Bishop Reuben Kisembo Amooti of Ruwenzori Diocese has defrocked five priests for what he called immoral behaviour.
Addressing the media at the Ruwenzori Diocesan Headquarters in Fort Portal today, Bishop Kisembo named the defrocked priests as Rev. Joel Manyindo who was parish priest Rwimi All Saints Church, Rev. Jonathan Kyangasha, the Chaplain Canon Apollo Teachers’ College, Rev. Felix Batalingaya formerly of St. Andrews Church of Uganda Rwengoma, Rev. Paul Kinyerere and Deacon Abel Alinaitwe who was on pastoral work at Bunyonyi Church of Uganda parish in Kijura.
According to Bishop Kisembo, the Diocesan tribunal convened a meeting two weeks ago and after analysing the behaviour of the five priests, the tribunal overwhelmingly agreed that that the priests be defrocked. He explained that the defrocked priests are not allowed to perform and preside over any pastoral work on behalf of Church of Uganda or Ruwenzori Diocese.
Kisembo also ordered the priests to return the ordination certificates they received at their ordination day with immediate effect.
Rev. Steven Kalyebara, the Ruwenzori Diocesan Secretary declined to disclose the immoral behaviour that led to the priests being defrocked citing fear of the priests to be embarrassed by the community.
Kalyebara says the decision that was taken by the diocesan tribunal is aimed at sending a strong message to other priests.
However, a source at the diocesan headquarters that preferred anonymity told URN that some of the priests embezzled funds while others were involved in sexual scandals.
