua-like scenario.

A source at Lubaga told The Observer on Friday that the number of disenchanted priests has grown over what they call the archbishop's high-handedness.

"What happened in Arua is not far from happening at Lubaga because of the way the archdiocese is being managed," the source said.

On September 22, a combined force of regular and military police fought running battles with angry Christians at Ediofe cathedral in Arua. 

The Christians who converged overnight wanted to evict the Arua diocesan bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki who they accuse of mismanaging the diocesan affairs.

Bishop Odoki too has a trail of bad relations with priests under him. 

Some rebel priests in Kampala archdiocese have chosen to take a low profile while others have defected and joined charismatic preacher Fr Jacinto Kibuuka, who was suspended from the Catholic Church in July.

Notable among the defectors is Fr Dr Vincent Kibuuka Byansi, who previously headed Caritas Kampala, a church organisation involved in socio-economic development activities. 

Others are Fr Deogratius Ssonko and Fr Anthony Ssewanyana.