On Tuesday evening, Justice Ssemogerere, under police escort, handed over the school and land to Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, amid cheers and victory songs. A Christian volunteer broke the chains locking the main gate using a hammer, then proceeded to unlock padlocks at the administration block, store, and staff quarters as the judge looked on.
Kabale High Court Judge Ssemogerere Kaloli Lwanga has officially handed over Kaharo High School and its property to Kigezi diocese, drawing jubilation from parents, Christians, and clergy. The handover followed a locus in quo exercise by Justice Ssemogerere, based on his May 13, 2025, ruling that granted full ownership of the contested secondary school and land to the Diocese.
The Diocese, together with the Registered Trustees of the Province of the Church of Uganda and concerned Christians from Kaharo Church of Uganda in Kizinga Archdeaconry, had sued headteacher Ronald Hector Serikare, Harambee Fellowship Limited (an entity he founded), Harambee Educational Fund, and the school’s Board of Governors. The ownership wrangle began in February 2024 after Serikare claimed personal ownership of the land, buildings, and the school, prompting resistance from the local Christian community.
Attempts to mediate failed, and tensions reportedly escalated to threats of violence. The conflict led district authorities to close the school. Founded in 1997 by Scottish national Hector Sutherland, Harambee-Kaharo High School was established through the Harambee Educational Fund to support vulnerable and orphaned children. Before his return to Scotland in 2020, Sutherland handed over the school to Kaharo Archdeaconry under the Diocese of Kigezi and appointed Serikare as Chairperson of the Board. Sutherland died in 2021.
In Civil Suit No. 035 of 2023, the Diocese, represented by James Akampumuza Rutanga of Akampumuza & Co. Advocates and Henry Rwaganika of Rwaganika & Baku Advocates, asked the court to nullify Serikare’s ownership claims, reopen the school, bar him from the premises, and order him to pay damages.
During the trial, which began in January 2025, the Diocese presented 33 witnesses, while Serikare, through lawyer Davis Tayebwa of M/S Lautons Advocates, presented five.
Justice Ssemogerere ruled that Serikare's claims lacked credible evidence and affirmed the Diocese of Kigezi as the legitimate owner of the school, land, and buildings. He also dismissed Serikare’s counterclaim against Kabale RDC Godfrey Nyakahuma, the Attorney General, and the Church of Uganda trustees. The judge, however, allowed Serikare to retain the name “Harambee” and retrieve any movable property from the school without causing damage.
On Tuesday evening, Justice Ssemogerere, under police escort, handed over the school and land to Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, amid cheers and victory songs. A Christian volunteer broke the chains locking the main gate using a hammer, then proceeded to unlock padlocks at the administration block, store, and staff quarters as the judge looked on.
Despite being invited, Serikare and his lawyer did not attend the handover. Bishop Akanjuna urged the parish and Christians to mobilize learners and resources to ensure the school resumes operations in the 2026 academic year.
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Ben Batoryo, a concerned parent, welcomed the handover and expressed joy that the long-standing battle had come to an end.
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Kabale RDC Godfrey Nyakahuma explained that the school was closed for security reasons after Serikare reportedly used school funds to bribe security officers to intimidate clergy and parents.
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Kabale District Education Officer Moses Bwengye Tumwijukye said the development was a relief to the education office. He noted that the school was vital to the area’s education efforts and regretted that Serikare had filed false charges against him.
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James Akampumuza Rutanga, the lead counsel for the Diocese, said Serikare’s absence during the handover signals that he is “a total loser,” adding that they are prepared to battle further if an appeal is filed.
