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Kigezi Diocese Battles for Ownership of Harambee-Kaharo High School

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During the hearing on Monday, presided over by Justice Samuel Emokor, the diocese’s prime witness, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, presented 30 additional witnesses, including local Christians and community leaders, to testify against Serikare.
14 Jan 2025 07:30
Ronald Hector Serikare (holding a bag) after court session (Photo Credit Samuel Amanya)

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The Diocese of Kigezi has presented 31 witnesses in a case before the Kabale High Court to prove its ownership of Harambee-Kaharo High School in Kaharo Sub-county, Kabale District, against headteacher Ronald Hector Serikare.

The school, located 14 kilometers from Kabale town along the Kabale-Mbarara highway, was founded in 1997 by the late Hector Sutherland, a Scottish national. Sutherland, through his organization Harambee Educational Fund (HEF), established the school to serve needy children, particularly orphans in the area. Before his return to Scotland in 2020, Sutherland entrusted the school to Kaharo Archdeaconry under the Diocese of Kigezi and appointed Serikare as Chairman of the Board of Governors. Sutherland passed away in 2015.

The conflict began in February 2024 when Kabale District authorities shut down the school following a dispute. Serikare claimed full ownership of the school, its structures, and the land, leading to tensions with local Christians. Despite attempts by local authorities to mediate, the issue escalated, with accusations of threats of violence.

The Diocese of Kigezi, joined by concerned Christians and estate administrators of land donors, filed a civil suit (No. 035 of 2023) against Serikare, Harambee Fellowship Limited (an organization Serikare formed), Harambee Educational Fund, and the school’s Board of Governors. Represented by lawyers James Akampumuza Rutanga and Henry Rwaganika, the diocese seeks to nullify Serikare’s ownership claims, resume the school’s operations, and bar Serikare from the property.

During the hearing on Monday, presided over by Justice Samuel Emokor, the diocese’s prime witness, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, presented 30 additional witnesses, including local Christians and community leaders, to testify against Serikare. The witnesses include Kaharo parish priest Rev. Gaddie Sanyu, Ven. Namanya Emmanuel, and Rev. Canon Basheija Andrew.

Serikare’s lawyer, Devis Tayebwa of M/S Lautons Advocates, indicated readiness to present five witnesses in defense. Justice Emokor stated the case would be heard over three days. After the session, Bishop Akanjuna urged Christians to unite against attempts to grab church land, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding diocesan property. The diocese’s lawyers expressed confidence in their case, citing robust evidence proving the church’s ownership of the school and land.

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Serikare’s lawyer, Tayebwa, called for calm, urging the public to await the court’s ruling to determine the genuine owner of the disputed property.

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