A dramatic incident unfolded at All Saints Cathedral in Abim, Uganda, on September 27, when a Sunday service was interrupted by a physical confrontation between Rev. Canon Richard Ongom, a retired Church of Uganda priest, and Innocent Oyoo, the LCII Chairperson for Waimer Ward in Abim Town Council. According to eyewitnesses, Oyoo approached the altar intending to address the congregation, but Rev. Ongom blocked him, citing church protocol.
The confrontation began when Oyoo attempted to address the congregation on security matters and mosquito net distribution, having been asked to do so by the District Internal Security Officer and the UPDF commander in Abim. Rev. Ongom denied Oyoo access to the altar, stating that the day had been set aside for a Uganda Christian University dedication and that church protocol requires at least two days' advance notice before any outside address is permitted.
The situation escalated, with Oyoo grabbing Rev. Ongom and worshippers intervening to separate the two. The confrontation reportedly left Oyoo with bite marks on his upper arm. Oyoo later claimed that any wrongdoing on his part was "purely in self-defence" and that he had only requested two minutes to speak.
The Church of Uganda has since responded to the incident, with Acting Provincial Secretary Mr Balaam Muheebwa issuing a statement acknowledging awareness of the circulating video. Muheebwa assured the Church and the general public that the matter is being followed up through the appropriate Church structures and that relevant administrative and pastoral measures would be taken once the full circumstances were established.
Church Communications Officer Sadiiki Adams condemned the violence, emphasizing that procedures must be followed and that the presiding priest is in charge of worship and all other activities. Adams stated that while the Church does not condone violence or physical confrontation, 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.
The incident has led to investigations, with both Rev. Ongom and Oyoo recording statements with the police. No arrests have been made so far. The Church of Uganda has called on Christians in the Diocese of North Karamoja to remain calm and commit the situation to prayer.
The viral video of the incident has sparked widespread attention, with many condemning the violence and calling for calm. The Church of Uganda has assured the public that it is taking the matter seriously and will take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- - A physical altercation broke out between Rev. Canon Richard Ongom and LC 2 Chairperson Innocent Oyoo Oyoo at All Saints Cathedral in Abim, Uganda. - The incident was sparked by Oyoo's attempt to address the congregation on security matters and mosquito net distribution, which Rev. Ongom blocked citing church protocol. - The Church of Uganda has launched an investigation into the incident and has called for calm, assuring the public that necessary measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents.
