From fists to forgiveness: Abim LC chairperson, canon reconcile a week after church fight

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Exactly one week after a dramatic fistfight disrupted a Sunday service at Abim All Saints Church, Reverend Canon Richard Ongom and Mr Innocent Oyoo, the Local Council II chairperson of Waimer Ward, have publicly reconciled.

The peacemaking ceremony took place on Sunday, October 4, at the same church in Abim Town Council, following a peace initiative led by the Bishop of the Diocese of North Karamoja, the Rt Rev Simon Akol Aisu.

The dispute began on Sunday, September 27, when Mr Oyoo entered the church demanding to address the congregation on security issues, claiming he was acting on orders from local security leadership. Rev Canon Ongom contested his authorization, sparking a heated verbal altercation that quickly escalated into a physical fight.

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

Both parties subsequently filed assault reports with the police. The Church of Uganda later issued a statement expressing regret over the incident, calling for a thorough police investigation and emphasizing the need to uphold the sanctity of the Church.

However, during yesterday’s service, the two leaders reconciled in full view of the congregation and their families, framing their reunion as symbolic of Christian redemption.

Presiding over the service, Bishop Aisu highlighted the role of religious figures in fostering harmony, urging the congregation and leaders to embrace forgiveness.

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

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

Expressing remorse, Mr Oyoo apologized to the Bishop, Rev Canon Ongom, his family, and the entire congregation for the embarrassment caused by the confrontation. He explained that a magistrate had advised them to return to the church community to resolve their grievances.

“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 told the congregation.

Mr Oyoo formally handed written apology letters to Bishop Aisu and the leadership of Abim All Saints Church, noting that the written submissions were made at the sincere request of his brother, Mr Jimmy Ochero. While maintaining that his original intent was to communicate important security information, Mr Oyoo acknowledged that his approach was inappropriate and committed to following official channels in the future.

In a symbolic gesture of unity, Rev Canon Ongom embraced the LC II chairperson before the congregation.

Local leaders have welcomed the resolution. Mr Obin Engorok, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson for Abim District, noted that the public reconciliation opens a positive new chapter for the church and the wider community, remarking that “unity is strength.”

The committee chairperson said that members would meet at 9am Tuesday to review the minister’s conduct

According to tariff schedule, domestic consumers will pay Shs250 per unit for first 15kWh used in a month

The officials have been identified as Mr Nathan Gessa and Moses Bekabye