House of Prayer Ministries International (HPMI) lead Pastor Aloysius Bujjingo and his Salt Media employee Suzan Makula Nantaba are expected in the Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
On December 07, Bujjingo, who is still legally married to Teddy Naluswa, was introduced by Suzan Makuala in Bwerenga, Katabi in Wakiso District.
City lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi quickly ran to court seeking criminal summons against House of Prayer Ministries International (HPMI) pastor Aloysius Bujjingo and his second wife-to-be Suzan Makula Nantaba.
In a suit filed before Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court, Mabirizi argues that Bujjingo and Suzan Makula flouted provisions of the Marriage Act, Cap 251 when they conducted a marriage ceremony on December 07.
He said he was aware that on December 20, 2003, Bujjingo married Teddy Naluswa Bujjingo vide certificate No. 376 through a Church marriage at Victory Christian Centre, Ndeeba after which the marriage was solemnized and it still subsists.
“Instead of arresting the accused [Bujjingo and Makula], Uganda Police Force corruptly escorted and guarded the duo in performance of a customary marriage ceremony on 7th December 2021 at Kawuku, Katabi Town Council Contrary to the following provisions of The Marriage Act, Cap.251,” said Mabirizi.
He quoted section 42 of the act which states: “Any person who, being unmarried, goes through the ceremony of marriage with a person whom he or she knows to be married to another person, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.”
Mabirizi is also relying on section 50 of the Marriage act, which states: “Any person who, having contracted marriage under this Act or any modification or reenactment of this Act, during the continuance of that marriage contracts a marriage in accordance with customary law, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.”
Mabirizi went on to argue that “SUZAN MAKULA NANTABA who was at all times aware that ALOYSIUS BUJJINGO is married is liable under S. 42 the same way the man who voluntarily contracted a marriage is liable under Section 50.”
Bujjingo has since denied being introduced Suzan Makula — but then later made a u-turn on the same. (Read story here).
Some guests who attended the ceremony have since claimed what happened was a get together event.
But Mabirizi has secured videos of the introduction ceremony from UCC.
Another twist in the case has been a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to take over Mabirizi’s case. (Read story here).
Mabirizi has challenged the DPP’s decision.
The High Court has set January 28, 2022 at 9am to hear Mabirizi’s application to quash the DPP’s letter seeking to take over the case against Bujjingo and Makula.
A week before the start of this hearing, Bujjingo and Makula will appear before the Entebbe Court.
Here, they are expected to take plea in the charges.
Mabirizi might also seek orders to remand Bujjingo and Makula.
At the weekend, Bujjingo cried before his congregation.
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