Mukono Bishop Rev. Enos Kito Kagodo has opened a war on journalists for having exposed the reappointment of a priest under unfortunate circumstances. The priest was expelled recently by Namirembe diocese for forging academic documents.
Journalists, who arrived at the Mukono Diocese cathedral construction site on Thursday to cover the commencement of excavation work, were unceremoniously turned away by Bishop Kagodo.
The reporters suspect their exclusion was linked to their persistent coverage of the controversial appointment of Rev. Abel Serwanja Merewooma, the embattled former Kitegomba parish priest, as Mukono Diocesan Resource Mobiliser.
The media has been rife with reports about the revocation of Rev. Merewooma’s divinity diploma over forged university pre-entry academic credentials.
This revocation led to his dismissal as parish priest of Kitegomba in Gayaza Archdeaconry.
According to canon law provisions, Merewooma’s dismissal disqualifies him from serving in any ministerial capacity within the Church of Uganda.
Despite this, Bishop Kagodo issued a letter on 23rd December 2024, appointing Merewooma as the diocesan resource mobiliser, with his assignment taking effect on 1st January 2025.
When journalists contacted Bishop Kagodo a day earlier on Wednesday to query the legality of Merewooma’s new role, the bishop responded angrily, urging them to abandon the story.
“As journalists, you should be demoralised if you write these stories; just trash the idea and keep off the story,” he said before abruptly hanging up.
Undeterred, the journalists turned up at the cathedral construction site to cover the foundation-digging ceremony.
However, diocesan publicist Moses Sewankambo intercepted them before they reached the premises. He relayed the bishop’s directive to deny them entry.
“The bishop said he did not invite you because he does not need you,” Sewankambo stated bluntly when the reporters requested to meet the bishop personally.
Moments later, Bishop Kagodo arrived at the site, driving through the main gate. He waved at the journalists but did not engage with them further.
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