By Nathan Eyagu
KUMI
The Kumi Diocese saga where Rev. Okunya attempted to have himself installed as Bishop last Sunday in Ngora against the express instructions of Church of Uganda has now drawn the attention of security agencies.
According to a press statement shared by the police spokesperson CP Enanga yesterday, the Joint Security Agencies, are strongly condemning the acts of propaganda aimed at inciting violence, hatred and divisions between the clergy and the laity.
Enanga was responding to the events of last Saturday 23rd January, 2022 where Rev. Okunya together with a few other senior members of the church proceeded with plans of holding his consecration as the 2nd Bishop of Kumi Diocese at St. Philip Church Ngora.
The function was however blocked by the security agencies who described it as an illegal consecration following communication from the Archbishop, Church of Uganda, and the caretaker, Bishop, Kumi Diocese.
Security arrested 51 suspects; 26 were found erecting tents at Ngora Cathedral for the illegal consecration and another 25 were intercepted while traveling from Kumi to join the group in Ngora.
The suspects according to Enanga have been charged with various offenses including incitement to violence, threatening violence, criminal trespass and inconsiderate use of the road.
In the same operation, police impounded 7 motorcycles, 1 bicycle, and two motor vehicles; a Noah motor vehicle, registration number UAV951S, and a Tipper ELF, registration number UAQ 876T and parked at Ngora and Kumi CPS respectively.
“We urge Rev. Okunya to respect the court judgement and the Church Protocols. The Church of Uganda is well regulated; therefore, its activities, duties, function, powers and authority must be respected. Where one cannot continue subscribing to the church, they can move forward and set up a Ministry outside the Church.” Police Spokesperson added in a statement.
BACKGROUND
The security boost follows the conflict that originated in 2019, where Rev. Charles Oede Okunya was elected as the 2nd Bishop of Kumi Diocese however his election got revoked on Feb, 2020, by the then Rt. Rev. Stanley Ntagali.
Ntagali revoked the election on grounds of falsification of age. This prompted Rev. Okunya to petition the High Court, contesting the revocation of his appointment under civil suit 205/2020, which was dismissed, in favour of the trustees of the church.
Consequently the trustees of the Church of Uganda appointed a caretaker as Bishop Charles OdurKami.
