On July 2nd this year, the Anglican House of Bishops will decide whether or not to consecrate a new bishop accused of adultery.
The Bishop-elected of Kinkizi Diocese, Rev. Bernard Bagaba, allegedly fathered two children outside of marriage. A preliminary DNA test came back negative, but a second test has been ordered to remove any doubt about Rev. Bagaba.
The rumors surrounding Rev. Bagaba's fidelity have split Kinkizi Diocese. Yesterday a group of five bishops visited Kinkizi with a letter from the Archbishop of Uganda, to assure that church of his support.
In the letter Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi said the matter will be debated in full by the House of Bishops in two weeks and a decision will be made on whether or not to continue with Rev. Bagaba's consecration.
Speaking to the laity of Kinkizi yesterday, Bishop George Tibesigwa of Ankole Diocese, called for patience as the problem is resolved. He asked people to pray for peace and mercy to unify the Diocese of Kinkizi.
During the meeting, the diocese Head of Laity, Charles Byarugaba, claimed to have information that the anti-Bagaba group had paid a woman called Annette Tugumisirize to announce that she had an affair with the Bishop-elect. He said Tugumisirize was given 2.5 million shillings for the job.
Byarugaba said there was only a small faction opposed to Rev. Bagaba and that the rest of the diocese stood behind the Bishop-elect.
The bribery claim has not been independently verified.
