The Church of Uganda (COU) has denied recent social media reports suggesting the dismissal of Namirembe Diocese Chancellor, lawyer Frederick Mpanga. These reports had alleged that the House of Bishops ousted Mpanga due to his role in the controversial nomination of two candidates for election.
According to these reports, the election of the new Bishop of Namirembe Diocese was deferred by the House of Bishops after elders and certain members of the selection committee contested the nominations of Rev. Moses Banja and Rev. Abraham Muyinda, who were nominated for the position.
COU spokesperson Sadiiki Adams issued a statement to refute these claims, describing them as false and unsubstantiated. The Church asserted that the nomination process for the new Bishop of Namirembe was ongoing, and recommendations made by the House of Bishops would be communicated to the nominations committee in due course.
The dispute arose as some elders accused lawyer Frederick Mpanga of manipulating the nomination process with a conflict of interest and taking sides. They alleged that Mpanga unilaterally selected Banja and Muyinda and requested the committee to endorse them, despite strong objections from other committee members.
While these accusations have sparked controversy within the Church, COU maintains that the nomination process is still underway, and any decisions regarding candidates will be made according to established procedures.
The situation surrounding the selection of the new Bishop of Namirembe remains uncertain, with both supporters and opponents of the nominated candidates voicing their concerns and grievances.