Forgery is a serious offense, capable of dismantling careers, eroding trust, and tarnishing reputations.
Yet, in an unprecedented twist, a dismissed priest accused of forging academic documents has found himself back in the spotlight, this time with a fresh appointment in Mukono Diocese.
Rev. Abel Sserwanja Merewooma, who was dismissed from Namirembe Diocese over allegations of using fake academic documents to attain his theological diploma, has been reappointed to a key leadership role by Mukono Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo.
The decision has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the wisdom of entrusting church responsibilities to a cleric whose past is mired in forgery claims.
Now, Christians in the diocese are deeply divided over Rev. Merewooma’s reinstatement, with the resulting tensions threatening to disrupt church operations and unity.
Rev. Merewooma was dismissed from Namirembe Diocese on November 20, 2024, just months after being transferred to Kitegomba Church in Gayaza Archdeaconry.
His dismissal followed allegations of using forged academic documents for his theological studies.
Despite these controversies, Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo of Mukono Diocese has reappointed Rev. Merewooma as the diocesan resource mobiliser, effective January 1, 2025.
The appointment also entrusts him with planning and development responsibilities, alongside ministerial duties at the cathedral.
“After prayer and guidance from God, this is to inform you that we have officially assigned you in the Diocesan office as a Diocesan Resource Mobiliser… The program for your course of duties will be communicated in due course,” Bishop Kagodo stated in his appointment letter.
Revocation of Academic Credentials
Rev. Merewooma’s dismissal from Namirembe Diocese stemmed from a decision by Uganda Christian University (UCU) to revoke his diploma in theology.
The university cited forged academic documents as the basis for the revocation, a claim that came to light during his attempt to enroll in a degree program.
According to the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Statute, institutions can revoke academic credentials if they were attained through fraudulent means.
Canon law further prohibits priests with revoked academic qualifications from serving in any church.
Rev. Can. Henry Segawa, the Namirembe Diocesan Secretary, emphasized in the dismissal letter that allowing Rev. Merewooma to continue serving would violate both the constitution and canonical laws of the Church.
Divided Opinions Among Christians
The appointment has drawn mixed reactions among Christians in Mukono Diocese.
Samson Ddumba, a parishioner at Nasuuti, said, “While it’s not our place to judge, Rev. Merewooma should first resolve the allegations against him at Namirembe before assuming any role in Mukono.”
Solomon Ntensibe, another Christian, expressed concerns about the decision’s impact on the Church’s credibility. “Appointing him despite unresolved issues undermines the integrity of both Mukono Diocese and Namirembe’s earlier decision,” he noted.
Bishop Kagodo has declined to explain the reasons behind his decision, urging the media to steer clear of what he described as a sensitive religious matter.
Reappointment syndicate
Rev. Merewooma is not the first dismissed clergyman to find a new role under Bishop Kagodo. Earlier this year, Venerable Mesarch Lubega was appointed to Bbaale Archdeaconry after being dismissed from Mityana Diocese.
The Bishop has also reinstated several priests dropped by his predecessor for alleged disloyalty, sparking allegations that these cases were not fully resolved before their reappointments.
As debates continue, many Christians are calling for greater transparency and accountability in handling such matters to uphold the Church’s moral authority.
Implication
The division among Catholics over Rev. Merewooma’s reinstatement has significant implications for both the spiritual and organizational aspects of the Mukono Diocese.
Firstly, it undermines the trust and unity within the congregation, as disagreements over his appointment may create factions, weakening the collective sense of purpose among church members.
Secondly, this division could hinder the smooth functioning of diocesan operations, as tensions may spill over into day-to-day activities, affecting morale and cooperation among church leaders, staff, and the faithful.
Furthermore, the controversy surrounding the forgery allegations could tarnish the reputation of the diocese, potentially eroding public confidence in the Church’s ability to hold its leaders accountable and uphold ethical standards.
In the long term, this situation may challenge the credibility of Bishop Kagodo’s leadership, especially if the issues surrounding Rev. Merewooma’s past remain unresolved.
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