The conflict, which started in February 2024, led to the closure of the school by district authorities after Serikare claimed personal ownership of the land, buildings, and the institution. His claims triggered resistance from local Christians and mediation attempts failed, with the situation reportedly escalating into threats of violence.
The Kabale High Court has ruled in favor of the Diocese of Kigezi, granting it full ownership rights over Harambee-Kaharo High School in Kaharo Sub-county, Kabale District, ending a protracted legal dispute over the school’s ownership.
The Diocese, alongside the Registered Trustees of the Province of the Church of Uganda and a section of concerned Christians from Kaharo Church of Uganda in Kizinga Archdeaconry, had filed a suit against headteacher Ronald Hector Serikare, Harambee Fellowship Limited (an organization he founded), Harambee Educational Fund, and the school’s Board of Governors.
The conflict, which started in February 2024, led to the closure of the school by district authorities after Serikare claimed personal ownership of the land, buildings, and the institution. His claims triggered resistance from local Christians and mediation attempts failed, with the situation reportedly escalating into threats of violence.
Located on 9.8870 hectares of land in Hamuremere Village, 14 kilometers from Kabale town along the Kabale–Mbarara highway, Harambee-Kaharo High School was founded in 1997 by the late Hector Sutherland, a Scottish national. Through his organization, Harambee Educational Fund (HEF), Sutherland established the school to support vulnerable children, especially orphans.
Before returning to Scotland in 2020, Sutherland handed the school to Kaharo Archdeaconry under the Diocese of Kigezi and appointed Serikare as Chairperson of the Board of Governors. Sutherland died in 2021. In Civil Suit No. 035 of 2023, the Diocese—represented by lawyers James Akampumuza Rutanga of Akampumuza & Co. Advocates and Henry Rwaganika of Rwaganika & Baku Advocates—asked the court to nullify Serikare’s ownership claims, authorize the reopening of the school, bar Serikare from accessing the premises, and order him to pay damages.
During the trial that commenced in January 2025, the Diocese presented 33 witnesses, while Serikare, represented by lawyer Davis Tayebwa of M/S Lautons Advocates, presented five. In a ruling dated May 13, 2025, Justice Ssemogerere Kaloli Lwanga found that Serikare’s claims lacked credible evidence. The judge affirmed that the Diocese of Kigezi is the legitimate trustee and owner of the land and buildings and should continue operating the institution under the name Kaharo High School.
The court dismissed the counterclaim Serikare had filed against the Kabale Resident District Commissioner, Godfrey Nyakahuma, the Attorney General, and the Church of Uganda trustees. However, the judge allowed Serikare to retain the use of the name “Harambee” and permitted him to remove his movable property from the school without causing damage.
A locus in quo visit has been scheduled for May 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM, during which the court will formally hand over the school keys to the Diocese in the presence of both parties and their legal representatives. No costs were awarded.
Church Welcomes Verdict
Speaking after the ruling, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory for the Church against land grabbers.
//Cue in: “Mbweenu nyine okushemererwa…
Cue out: …abu twabikwasa.”//
Bishop Akanjuna emphasized that church land and property must be protected by Christians and clergy alike. He added that while the church forgives those who wrong it, attempts to take over land dedicated to God's work are spiritually misguided.
//Cue in: “Abantu abari kuza…
Cue out: …batwiire batubikyiire.”//
Efforts to reach Serikare and his lawyer Davis Tayebwa for comment were unsuccessful, as their phones were unreachable by press time.
