Opinion: Hatred and Hostility from Kinkizi Diocese Cabal Puts Rev Tibesigwa’s Life in Danger

In what has become one of the most worrying developments within the Church of Uganda’s Kinkizi Diocese, a toxic wave of hatred and vindictive politics appears to be closing in on Rev. Justus Tibesigwa, a respected cleric, community leader and now NRM flag bearer for the Kanungu District Chairperson race.

Under the watch and orchestration of certain figures led by Diocesan treasurer , a pattern of systematic persecution against Rev. Tibesigwa and his family has escalated to disturbing proportions. What began as internal church wrangles has now grown into a campaign that borders on criminal intent ,threatening not only his ministry but his very life.

Rev. Tibesigwa’s troubles seem to trace back to his outstanding service as Diocesan Secretary a position in which he demonstrated competence and drew wide respect. His subsequent demotion to an archdeaconry was seen by many as politically motivated. Yet even there, he thrived.

That success again provoked envy and led to yet another reshuffle , this time to a mere school chaplaincy at Nyamiyaga Secondary School, a post viewed by insiders as punitive and humiliating. The intention, according to observers, was clear, to break his spirit and bury his influence.

      A Smear Gone Too Far

The hostility did not stop at administrative reshuffles. In a bizarre and damaging turn, Rev. Tibesigwa found himself accused of poisoning and witchcraft against Zoreka an allegation that saw both him and his wife arrested.

However, government analytical laboratory tests debunked the entire case, revealing that the so-called “witchcraft evidence” consisted merely of blackjack and human hair. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) swiftly dismissed the case for lack of evidence.

Even after such humiliation, his accusers neither apologized nor relented.

The smear machine went into overdrive with new claims that Rev. Tibesigwa had been involved in a UNRA money scandal  yet no evidence has ever been produced.

In one chilling episode, there was even an attempted secret kidnap to be taken to Kampala for malicious prosecution in order to Stop him from participating in the NRM primaries but their criminal intent wasintercepted by a well-placed ally from Kanungu. Those close to the Reverend describe this as a “God-sent intervention.”

            Church Politics Gone Rogue

What should have been a place of worship and reconciliation has instead turned into a ground for manipulation. Efforts by both former Archbishop Stanley Ntagali and current Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba to broker peace have repeatedly failed.

The cabal has weaponized the pulpit to malign Rev. Tibesigwa with sermons filled with veiled threats and open insults. Church members have been warned not to vote for him “or face consequences.” Videos of these shocking outbursts have circulated widely.

               Faith Meets Politics

The battle intensified when Rev. Tibesigwa entered local politics. During the recent NRM primaries, the Diocese-backed camp sponsored a rival candidate to challenge him. But the people of Kanungu spoke clearly electing him as NRM flag bearer.

Instead of accepting defeat, the same group has now petitioned the Electoral Commission tribunal, seeking to have him denominated from the race altogether. Insiders tell me that the dioceses has mobilised millions of money for this operation.

This persistent pursuit, after years of failed attempts, raises one fundamental question: How far will they go to destroy one man’s life and calling?

Reports from reliable local sources suggest that discussions within the anti-Tibesigwa circle have turned ominous  with whispers of alternative methods to end his rise, including poisoning and physical harm.

This is not mere political rivalry; it is a life-threatening vendetta. Uganda has witnessed such patterns before ,character assassinations paving way for actual violence. The Church, security agencies and NRM leadership must treat these threats with utmost seriousness.

The Church of Uganda must not allow Kinkizi Diocese to become a sanctuary for hatred, division and blood politics. It must rise above internal rivalries and protect its own clergy from targeted persecution.

Silence from the top only emboldens those who thrive on chaos. A man who has dedicated his life to serving both God and community deserves not punishment but protection.

The line between church wrangles and potential tragedy has been crossed. Authorities should intervene now  before the story of Rev. Justus Tibesigwa becomes another grim headline about a life lost to ambition and malice.