BUSHENYI, UGANDA – Reports have surfaced indicating that the security situation in Bushenyi district has been placed on high alert as Archbishop Kazimba Mugalu prepares to visit the West Ankole diocese on Saturday. This visit has led to increased tension within the district due to two main concerns.
Firstly, there is a growing demand from Christians in Sheema District for their own diocese. Additionally, there are rumors that Archbishop Mugalu will be hosted by Eng Silver Mugisha, a Catholic, at his lavish residence in Kantunda, Bushenyi. This involvement of Eng Silver Mugisha has angered Christians who are pointing fingers at Bishop Twinomujuni and Willis Bashasha, the head of the Laity of Ankole Diocese, accusing them of influencing the Archbishop and leading him astray.
The Christians are not opposed to Eng Silver Mugisha hosting the Archbishop but they believe it should be done through a separate invitation rather than during an official pastoral visit. They argue that a pastoral visit is specifically intended for the Anglican community and question whether other religious leaders, such as the Mufti or the head of the Catholic Church, would be allowed to be hosted by a reverend when their own followers are present in the diocese.
Furthermore, the Christians claim that Willis Bashasha is seeking political support from Eng Silver Mugisha for his campaign in Ishaka-Bushenyi Municipality in 2026, which is why he is bowing to Mugisha’s demands. They also allege that Eng Silver Mugisha has influenced the Archbishop due to his wife’s involvement in politics as the woman MP for Bushenyi District, causing further rifts within the Anglican community.
The Christians express concerns that Bishop Twinomujuni, who they believe is influenced by both Bashasha and Mugisha, is facing difficulties because of their political agendas. Adding to the troubles, the people of Sheema District are demanding their own diocese, which has created additional tensions within the Ankole Diocese.
Yesterday, the tension escalated as Christians held a meeting where they decided that the Archdeaconry of Sheema would no longer contribute their church collections to Bweranyangi Cathedral, where Bishop Twinomujuni serves. Additionally, they expressed intentions to take legal action against the Bishop and discussed other grievances.
The security forces fear that these conflicts could escalate into violence in the near future. It is worth noting that the previous conflicts involving the former Bishop Katonene were limited to Sheema District. However, the current Bishop Twinomujuni is facing serious issues not only in Sheema but also in other parts of the Diocese, particularly in Igara County, where the Cathedral is located.
The Anglican flock urges Bishop Twinomujuni to reconsider his advisors, especially Willis Bashasha, as they believe it will lead to serious problems. While they appreciate Eng Silver Mugisha’s financial support for the Diocese, they request that he refrain from involving himself in matters concerning the Church of Uganda. They emphasize the importance of respecting the boundaries of different religions and their respective rules.
As the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Kazimba Mugalu, prepares for his pastoral visit to the West Ankole diocese on Saturday, tensions continue to rise among the Anglicans. The situation remains uncertain, and further developments are expected.
