Kabale priest refuses to baptize parishioner’s child over political differences as many fear being chased from church
Aaron Ainomugisha.
The parish priest of Kakore Catholic Parish in Kabale diocese Rev. Fr. Herbert Agaba is on spot for refusing to baptize one of his parishioner’s child accusing the couple of voting for an Anglican candidate in September 2020 National Resistance Movement-NRM party primary elections.
Agaba a strong supporter of the incumbent Rubanda East MP Henry Musasizi and has on several occasions decampaigned independent Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema who is Musasizi’s major opponent.
Agaba has also been asking Catholics under his Kakore parish to support a fellow catholic Musasizi at the expense of Jogo Biryabarema an Anglican and each Hiika was ordered by Fr Agaba to raise UGX100,000 to support Musasizi and whoever does not contribute towards the cause shall be dealt with by their Catechist or even be chased from the Church.
Racheal Ninsiima, another victim from Rutooma Hiika said she was embarrassed when their Rutooma Hiika catechist Innocent Namanya refused to give her a Baptism form to allow her baptize her daughter and was told she was chased from the church because she lined up behind Jogo during NRM primaries.
Ninsiima said that she was later informed by Namanya that the decision to chase all those that did not support Musasizi in the party primaries was directly from their parish priest Rev Fr Agaba Ninsiima revealed that after having no alternative, she is now being forced to join the Anglican Church.
Yuditah Komuhwezi a resident of Kiyoora village in Bubaare Sub County Rubanda district said that she was also told by their Catechist Namanya and his assistant Pasikazio Mugabeirwe never to go back to her church at Rutooma Hiika accusing her of voting Jogo in the last primary elections.
Kohuhwezi said she could not fail to vote for Jogo because he is capable and most importantly helped in the release of her husband from prison where he had been detained for carrying out stone quarrying at Kiyoora stone quarry, an activity that was banned by the government.
Olivia Kyomukama a resident of Rwabareera village Kitojo parish Bubaare Sub County said that supporting Jogo has turned them as criminals in front of their church leaders.
Fr Agaba could also not give a comment as he wasn’t picking calls.
The Vicar General of Kabale Diocese Monsignor Silverio said they are already aware of the accusations against the priest and the catchiest describing the incidents as terrible.
He said they are still investigating about the matter after which necessary advice and action shall be given and taken respectively.
He called for harmony and Unity among all people regardless of their differences in political or religious affiliations for the development of their area.
Rev. Fr. Gaetano Batanyenda, the Chairperson of Kigezi Interreligious Council also condemned the incidents and cautioned religious leaders against being indulged in divisive politics for selfish gains.
He added that religious leaders should instead use their pulpits to preach unity, harmony and development in their respective areas of service.
