Shock as Anglican Reverend Exchanges Blows with Believer in Church

Abim: Christians in Abim District, Karamoja Region, were left shocked on Sunday after a priest and a church member reportedly exchanged blows inside a church following a disagreement during a service.

The incident occurred at All Saints Church of Uganda, Abim, in the North Karamoja Diocese, towards the end of the service during announcements.

The altercation involved Rev. Canon Richard Ongom, a retired clergyman serving on contract, and Innocent Oyoo, the LC2 Chairperson for Waimer Ward in Abim Town Council.

According to sources, the incident followed a disagreement over whether Oyoo should address the congregation.

“The chairperson wanted to address the believers in the church, but the man of God stopped him. This prompted the two to exchange blows inside the church,” a source said.

The incident has since attracted the attention of both the Church of Uganda and police.

Mr Balaam Muheebwa, Acting Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, confirmed that the church had learnt of a video circulating on social media showing the altercation.

“Church of Uganda has learnt of a video circulating on social media showing a scuffle involving Rev. Canon Richard Ongom, a retired clergy currently serving on contract in Abim, Diocese of North Karamoja, and a Christian whose identity is yet to be established,” Muheebwa said.

Muheebwa said the Church of Uganda was concerned about the incident and that investigations were underway through the appropriate church structures.

“Relevant administrative and pastoral measures will be taken upon establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.

He called on Christians in the North Karamoja Diocese and the wider Church of Uganda community to remain calm as the circumstances surrounding the incident are established.

“We call upon Christians in the Diocese of North Karamoja and the wider Church community to remain calm and commit the situation to God in prayer,” Muheebwa said.

Police investigate

Abim District Police Commander, SP Olang Moses, said Oyoo had sought to make an announcement during the church service without informing the priest beforehand.

Police have since registered complaints from both parties, recorded statements from the two individuals and some witnesses, and issued Police Form 3 (PF3) to both parties to facilitate medical examinations.

The church has also clarified the role of the priest presiding over a service.

Muheebwa said the priest responsible for a church service oversees worship and other activities taking place during the service in accordance with the Church of Uganda’s established liturgical procedures under Faith and Order.

He said anyone wishing to make an announcement during a service is expected to seek permission from the priest responsible and respect the direction given.

“While the Church does not condone violence or physical confrontation by any person, no individual has the right to forcefully take over proceedings or insist on addressing a congregation contrary to the direction of the priest responsible for the service,” Muheebwa said.

The matter remains under investigation by police and the Church of Uganda.

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