Fr Kenneth Beingana who is accused of manhandling the faithful and parish affairs at St. Charles Lwanga Kihani Catholic Parish, Mbarara Archdiocese has been demoted and transferred to another Parish.
In a message to the Parishioners, Fr Kenneth Beingana said he had received a letter transferring him to another Parish.
“Today, I have received an appointment to serve at another parish called Rwera Parish in Ntungamo district,” reads the message that has since circulated on various parish WhatsApp groups like wildfire.
The message further reads; “I have been assigned to assist the parish priest, in the pastoral work there.
“Fr. Kyomuhendo Cyprian will be my successor. Kindly cooperate with him for the good of our parish.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who have journeyed with me in this ministry for the last 4 years.
“Your support, dedication, and unwavering faith have been truly inspiring.
“I am especially grateful to the parish council, catechists, and all the people of goodwill who have contributed to the growth and development of Kihani Parish.
“As we embrace this change, let us remember that being peaceful is better than being right.
“Let us receive this transition with open hearts and a positive mindset, knowing that it is for the greater good of the church.
“By the end of this week, I will be handing over my responsibilities, and the parish council will determine when the farewell ceremony could take place.
“I wish you all peace and abundant blessings from God.
“May He continue to guide and bless Kihani Parish in all its endeavours.”
Demotion
While at St. Charles Lwanga Kihani Catholic Parish, Fr Kenneth Beingana has been serving as a Parish Priest but now he has been downgraded to a curate.
Who is a Curate?
In the Catholic Church, the English word curate is used for a priest assigned to a parish in a position subordinate to that of the parish priest.
The parish priest is the priest who has canonical responsibility for the parish.
He may be assisted by one or more other priests, referred to as curates or assistant priests.
Parishioners accuse Fr Kenneth Beingana of mishandling and abusing his office.
“We Christians of Kihani Catholic Parish have suffered psychologically, spiritually, socially and economically for more than three years due to unethical conduct, unspiritual behaviours, unpriestly acts and iron hand methods of administration,” the parishioners said in a letter of protest to the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese.
They also said; “Our beloved Arch Bishop, till now Rev. Fr. Kenneth Beingana is seriously harassing us and many of us are no longer attending Sunday Mass as he publicly abuses us during mass.”