Bushenyi, Uganda – A heated standoff unfolded at Rweibare Full Gospel Church in Bushenyi on Monday, April 14th, 2025, as congregants vehemently opposed the attempted suspension of their pastor, Reverend Mauda Rwanshomoki. The attempt, orchestrated by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Full Gospel Churches in Uganda, stemmed from a family land dispute rather than any church-related misconduct.
The controversy began on December 25th, 2024, when Rev. Rwanshomoki received a suspension letter from the National Overseer, delivered via Regional Overseer Mr. Abenson Mugume. The letter cited allegations brought forth by her sister, Syson Kirabo, concerning a land disagreement. Kirabo accuses Rev. Rwanshomoki of failing to relinquish land they allegedly agreed upon, involving a financial transaction. Rev. Rwanshomoki denies these claims, asserting that the document presented by her sister is fraudulent and that the land in question belongs to her husband, Mr. Rwanshomoki.
The church’s resistance intensified when a Pastor Amon, allegedly sent by church authorities, attempted to take over leadership. Congregants, suspecting a plot to oust Rev. Rwanshomoki, forcibly removed him.
A five-hour-long emergency meeting, attended by local leaders including the LC1 Chairman of Mutojo (where the church is located) and representatives from the local police (DPC Aggrey Okumu), ensued. The meeting was highly charged, with congregants expressing outrage at the NEC’s actions and the involvement of family matters in church affairs. They demanded that the suspension be dropped and that civil disputes not be conflated with church governance.
Despite pressure from the National Overseer, Archbishop Paul Patrick Kinantaama, to temporarily remove Rev. Rwanshomoki, the congregation refused to comply. The Archbishop, visibly stressed, ultimately deferred a decision, scheduling a meeting between Rev. Rwanshomoki and the NEC in Kampala on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025.
The day concluded with the congregation escorting Rev. Rwanshomoki home in a celebratory procession. For now, Rev. Rwanshomoki remains in her position, pending the outcome of the Kampala meeting.
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