By KT Reporter
The Kabale Municipal Town Clerk’s office faces criticism for failing to explain how part of the Kabale Municipal Stadium, located on Bwankosya Street in Central Division, has been turned into a church.
Earlier this year, a large tent and kitchen were set up in one corner of the stadium. Shortly after, a congregation began holding regular prayers, Sunday services, and weekday crusades under the banner of Shepherd Nazareth Revival Church of All Nations (SNROAN), reportedly led by a pastor identified as Gaddie.
Local leaders, including Kabale District Councilor Leopold Twesigye and Kabale Municipality Mayor Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha, have questioned the Town Clerk’s office over the irregular use of the stadium. Twesigye criticized the prolonged presence of the church, which has reportedly led to vandalism and misuse of the stadium.
He alleged that open access to the stadium encourages cattle grazing at night and has turned the facility into a hotspot for criminal activity. Despite petitioning the Town Clerk’s office for clarification two months ago, Twesigye says he has received no response.
He threatened to pursue legal action and organize demonstrations if the church was not removed promptly. Mayor Byamugisha also expressed surprise at the situation, noting that the municipality occasionally permits short-term use of the stadium for religious activities, but the church has operated for nearly a year without clear authorization. He questioned where congregants access sanitary facilities, given that the stadium’s toilets remain closed.
Jamil Kasajja, the Kabale Municipality Town Clerk, said he inherited the issue upon taking office and discovered a consent agreement between the church and Central Division leadership. He acknowledged the need for a careful resolution to avoid inflaming tensions among stakeholders, including political leaders, technocrats, and the church.
Kasajja noted that Central Division leaders may have signed the agreement to boost revenue without fully considering its implications. He has since communicated with the Central Division Assistant Town Clerk to terminate the arrangement.
A survey by Uganda Radio Network revealed that the church premises now feature a music system, pulpit, podium, and a fenced entrance, suggesting a long-term setup. Despite efforts to contact Pastor Gaddie for a comment, he was unavailable. Byamugisha and other leaders continue to push for the removal of the church and a transparent explanation from the responsible authorities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
