Written By | BK Mugizi
Rev. Canon Ongom and Lc2 chaiperson during a confrontation in a church service on sunday
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ABIM
Police in Abim are investigating a physical confrontation between a Church of Uganda priest and an LC2 chairperson that disrupted a Sunday service at All Saints Church in Abim Town Council.
The incident involved Rev. Canon Richard Ongom, a retired clergyman serving on contract in the Diocese of North Karamoja, and Innocent Oyoo, the LC2 Chairperson for Waimer Ward.
The confrontation occurred on Sunday, September 27, 2026, towards the end of the service, during announcements.
According to an official incident report issued by All Saints Church Abim on September 28, Oyoo entered the consecrated worship space during the service and attempted to communicate security information to the congregation without prior ecclesiastical clearance.
The report quotes Oyoo as saying: "Before I came to church, I received communication from the OC at the UPDF barracks. That communication was about security."
The Church said the information should have been communicated through the established structures before being brought to the congregation.
The report lists five findings: unauthorised entry into the worship space during active divine service; an attempt to disseminate security information without prior ecclesiastical approval; bypassing the LC1 office; verbal assault on the officiating priest; and disruption of the worship service.
The Church cited the Local Governments Act Cap. 243, the Church of Uganda Provincial Canons 2022, Diocese of Karamoja administrative guidelines, and the Public Order Management Act 2013 as the basis for its position.
What Happened During the Service
Oyoo reportedly wanted to address worshippers about security matters and government programmes, including the planned distribution of mosquito nets.
Oyoo told Daily Monitor that he had been asked by security officials to communicate the information to residents and that he only wanted about two minutes to speak.
Rev. Ongom, however, said he could not allow Oyoo to address the congregation because Oyoo had not sought permission from the church administration in advance.
The disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation before worshippers intervened and separated the two men. The service was subsequently suspended.
The Church of Uganda later clarified that the priest presiding over a service is responsible for worship and all other activities during the service, and that anyone wishing to make an announcement must first seek permission from the priest.
Police Response
Police confirmed that both parties had reported the matter.
According to the Church of Uganda, Abim District Police Commander SP Moses Olang confirmed that police had recorded complaints from Rev. Ongom and Oyoo.
Police recorded statements from the two men and witnesses, and issued Police Form 3 (PF3) to both parties for medical examination. No arrests had been made as investigations continued.
Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said police were assessing the circumstances to determine whether both men could face affray charges, or whether one of them should instead be treated as the victim.
Police also received reports that one of the men sustained injuries during the confrontation, including an allegation that he was bitten. The circumstances surrounding the injuries remain under investigation.
The Church of Uganda said the matter was also being handled through its administrative and pastoral structures.
The Bishop of Northern Karamoja Diocese, Rt Rev Simon Akol Aisu, called on public leaders and clergy to respect the sanctity of worship and lawful community leadership.
The Church said that while its procedures require permission before announcements are made during services, violence or physical confrontation is not condoned.
