It appears the situation surrounding Rev. Abel Serwanja Merewooma, recently expelled from St. John Church Kitegomba in Gayaza Archdeaconry for alleged forgery of academic credentials, is far from over.
Since his expulsion in late December, on grounds of questionable academic qualifications, Merewooma has been silent amid controversy surrounding his reappointment which has made headlines in the media.
However, it seems he could no longer remain silent in the face of the persistent media coverage of the scandal. Breaking his silence, he has now spoken out to share his side of the story and further explain where his troubles stem from.
According to Merewooma, the Bishop Moses Banja of Namirembe Diocese’s has hidden motives for his dismissal, beyond the alleged issue of forgery of academic testimonials.
Merewooma’s dismissal stemmed from earlier communication from Mukono Uganda Christian University (UCU) which stated that he had used forged documents to enrol in the university for his diploma course in divinity. As a result, he was terminated by his employer, Namirembe Diocese.
In reference to BUKEDDE newspaper article published on January 3rd, 2025, Rev. Merewooma alleged that Bishop Moses Banja assumed office with a predetermined list of ministers to dismiss, allegedly for personal reasons, and that he was among those targeted.
“What appears in my dismissal letter is just a cover-up. I’ve served for 25 uninterrupted years, how was I receiving my appointments all this time? If the Mukono Diocese appointed me, how could they have ignored my credentials?” Merewooma questioned.
Another minister, Rev. Nathan Mulondo, former parish priest at St. Paul Church Kisimbiri, was dismissed around the same time as Merewooma but is now serving as a parish priest in Kiweesa under Mityana Diocese.
Bishop Banja of Namirembe Diocese, however, refuted Merewooma’s claims, stating that the dismissal was purely based on UCU’s decision to revoke his diploma over allegations of forged documents.
The university had formally communicated this decision through the Namirembe Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Can. Henry Segawa.
“I acted strictly within the law after consulting legal experts, who advised me accordingly. As for Rev. Mulondo, he requested a voluntary transfer to Mityana Diocese, and there was no way I could force him to stay,” Banja explained.
He further noted that in many cases, uninformed believers, unaware of the full circumstances, tend to politicise such matters.
A number of followers we spoke to expressed opinions that did not align with Rev. Merewooma’s claims. Many questioned why he remained silent about Mukono University, the institution that triggered his dismissal by revoking his divinity diploma.
Kabeisano Oswald from Nakisunga, Mukono, advised Merewooma to focus on providing concrete evidence rather than offering verbal explanations.
“He should prove, beyond mere words, that he legally enrolled in the university for his divinity diploma. If he can present valid proof, he will be in a better position to legally challenge those he is currently trying to discredit,” Oswald stated.
In the dismissal letter, Merewooma was reportedly reminded that he had failed to present valid academic documents proving his legitimate admission to UCU, and that the grace period given to him had expired without compliance.
Nalongo Nanteza Bulanina from Goma Division, Mukono Municipality, also questioned his approach, asking, “Is it easier to accuse others than to simply provide the documents he used to gain admission to UCU?”
She further argued that even if his former school no longer exists, permanent records of past students should still be accessible.
Bulanina echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that unless Merewooma produces concrete evidence, it may seem as though he is deliberately scapegoating Bishop Banja.
He noted that Bishop Banja merely acted on legal advice after UCU revoked Merewooma’s diploma and was not responsible for the university’s decision.
Meanwhile, several believers from Nsambwe and Nkooki villages in Mukono Municipality, as well as Nama sub-county, voiced concerns that the church could be turning into a political battleground.
They urged that focus be maintained on God’s work, with no room for personal disputes or quarrels resembling secular political wrangles.
Many also suggested that Merewooma’s continued public outcry could raise further questions about how he secured his new role as a resource mobilizer at Mukono Diocese.
His reappointment by Mukono Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the prudence of assigning church duties to a cleric entangled in forgery allegations.
On Thursday, Bishop Kagodo turned away journalists after reports surfaced about the controversial reappointment of a priest whose past remains clouded by accusations of falsified credentials.
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