Kampala, Uganda | The search for the next Bishop of West Buganda Diocese in the Church of Uganda is becoming increasingly contentious as the Diocesan Synod navigates internal pressures and community expectations.
In July, the synod began the process to find a successor to Bishop Henry Katumba Tamale, who is set to retire in March after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. A nomination committee was formed to propose candidates, from which the House of Bishops will select the new bishop.
However, the process is marred by calls from some local Christians for a native candidate to be chosen. Patrick Ssemakula, a Christian from Kalungu Archdeaconry, argues that after 60 years, it is time for the diocese to have a bishop from among its own priests. He claims that previous bishops have not adequately understood or addressed local challenges because they were not from the area.
Ssemakula and others express concerns that the synod might overlook local candidates in favor of external ones, perpetuating a cycle that has excluded native voices. Allegations have surfaced that prior selections were influenced by past bishops, leading to a lack of genuine representation in leadership.
Despite these tensions, Bishop Katumba Tamale has criticized the disruptive behavior of some community members, stating that their sentiments threaten the integrity of the church. He noted that threats to reject the nomination committee's decisions reflect a misunderstanding of the Church of Uganda Canons, which allow for priests to serve anywhere in the province as long as they meet the requirements.
The situation in West Buganda mirrors recent struggles in the Luwero Diocese, where disagreements over bishop elections have created significant discord, highlighting the delicate balance between local interests and broader ecclesiastical governance.
