Government must protect Church property for peace to prevail in Kumi - Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu
Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on the government to ensure the protection of Church property owned by the Diocese of Kumi.
He expressed concerns about criminal groups that have seized Churches, land, schools, and other properties.
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According to Archbishop Kaziimba, influential security personnel and certain politicians are protecting these criminals who are causing chaos and insecurity within the Diocese.
"These criminals are causing utter confusion. They are assaulting innocent Christians, confiscating Churches, our land, and schools. Regrettably, they are receiving maximum protection. The Church of Uganda advocates for peace and these actions are provocations and acts of lawlessness," Kaziimba stated.
During a meeting with key stakeholders of the Diocese of Kumi, including clergy, lay readers, heads of institutions, and government leaders at the Bishop's residence in Kumi town, Archbishop Kaziimba strongly condemned the level of criminality prevailing in the Diocese.
"I was blocked from entering St James Church in Atutur by these criminals, even after security had assured me that the place was peaceful. The Bishop, myself, and our team were extremely vulnerable. But because we value peace, we withdrew. This confusion must end," Kaziimba asserted.
He further added, "What is truly unfortunate is that the land was donated by the family of the Late Besweri Opiyo of Atutur, who raised funds and built the Church. And now someone comes and drives them away from the Church, even rebranding it. It is truly regrettable."
The Bishop of Kumi Diocese, Rt Rev Micheal Okwi Esakhan, in a media interview, revealed that 46 churches have been confiscated by the Reformed Anglican Church led by Charles Oode Okunya.
Okunya's election as the Second Bishop of Kumi Diocese was nullified by the House of Bishops on moral grounds.
"The only issue I have with my brother Okunya is that he is using hooligans under the influence of alcohol and drugs to assault our Christians and seize our churches. I have no problem with him acquiring land and establishing his churches, but he should not confiscate those belonging to the Church of Uganda," Bishop Esakhan expressed.
He added, "I have been advocating for peace and development, but some individuals within the government and security apparatus are frustrating my efforts. Christians have been urging me to allow them to seek revenge, but I have consistently refused. I am glad that the Archbishop witnessed it firsthand. If the relevant authorities do not intervene, there is a looming threat to security."
During the Archbishop's official pastoral visit, several churches, including St Andrew's Kachumbala, St Stephen's Oladit, St Andrew's Olupe, St Peter's Mukura, and St Peter's Kolir, were commissioned and consecrated.
Additionally, efforts were made to reclaim four churches that had been confiscated by criminal groups in the area.
The Archbishop also inaugurated various projects, including a dormitory at Joy Kim Primary School, a perimeter wall at Ngora SS, a chapel at Kiyala High School, and a dormitory at Amusi SS. Furthermore, he launched an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) management system for Kumi Hospital, enabling data-driven decision-making, and unveiled the Diocesan Strategic Plan and Constitution.
