Rev. Benjamin Kusaasira Ssewanyana, the parish priest of St. Barnabas Mbuya Church, has raised concerns after being sent on forced leave earlier this month, reportedly on the orders of Bishop Moses Banja.
In a letter addressed to the St. Barnabas Mbuya Church Council, Rev. Ssewanyana explained that he was instructed to take a leave of absence from his ministerial duties, following allegations linked to legal advice he allegedly gave to Canon Gitta during his tenure as Entebbe Archdeaconry lawyer in 2022.
“This decision stems from allegations regarding the legal advice I allegedly rendered to Canon Gitta during my tenure as the Entebbe Archdeaconry lawyer in 2022. It has been claimed that this advice was relied upon by Canon Gitta in a manner that was deemed unsatisfactory by the bishop,” he wrote.
Rev. Ssewanyana reassured the council that there was no cause for alarm or concern about the future of the church.
“My temporary leave is an administrative measure and not a reflection of any wrongdoing on my part. I have always acted in good faith and to the best of my ability, focusing on the mission and values of our diocese,” he said.
He acknowledged that church governance can be complex and that misunderstandings or disagreements among clergy with differing perspectives are not uncommon.
“It appears I am facing consequences not only for my role in this matter but also due to my professional relationship with Canon Gitta, the former Entebbe Archdeacon, with whom I have been closely associated,” he added.
“Canon Gitta has had personal differences with the bishop, and I fear that my proximity to him may have influenced these recent developments. In my view, this reflects the complex dynamics of church politics, where individuals can inadvertently become victims of circumstances beyond their control.”
Rev. Ssewanyana called on the congregation to remain united and grounded in the church’s core values.
“It is essential during times like these to remember the values we uphold as a faith community at St. Barnabas: love, understanding, and support for one another. I encourage all of you to approach this situation with open hearts and minds. Let us not allow disagreements among leaders to divide us but rather unite in our shared commitment to the church and its mission,” he urged.
As he navigates this period of forced leave, the priest affirmed his continued dedication to the church.
“I remain committed to the wonderful work we do together. If you have any concerns or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out. I am open to dialogue and committed to transparency.
“I ask for your prayers as I work through this challenge. In times of uncertainty, our faith serves as a guiding light. I am hopeful for a resolution that honors our shared mission and brings healing to all involved.”
Bishop Banja was not available for the comment.
