By: BR
The escalating conflict among the Christians at Bugarama Church of Uganda in Bwambara Archdeaconry, North Kigezi Diocese, has reached alarming levels following the suspension of their parish priest, Rev. Medius Twinomugisha, in November 2024.
According to members of the Bugarama COU Christians, the discord began when lay leader Abisinguza Marcy baptized a sick child without the parish priest’s consent. In response, 13 concerned Christians called for a meeting with the Archdeacon, demanding answers regarding the unauthorized baptism. It is alleged that during this meeting, the archdeacon created a negative perception of the parish priest, which fueled growing discontent among the Christians.
Several Christians expressed their deep sorrow over the mistreatment they claim to have suffered at the hands of Archdeacon Rev. Can. George Bazahuza.
Wallen Bitakaramire, the former head of laity, described the archdeacon as a burden to the church, accusing him of jeopardizing its development. Bitakaramira, who was forcibly removed from his post, recounted how the archdeacon had threatened to arrest him if he returned to the church after protesting the suspension of Rev. Medias Twinomugisha. He is now seeking clarity from diocesan authorities regarding the priest’s suspension, as he believes it was unjustified.
WALLEN BITAKARAMIRE…………….RR
Muhwezi Emmanuel, the former parish head of development, shared his frustrations, stating that during the nine months they worked with Rev. Medius, significant progress was made, including the completion of the parish priest’s house, repayment of outstanding debts, and the development of coffee farming.
He accuses retired Rev. Can. Tiwangye Charles, who allegedly colluded with Archdeacon Bazahuza, of harassing priests who failed to comply with what he called “ungodly orders” and using the altar to criticize the congregation.
CUE IN MUHWEZI EMMANUEL…………….////.RR
Alice Zirihihi, deeply distressed by the behavior of the archdeacon, tearfully recalled her experience when her late husband’s body was denied burial at her home by Rev. Bazahuza, who even mocked her in front of the mourners. Alice, speaking on behalf of the Christians of Bugarama, pleaded for intervention from the bishop before matters take a turn for the worse, warning that the archdeacon’s actions could lead to a crisis.
CUE IN ALICE ZIRIHIHI………….//RR//
Ngabirano Dorcus, a former churchwarden, also voiced her concerns, revealing that she, along with other church leaders, had been suspended along with Rev. Medias. She recounted how, when she and others sought answers regarding the suspension and the unauthorized baptism, some members were arrested by the police. Despite presenting their grievances to the diocesan secretary, they have yet to receive any response.
CUE IN NGABIRANO DORCUS………….//RR//
Mwesigwa Julius, who was the head of the building committee, expressed his profound sadness over the false accusations made against their former priest. He revealed that he had written numerous letters to the bishop seeking answers but had received no response. Julius questioned the authority of the lay leader to perform baptisms in the absence of the parish priest, raising concerns about whether such actions are permissible under canon law.
CUE IN MWESIGWA JULIUS…………….//RR//
Jackline Untie, another member of the church, lamented the harsh words spoken by Rev. George Bazahuza about their suspended priest, including cruel remarks regarding her inability to have children and a publicly mocking her for losing her husband, claiming that widows should not serve in the church.
CUE IN JACKLINE…………….//RR//
God Worinawe, a distressed Christian, decried the selfishness of Archdeacon Bazahuza, calling on the bishop to urgently address the situation. She accused the Archdeacon of further persecuting Christians in his Archdeaconry, particularly those who do not support the incumbent Member of Parliament for Rujumbura County.
CUE IN……….GOD WORINAWE………….//RR//
When asked about the reasons behind Rev. Medius Twinomugisha’s suspension, the Bwambara Archdeacon referred the inquiry to the Diocesan Secretary, who had written the suspension letter. However, attempts to reach the Diocesan Secretary for comment were unsuccessful, as his known phone numbers were unreachable at the time of reporting.
CUE IN REV BAZAHUZA……………//RR//
The matter now rests in the hands of the North Kigezi Diocesan Bishop, who must step in to restore order and unity among the Christians of Bugarama Church before tensions escalate further.
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