Reverend, LC2 chairperson reconcile after fist fight in Abim church

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On Sunday, September 27 this year, Reverend Canon Richard Ongom and Mr Innocent Oyoo, the Local Council chairperson of Waimer Ward in Abim Town Council in Abim District, made headlines after a fist fight during a service at Abim All Saints Church.

Mr Oyoo had stormed the church, demanding to address the congregation on security matters, claiming to be acting on orders of the area security leadership, something Rev Canon Ongom adamantly denied, leading to a verbal exchange which eventually ensued into a fist fight.

The matter was later reported to the police, with both parties claiming to have been assaulted. The Church of Uganda later issued a statement regretting the incident and calling for a thorough investigation and the sanctity of the Church.

ICYMI: Police launch probe after clergy, LC2 chairperson scuffle in Abim church

However, exactly one week later, the two have made peace, courtesy of the Bishop of North Karamoja Diocese, Rt Rev Simon Akol Aisu.

The two took it to the same church during a service and noted that their reunion is symbolic of Jesus’ reconciliation of Christians with his Father through dying on the cross to have mankind saved from sin, noting that the Church remains the only avenue where unity should be fostered rather than propel disunity.

Bishop Aisu maintained that spiritual leaders have a big role in ensuring that the Church remain united in faith.

“We are asking for forgiveness, remorsefulness and your willingness to walk a new journey,” Mr Aisu asked.

Also read: Church of Uganda explains liturgical procedures following scuffle in Abim

Bishop warns leaders against confrontation after Abim church brawl

Mr Innocent Oyoo told the Christians that he was heartbroken for what happened, adding that the magistrate asked them to get back to the Christians and ask for reconciliation.

He said their choice to get back to the Christians was not to damage but aimed at repairing the relationship that had been strained.

“Beginning today, I ask you to forgive me. I pledge to work for the church and sacrifice for the church; I request you to forgive us for what happened,” Mr Oyoo said.

Mr Oyoo, who expressed remorse, asked the Bishop of North Karamoja, his family and Christians to forgive him.

The LC2 chairperson also asked forgiveness from the Rev Canon Richard Ongom before going ahead to hand his apology letter to the Bishop, and the other to Abim All Saints Church in Abim Town Council.

Mr Oyoo said that the written apology letter was at the sincere request of his brother, Mr Jimmy Ochero.

Mr Oyoo said that he regrets the embarrassment caused to the congregation and all those who witnessed the incident, but maintained that his intentions were to communicate the security situation.

He committed to follow rightful steps for future needs and step up his relationship with the Church.

In welcoming Mr Oyoo, Rev Canon Ongom hugged the LC2 chairperson in front of the Christians and their families.

Mr Obin Engorok, the NRM chairperson for Abim District, said that the reconciliation opens a new chapter for the church and the people of Abim District, adding that unity is strength.

The civilian is facing charges of treason, murder, aggravated robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

URA has set three transitional phases: the mapping stage, later biometric authentication, and finally the roll-out.