Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1,002
- 543
For clarity, the priest presiding over a Service is in charge of worship and all other activities therein. This is in accordance with the Church of Uganda's established liturgical procedures under Faith and Order,’’ said Mr. Sadiiki Adams, the Communication Officer, Church of Uganda.
This follows a physical altercation at All Saints Church in Abim Town Council between a parish priest and a local council leader, which degenerated into chaos on Sunday morning during a Sunday church service
The incident involved Rev. Canon Richard Ongom,70, a retired clergy serving on contract in the Diocese of North Karamoja, and Mr. Innocent Oyoo,39, the LCII chairperson for Waimer Ward in Abim Town Council.
Mr. Oyoo accused the clergyman of starting an assault on him after he requested permission to address the congregation on security and government development matters.
"I had been requested by the District Intelligence Security Officer (DISO) and the UPDF commander in Abim to pass on two critical security updates to the ward, as well as information regarding the upcoming distribution of mosquito nets," Mr. Oyoo said.
"I only requested two minutes, but the Reverend acted irrationally, as if he had prior issues with me. If I acted wrong in any way, it was purely in self-defence," he added.
However, Mr Sadiiki clarified that 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.
‘’A person wishing to make an announcement during a Church service is therefore expected to seek the permission of the priest responsible for the service and respect the direction given,’’ he explained in a statement on Sunday.
Regarding the incident, Mr Sadiiki said they will allow the Police to establish the circumstances surrounding the physical altercation but noted that the relevant Church authorities will address any ecclesiastical and administrative matters arising from the incident.
Giving his account, Rev. Canon Ongom described the incident as shocking and defended his decision to deny the local leader the altar.
He noted that the day had been dedicated to Uganda Christian University (UCU), with visiting staff and the headteacher of Abim Secondary School scheduled to deliver sermons.
"He approached me as we were starting the service, demanding to speak to the congregation. As a church leader, I advised him that it was impossible," Rev. Ongom said.
"I explained that he ought to have approached the church administration at least two days prior so that his information could be reviewed. This protocol prevents the flock from being misled from the altar," he added.
Following the scuffle, Rev. Ongom called off the service and reported the matter to police and provincial church leadership, expressing hope that the issue would be handled amicably.
Police say the matter is already being investigated.
Source: Daily Monitor
This follows a physical altercation at All Saints Church in Abim Town Council between a parish priest and a local council leader, which degenerated into chaos on Sunday morning during a Sunday church service
The incident involved Rev. Canon Richard Ongom,70, a retired clergy serving on contract in the Diocese of North Karamoja, and Mr. Innocent Oyoo,39, the LCII chairperson for Waimer Ward in Abim Town Council.
Mr. Oyoo accused the clergyman of starting an assault on him after he requested permission to address the congregation on security and government development matters.
"I had been requested by the District Intelligence Security Officer (DISO) and the UPDF commander in Abim to pass on two critical security updates to the ward, as well as information regarding the upcoming distribution of mosquito nets," Mr. Oyoo said.
"I only requested two minutes, but the Reverend acted irrationally, as if he had prior issues with me. If I acted wrong in any way, it was purely in self-defence," he added.
However, Mr Sadiiki clarified that 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.
‘’A person wishing to make an announcement during a Church service is therefore expected to seek the permission of the priest responsible for the service and respect the direction given,’’ he explained in a statement on Sunday.
Regarding the incident, Mr Sadiiki said they will allow the Police to establish the circumstances surrounding the physical altercation but noted that the relevant Church authorities will address any ecclesiastical and administrative matters arising from the incident.
Giving his account, Rev. Canon Ongom described the incident as shocking and defended his decision to deny the local leader the altar.
He noted that the day had been dedicated to Uganda Christian University (UCU), with visiting staff and the headteacher of Abim Secondary School scheduled to deliver sermons.
"He approached me as we were starting the service, demanding to speak to the congregation. As a church leader, I advised him that it was impossible," Rev. Ongom said.
"I explained that he ought to have approached the church administration at least two days prior so that his information could be reviewed. This protocol prevents the flock from being misled from the altar," he added.
Following the scuffle, Rev. Ongom called off the service and reported the matter to police and provincial church leadership, expressing hope that the issue would be handled amicably.
Police say the matter is already being investigated.
Source: Daily Monitor
