An Anglican priest has been suspended for allegedly selling a piece of land that belongs to the church in order to pave way for investigations.
Reverend Semei Sebina Sekiziyivu of the St Andrews Church in Kiteezi, Uganda was suspended for illegally selling the piece of land following complaints from the members of the church.
The parish priest has been replaced by retired Rev Eriya Kawooya.
The suspension of the priest was announced by the Diocese Secretary Rev. Canon Henry Segawa on behalf of the Namirembe Diocese Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira.
“It has come to our knowledge that how you have handled church land issues did not follow the procedures of the church. You are hereby directed to step aside in matters of the parish and land until you are recalled,” reads part of the suspension letter.
Christians complaint about the manner which the reverend handled the church land and allowed it to be taken over without following the church’s procedures
Rev. Sekiziyivu was suspended together with the Archdeacon of Gayaza, Rev Herbert Nyanzi Kabanda who was his immediate supervisor.
The head of laity, St. Andrews Church Julius Buwembo says that the priest fronted various people to grab the church land in the guise of development.
The land which measures 2 acres is located at Bamba village. It is alleged that Rev. Sekiziyivu directed the destruction of an avacado and coffee plantation to establish a new church in an area less than a mile away from St. Andrews Church.
Buwembo also alleged that Sekiziyivu allowed Mary Namuddu to access and develop part of the land without the consent of the Church leadership.
While claiming to have acquired the lease through the Namirembe Diocese, Namuddu has been working closely with Rev. Sekiziyivu who called in the police at the time of resistance.
“While using forged documents, Rev. Sekiziyivu granted a lease to Namuddu and he has been using force on all land matters. At Kayanga village, we have 50 acres but with squatters and what he did, on the remaining space, he brought people on it,” said Buwembo.
According to Buwembo, the Church at Kiteezi is on the verge of losing its compound due to the actions of Sekiziyivu.
Rev. Can. Segawa commended the leadership of the diocese for the courage and sacrifice to save the church land.
Bishop Luwalira said that the Church will investigate the complaints and come up with a report and recommendations.
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