Christians of St John’s Bugongi Church of Uganda Parish in the Diocese of Kigezi have blocked Tera Industrial Development Company, a Chinese firm, from allegedly starting iron ore exploration on church land in Kabale Municipality.
The congregants mobilised at the disputed site in in Rwanshunju Cell, Upper Bugongi Ward, Northern Division, after being alerted by residents that Chinese nationals were reportedly setting up mining equipment on the church-owned land.
They questioned how the company accessed the property without the knowledge or consent of church leaders and the wider congregation.
Collins Saturday Kahesi, Chairperson of Planning at St. John’s Bugongi Parish, who led the protest, said residents tipped them off at around 3:00pm, prompting Christians to rush to the scene.
“We received information from concerned residents that Chinese nationals had started setting up mining equipment on the church land," Kahesi said.
"Christians immediately rushed to the site and found operations underway without the consent or knowledge of the congregation. We were unaware of any agreement between the church and the company, and we demand clarity on who authorized the Chinese contractors.”
Felix Wesigyire, a former Auditor of the Parish Council, said they contacted the Parish Priest, Rev. Henry Nzaana, who also indicated he was not aware of the activities.
He accused some church leaders of allegedly engaging in transactions involving church property without proper consultation.
“There is growing concern among believers over the alleged misuse of church assets, and we call on church authorities to explain the situation,” Wesigyire said.
Following the confrontation, Christians gathered at the church premises demanding explanations from Rev Nzaana.
During a meeting held between 7:00pm and 8:30pm, the Parish Priest commended the congregants for raising their concerns but declined to publicly disclose details of any agreement, saying the matter would be handled during daytime hours and that government authorities had already intervened.
Richard Mugayehwenki, a former Rubanda District Inspector of Schools and parish Christian, urged the Parish Priest to remain focused on the central issue raised by the congregation.
“We urge Rev. Nzaana not to divert from the main issue that has brought together church leaders, Christians, and representatives of the Chinese company,” Mugayehwenki said.
However, Brian Munanura, Deputy General Manager of Tera Industrial Development Company, defended the firm’s operations, saying the company followed due process and entered into a formal agreement with church leaders.
“We followed the right procedures in securing a contract for iron ore exploration. Church leaders signed a Shs1 billion agreement with the company. I have all the necessary documentation, which I am ready to share with Christians,” Munanura said.
He added that although the land belongs to the church, it had reportedly been previously contracted to an individual identified as Jacob, who he said lacks a licence for iron ore exploration.
He explained that the company’s role is to assess the quality and quantity of the mineral before any formal mining activity begins.
The standoff has left tensions high in the parish, with congregants demanding transparency over the management and use of church-owned land.
