The Anglican Church in Uganda has suspended its former Archbishop, Stanley Ntagali, from conducting priestly duties or representing the church until further notice over adultery.

Ntagali, who retired last year after 43 years in priesthood has been involved in an extra-marital affair with a married woman which he had acknowledged.

In a statement dated 13 January on the Anglican Church website, his successor, Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba, said Ntagali betrayed the office of Archbishop, his ordination vows, and the moral commitments he championed.

Dr Kaziimba said the church of Uganda was committed to transparency as well as pastoral care for those who have been affected by this situation and called for prayers for the spouses in both relationships, repentance and healing.

Ntagali will remembered him for commenting on what he saw as immorality in the country, in 2019 he was quoted in a local newspaper advising people to “control their sexual desires”.

During his reign as Archbishop, Ntagali served with distinction for seven years and resolved disputes in various dioceses. He consecrated 21 new Bishops and oversaw the opening of three new dioceses.

He will also be remembered for his stance against homosexuality, land grabbing and corruption.

The Anglican Church in Uganda has an estimated 13 million followers.