The Church of Uganda has said it is investigating a viral video showing a scuffle between a clergyman and a congregant during a Sunday service at All Saints Church of Uganda in Abim, North Karamoja Diocese.
The clergyman has been identified as Rev. Canon Richard Ongom, a retired priest who is currently serving on contract in the diocese.
The video circulating on social media shows Canon Ongom exchanging words with a congregant identified as Innocent Oyoo before the disagreement escalates into a physical confrontation inside the church.
However, the Church of Uganda said it was still establishing the circumstances that led to the incident.
In a statement, Balaam Muheebwa, Acting Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, said the Church had taken note of the video and was concerned about the incident.
“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.
He said the matter was being handled through the appropriate Church structures.
“We are concerned by the incident and wish to assure the Church and the general public that the matter is being followed up through the appropriate Church structures,” he said.
Muheebwa added that administrative and pastoral measures would be taken after the circumstances surrounding the incident had been established.
“Relevant administrative and pastoral measures will be taken upon establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.
The Church called on Christians in North Karamoja Diocese and the wider Church community to remain calm and pray as the matter is investigated.
According to SP Moses Olang, the Abim District Police Commander, the incident occurred towards the end of the service during announcements.
Olang said Oyoo sought to make an announcement without first informing the priest presiding over the service.
The Church of Uganda communications officer, Adams Sadiiki, said announcements and other activities during a church service are subject to the direction of the presiding priest.
“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,” Sadiiki said.
“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 added.
Sadiiki said no arrests had been made so far.
However, he confirmed that police had received complaints from both parties, recorded statements from them and some witnesses, and issued Police Form 3 (PF3) to both parties.
He said police had commenced investigations into the incident.
The Church of Uganda has urged members of the public to allow the relevant Church and law-enforcement authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
