On December 10, 2023, Bishop Moses Banja was consecrated and enthroned as the sixth Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, succeeding Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira.
Bishop Banja was selected from a pool of nine candidates, including Rev. Can. Moses Kayimba, Rev. Edward Stephen Kabanda, Ven. Can. John Gitta Kavuma, and Ven. B.K. Buwembo.
Others included Rev. Semei Ssebina Sekiziyivu, Rev. Emmanuel Lutaaya, Rev. Dr. Thomas Timothy Nsubuga, Rev. Esau Bbosa Kimanje, and Rev. Dr. Enock Kimanje.
At the outset of his tenure, Bishop Banja outlined a vision centered on preaching the Gospel, strengthening existing ministries, initiating development projects, preserving church land, improving clergy welfare, and enhancing education.
However, his leadership has been marked by accusations of highhandedness and alleged targeting of priests who did not support his candidacy.
Suspension of Cathedral Choir
Five months into his leadership, Bishop Banja through the Diocesan Council suspended the All Men’s Choir, which had served Namirembe Cathedral for over 75 years.
Although the suspension was eventually lifted, it contributed to growing unrest within the diocese. The bishop accused the choir of underperformance and irreverence during Sunday services.
An audio recording circulated on social media suggested the choir had been defiant. Allegedly, members declined to sing at the funeral of the late Bishop Prof. Michael Senyimba and failed to show up for a wedding ceremony on May 22, 2024, despite being paid. Only a few reportedly attended a separate wedding on May 10, 2024.
Suspension of Kazo Archdeacon Gitta Kavuma
Last month, Bishop Banja suspended Canon John Gitta Kavuma, Archdeacon of Kazo, accusing him of appropriating 20 acres of church land in Jjungo without diocesan approval.
He allegedly planted coffee and eucalyptus trees, raised livestock, and erected structures to house his shamba boys on the land.
Canon Kavuma, a former candidate for Bishop of Namirembe, is under investigation for land-related controversies, some of which predate his assignment to Kazo. The suspension was announced while Bishop Banja was on a pastoral mission to the United States.
In a letter to diocesan leaders, Diocesan Secretary Canon Henry Segawa appointed Rev. Canon David Mpanga as the caretaker Archdeacon of Kazo, effective July 1, 2025. Canon Mpanga currently serves as the Director of Education for Namirembe Diocese.
“You are expected to execute all duties as the Archdeacon of Kazo,” the letter from Canon Segawa stated.
Canon Segawa also revealed that plans were underway to appoint a new parish priest for Katwe II, where Canon Mpanga had been serving. He indicated he would personally brief Mpanga on the urgent nature of the transition.
Canon Kavuma has held numerous high-profile roles. He was Archdeacon of Entebbe Archdeaconry from 2021 to 2024, and previously ministered at Maganjo – St. Apollo Kivebulaya Church of Uganda, Namasuba Parish, St. John’s Church of Uganda – Entebbe, and Mengo Archdeaconry, where he served for 15 years.
He is also linked to a controversial lease involving Kisenyi Church, where he allegedly under-declared proceeds from a deal with an investor.
A former lay leader, now ordained, reportedly disclosed the missing funds, some of which were used in the construction of the new Kisenyi Church building.
Canon Kavuma was also Archdeacon of Mengo when St. Peter’s Church in Ndeeba was demolished by businessman Dodoviko Mwanje. He has previously been at the center of tension at St. Mark Church in Entebbe.
Growing Tensions in Namirembe Diocese
The suspension of Canon Kavuma comes amid reports that at least 17 priests believed to have not supported Bishop Banja’s candidacy face potential disciplinary action.
This publication has also learned of mounting tension between Bishop Banja and Rev. Abel Sserwanja Merewooma, a former contender for the bishopric of Luwero Diocese.
Rev. Merewooma reportedly sought to transfer from Namirembe Diocese but was denied a release letter by Bishop Banja.
The matter escalated, prompting the intervention of Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, who, after three unsuccessful appeals to Banja, issued the release letter himself. Rev. Merewooma now serves in Mukono Diocese.
A number of priests are considering serving outside Namirembe Diocese, while others are exploring opportunities overseas, as Bishop Banja enters the remaining four years of his tenure.
Daily Star Uganda couldn’t get a comment from Bishop Mosese Banja.
