DELIVRANCE CHURCH N’UNDI vs SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS CHURCH

DELIVRANCE CHURCH N’UNDI vs SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS CHURCH

The court found that Kimete Segashumba purchased the land in his own name and later, as pastor, requested to join Showers of Blessings Church with his congregation and property, which was accepted. Written evidence, including letters and a handover report, confirmed the property was transferred as a gift to Showers...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RRCA00076/2022/HC/RWG
Parties
Appellant: Delivrance Church N’undi; Appellant: Kimete Segashumba; Respondent: Showers of Blessings Church
Court
High Court
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
29 June 2023
Case Number
RRCA00076/2022/HC/RWG
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / High Court Appellate Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; lower court judgment affirmed with minor modification.
Legal Topics
Gift Agreements, Ownership of Church Property, Appeal Procedure, Burden of Proof, Compensation for Damages
Source Language
rw
Civil Law Property Law Law of Associations Gift Agreements Ownership of Church Property Appeal Procedure Burden of Proof Compensation for Damages

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Parties

Delivrance Church N’undi

Appellant

Kimete Segashumba

Appellant

Showers of Blessings Church

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / High Court Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the church buildings and office belong to Delivrance Church or Showers of Blessings Church
  2. 2 Whether the issue of land ownership was properly addressed at first instance and on appeal
  3. 3 Whether compensation or damages should be awarded

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that Kimete Segashumba purchased the land in his own name and later, as pastor, requested to join Showers of Blessings Church with his congregation and property, which was accepted. Written evidence, including letters and a handover report, confirmed the property was transferred as a gift to Showers of Blessings Church. There was no credible evidence that Delivrance Church owned the property or that Kimete acted on its behalf. The issue of land ownership was properly before the court, and the lower court's omission was corrected. Compensation awarded at first instance was upheld as appellants failed to show it was unjustified.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; lower court judgment affirmed with minor modification.

Orders

  • The appeal by Delivrance Church and Kimete Segashumba is dismissed as unfounded.
  • The land and buildings in question are confirmed as property of Showers of Blessings Church, except for any portion specifically re-gifted to Kimete Segashumba.