By Aggrey Baba
They say, “When the roots of a tree begin to decay, it is the branches that tell the story.” In the heart of Katabi, a storm has been brewing, quiet but fierce, among Christians of St. Mark Church Entebbe, who now feel betrayed by those they trusted the most.
Like a shepherd who sells his flock for silver, leaders of the Church of Uganda are being accused of selling off church land behind their flock’s back.
Christians of St. Mark Church, Entebbe, under Namirembe Diocese, are up in arms after discovering that their beloved church land in Katabi was allegedly sold without their knowledge or consent.
The land in question, located near UNRA offices in Katabi, was originally secured with support from the late Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, with hopes of future development to benefit the church. However, shock and anger erupted when Christians recently learned that the land had quietly changed hands.
The transaction, they say, was done under the veil of secrecy by high-ranking officials in the Church of Uganda, specifically within the Provincial Secretariat.
The sale reportedly fetched over UGX 2 billion, but not even a coin of it was used to develop St. Mark Church or support its ongoing projects.
“To make matters worse,” one of the church members said, “the land was not sold due to lack of funds, but for individual benefit. As Christians, we feel cheated, abandoned, and used.”
The concerned congregation has petitioned the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, demanding an immediate investigation into the sale. They also want the transaction cancelled and the land returned to its rightful owners, the church.
One Christian remarked bitterly, “A hen that pecks at its eggs should not complain when its chicks are missing.” They accuse some church leaders of acting more like land dealers than spiritual guides.
This controversy is also dragging in big names like the Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon William Ongeng, who is believed to have sanctioned the sale. Yet, church members insist that no consultations were made with them, nor with the Parish or Diocesan Council.
In their petition, the believers are calling for transparency, accountability, and above all, justice. “If church land can be sold off like matooke in a market, what future does our faith infrastructure have?” another member asked.
With growing tension and pressure mounting, all eyes are now on the leadership of the Church of Uganda. Will the shepherds listen to the cries of their sheep, or continue down the path of silence? As the saying goes, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” And for St. Mark Church, that house is now trembling at its very foundation. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
