A dramatic incident unfolded at All Saints Church of Uganda in Abim Town Council, Abim District, on Sunday, September 28, 2026, when a disagreement between Reverend Can. Richard Ongom and Innocent Oyo, the LC2 Chairperson of Wiawer Parish, turned physical during a church service. According to eyewitnesses, the altercation began when Oyo stood up during the service and asked Rev. Ongom to allow him to make an announcement. Oyo claimed he had received a call from the Detach Barracks Commander in Abim Town Council to deliver a security-related message to residents of Wiawer Parish.
Rev. Ongom reportedly asked Oyo to wait until the prayer service was over or give the announcement to the church media team to deliver on his behalf. However, Oyo insisted that, as the LC2 chairperson of the area, he had a responsibility to communicate with his people. The situation escalated when Rev. Ongom refused to allow Oyo to speak, leading Oyo to accuse the reverend of undermining him. A video recorded during the confrontation shows Rev. Ongom asking Oyo to allow him to finish the service.
The confrontation soon turned violent, with Oyo allegedly slapping Rev. Ongom, prompting the reverend to hit back. The two exchanged blows, while Rev. Ongom's wife is said to have joined the confrontation, alleging that she was punched on the ear and fell. Oyo later claimed that he had been instructed to relay the security information to the congregation and was concerned that his request was rejected while others were allowed to speak.
Oyo provided his account of the events, stating that he arrived at the church late and approached Rev. Ongom for permission to speak briefly. He alleged that Rev. Ongom became agitated and angry, grabbing his hand and starting to box him, even biting him. The incident has now been reported to the police, with both parties registering counter-cases of assault and receiving PF3 forms for medical examination.
According to Mike Longole, the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, the confrontation caused commotion in the church, and inquiries are ongoing. Longole appealed to the public to avoid turning disagreements into violence, particularly in places of worship. He emphasized the importance of using peaceful and lawful means to resolve disagreements.
Efforts to obtain Rev. Ongom's side of the story were unsuccessful, as he declined to speak to reporters, citing instructions from his superiors not to issue any statement. The incident has left the congregation shaken, with worshippers calling for peace and unity within the church and urging those involved to resolve their differences peacefully.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and respect in places of worship. The church community is now left to pick up the pieces and reflect on the events that transpired. As the police continue their inquiries, both parties are yet to face any consequences for their actions.
Key points
- The incident is under investigation, with both parties having registered counter-cases of assault.
- The confrontation highlights the need for peaceful resolution of disagreements, especially in places of worship.
- The church community is urging those involved to resolve their differences peacefully.
