news 28 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bishop Aisu Condemns Abim Church Fistfight, Urges Respect for Sacred Spaces
The Bishop of Northern Karamoja Diocese, Rt Rev Simon Akol Aisu, has strongly condemned a recent fistfight that occurred inside a church in Abim, calling for leaders and clergy to uphold the sanctity of religious institutions. The incident involved a reverend and a local political leader. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/respect-church-sanctity-bishop-aisu-tells-leaders-after-abim-church-fistfight-5612878
A recent altercation that disrupted a Sunday service at All Saints Church in Abim Town Council has prompted a stern rebuke from Bishop Simon Akol Aisu of the Northern Karamoja Diocese.
Bishop Aisu, in a pastoral letter, emphasized the need for both public leaders and clergy to respect the sacredness of church spaces. The diocese has indicated that appropriate administrative and pastoral actions will be taken, while also acknowledging the importance of lawful community leadership.
The physical confrontation, which reportedly involved Rev Canon Richard Ongom and Innocent Oyoo, the LC2 chairperson for Waimer Ward, gained significant attention after footage circulated widely on social media and other media outlets. The incident occurred during a service led by a team from Uganda Christian University.
Bishop Aisu has appealed for calm and urged the public and Christians to refrain from spreading inflammatory messages as the matter is being investigated by the police. He also called on the media to allow authorities to handle the situation responsibly.
“The church does not condone uncontrolled confrontation from clergy,” Bishop Aisu stated, referencing Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” He stressed that clergy are expected to exhibit self-control, wisdom, humility, and Christian leadership, especially when faced with provocation.
The bishop implored all involved parties to avoid retaliation, public accusations, insults, threats, or further conflict. He reiterated that church services are dedicated to worship, prayer, preaching, and sacraments.
“The church respects the role of authority, including the duly elected local government leaders, just as it expects public leaders to respect the sanctity of worship and the independence of the church in conducting religious services,” he added.
Reports suggest the fight began after Rev Canon Ongom declined to allow the LC2 chairperson to address congregants on security and the upcoming distribution of mosquito nets.