Editor
The Christian community of Bugarama Church of Uganda Parish in Bwambara Archdeaconry is embroiled in a dispute with the Archdeacon of Bwambara, Rev. Can. George Bazahuuza, following the removal of the invited chief guest for the installation of their new parish priest, Rev. Medius Twinomugisha.
Earlier this week, an announcement aired on Boona FM invited Christians to the installation ceremony, naming Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo as the chief guest. However, after two days, the announcement was altered, and Turyahikayo’s name was removed. Investigations revealed that Ven. George Bazahuza ordered the removal, allegedly for political reasons.
Wallen Batarakaramire, head of the laity at Bugarama Church of Uganda, expressed frustration over the Archdeacon’s decision. He emphasized that the parish council, which chose the chief guest, has the authority to make such decisions without the Archdeacon’s interference, as per church laws. According to Batarakaramire, the Archdeacon has no moral authority to override the council’s decision.
WALLEN ON MORAL AUTHORITY //RR//
“The Archdeacon has no moral authority to stop an invited chief guest chosen by the majority,” Batarakaramire stated.
Batarakaramire also highlighted that the parish is autonomous and can make decisions independently, with the priest reporting directly to the bishop who appoints them. He accused the Archdeacon of wanting to control the priests in Bwambara.
WALLEN ON NOTIFYING THE ARCHDEACON //RR//
“According to church laws, a parish is autonomous and can make its own decisions without involving the Archdeacon,” he added.
In response, Rev. Can. George Bazahuuza, refuted the claims, stating that he was not notified about the chief guest. He argued that it is against ecclesiastical laws to have a non-Anglican as the chief guest at an Anglican church function.
ARCHDEACON BAZAHUZA ON THE MATTER //RR//
“The parish council never notified me, and I cannot allow a person from another religion to be the chief guest at an Anglican church function,” Bazahuuza explained.
Batarakaramire countered, citing a recent event where a non-Protestant, Medius Karahata, was invited as the chief guest, suggesting the Archdeacon’s actions were personal. He insisted that Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo must be the chief guest as she is the choice of the Bugarama church community.
WALLEN ON RELIGIOUS INCLUSIVITY //RR//
“The Archdeacon is acting on personal orders. We’ve seen Anglican church members invited as chief guests at Catholic events,” Batarakaramire argued.
The situation has left the church community divided and uncertain about the upcoming event. It remains unclear whether the installation ceremony will proceed with Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo as the chief guest.
The conflict underscores deeper tensions within the church regarding autonomy, authority, and inclusivity.
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