Church Service Disrupted by Clergy-Official Scuffle in Abim

A religious service at All Saints Church in Abim Town Council descended into chaos on Sunday morning, forcing the suspension of prayers due to a physical altercation. The incident involved Rev. Canon Richard Ongom, a retired clergy member serving on contract for the Diocese of North Karamoja, and Mr. Innocent Oyoo, the LCII chairperson for Waimer Ward.

Mr. Oyoo claims the confrontation began when he requested permission to address the congregation about security matters and government development initiatives. He stated he was asked by local security officials to relay important updates, including information on upcoming mosquito net distribution. According to Oyoo, he only asked for two minutes, but Rev. Ongom reacted “irrationally,” leading to the scuffle. Oyoo suggested the dispute might be connected to an ongoing land dispute where his council has supported an elderly woman’s claims, an allegation Rev. Ongom denies.

Rev. Ongom, however, described the event as “shocking” and defended his decision to deny Oyoo the opportunity to speak. He explained that the day’s service was dedicated to Uganda Christian University, with scheduled sermons. He advised Oyoo that church protocol required advance notification to review any proposed announcements, to prevent misinformation.

Following the disturbance, Rev. Ongom reported the matter to the police and church leadership. Police confirmed they responded to calls from distressed congregants and found the service in disarray. Both parties are expected to provide statements as part of the investigation. The Church of Uganda provincial Secretariat has acknowledged the incident, assuring that internal measures are being taken and urging calm among the faithful in the Diocese of North Karamoja.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/police-launch-probe-after-clergy-lc2-chairperson-scuffle-in-abim-church-5611370