The High court in Kabale has officially handed over ownership of Kaharo High School and its property to the Kigezi Diocese, ending a months-long dispute that had paralyzed learning and divided the local community.
The handover, which followed a locus in quo inspection by justice Ssemogerere Kaloli Lwanga, comes after his May 13 ruling that granted full ownership of the school and land to the Diocese.
The decision was met with jubilation from parents, Christians, and clergy who gathered for the ceremony. The Diocese of Kigezi, alongside the registered trustees of the Church of Uganda and concerned Christians from Kaharo Church of Uganda in Kizinga Archdeaconry, had sued headteacher Ronald Hector Serikare, Harambee Fellowship Limited (an entity he founded), Harambee Educational Fund, and the school’s board of governors.
The ownership dispute began in February 2024 when Serikare claimed personal ownership of the land and the school, triggering resistance from Christians. Tensions escalated, prompting the district security committee to close the school.
Founded in 1997 by Scottish national Hector Sutherland under the Harambee Educational Fund, Kaharo High School was established to support vulnerable and orphaned children.
Before returning to Scotland in 2020, Sutherland handed over the school to the Church of Uganda through Kaharo Archdeaconry and appointed Serikare as board chair. Sutherland died in 2021.
The Diocese, represented by lawyers James Akampumuza Rutanga and Henry Rwaganika, asked the court to nullify Serikare’s ownership claims, reopen the school, and bar him from accessing the premises.
In a ruling that dismissed Serikare’s counterclaims against Kabale RDC Godfrey Nyakahuma, the Attorney General, and the Church of Uganda trustees, justice Ssemogerere said Serikare’s claims lacked credible evidence.
However, he allowed Serikare to retain the name “Harambee” and recover any movable property without damaging school infrastructure. Amid cheers, Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna of Kigezi Diocese received the school under police escort.
A Christian volunteer broke the chains on the gate and padlocks at various offices, witnessed by the judge. Serikare and his lawyer Davis Tayebwa were absent. Bishop Akanjuna urged Christians to mobilize learners and resources to reopen the school in 2026.
RDC Nyakahuma said the school was closed for security reasons after Serikare allegedly used school funds to intimidate clergy and parents. Kabale district education officer, Moses Bwengye Tumwijukye welcomed the development and said the school was essential to the region’s education efforts.
He dismissed accusations Serikare had made against him. Akampumuza, the diocese’s lead counsel, described Serikare’s no-show at the handover as a sign of defeat, but said they are ready to respond to any appeals.