North Kigezi Diocese has dismissed as “grossly misleading and factually inaccurate” reports circulating on social media claiming that the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, ordered a crackdown on unmarried teachers and the expulsion of parents with children born outside marriage.
In a press release dated June 16, 2026, and signed by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Munturive NshabaRuhanga, the Diocese said the reports had distorted remarks made by Bishop Asiimwe during the 42nd Anniversary celebrations of Kinyasano Girls Secondary School held on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
“There is a report circulating on social media claiming that ‘Bishop Onesimus orders a crackdown on unmarried teachers and the expulsion of parents with children born outside marriage.’ This headline, along with its framing, is not merely vague—it is grossly misleading and factually inaccurate,” the statement read.
According to the Diocese, Bishop Asiimwe’s message focused on upholding moral standards within Church of Uganda-founded schools and was specifically directed at teachers who are cohabiting while serving in such institutions.
The Diocese clarified that Bishop Asiimwe appealed to such teachers to intentionally make plans to have their marriages solemnised and sanctified in the Church in line with Christian values and the moral standards expected of church-founded institutions.
His call was aimed at ensuring that teachers serve as role models to students.
Bishop Asiimwe also expressed a firm commitment to protecting students from the risks of sexual harassment in Church of Uganda-founded schools across the North Kigezi Diocese.
“It is therefore wrong and misleading to portray his remarks as a campaign against unmarried teachers or parents with children born out of wedlock. Such an interpretation is entirely unfounded. The issue raised centred on Christian witness, moral example, and maintaining consistency with the ethos and mission of Church-founded schools,” the statement read.
The Diocese further emphasized that responsible journalism requires accurate representation of facts rather than sensational headlines that distort the original message.
The clarification followed a news story titled “Bishop Onesimus Orders Crackdown on Unmarried Teachers in Church School” that was aired on 91.8 Boona FM radio station and published on the station’s website.
Following a review of the original remarks and the context in which they were made, the radio station acknowledged inaccuracies in its reporting and issued an apology to the Bishop.
In a letter signed by the station’s Editor, Bob Rumanzi, 91.8 Boona FM admitted that the story had failed to accurately communicate Bishop Asiimwe’s intended message.
“Following a thorough review of the original remarks and the context in which they were made, we have established that the story did not accurately communicate your intended message,” the letter read.
The station further revealed that its reporter had misquoted and misrepresented the Bishop’s position, resulting in a publication that did not reflect the facts as originally presented.
“We deeply regret this error and acknowledge the inconvenience and misunderstanding it may have caused to you, the Church, and the general public. We wish to emphasize that this mistake was not made with any ill intention, malice, or deliberate attempt to misrepresent your views. It arose from a news-gathering lapse, for which we take full responsibility,” the letter read.
As part of corrective measures, the station said it had immediately pulled down the story from its website and would issue an official clarification and correction on air.
“Furthermore, we shall make an official clarification and correction on air to accurately communicate the message you intended to convey and to set the record straight before our audience,” the letter read.
The station reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and pledged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, fairness and integrity in its reporting.
“We highly value the relationship we have with you and the Church, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, fairness, and integrity in our reporting,” the letter read.