Respect church sanctity, Bishop Aisu tells leaders after Abim church fistfight
Bishop Simon Akol Aisu has called for calm and respect for church sanctity following a physical altercation between a clergyman and a local government official in Abim, Uganda. The diocese is currently investigating the incident and has urged the public to avoid spreading inflammatory messages.
Why it matters
The incident highlights tensions between religious institutions and local government authorities, prompting a call for professional conduct and de-escalation.
The Bishop of Northern Karamoja Diocese has called on public leaders and clergy to respect the sanctity of the church after a fistfight broke out inside All Saints Church in Abim Town Council on Sunday.
In a pastoral letter dated September 28, 2026, the Rt Rev Simon Akol Aisu said the diocese will take appropriate administrative pastoral action while protecting the dignity of the church and respecting lawful community leadership.
The fracas, which went viral on social media and mainstream media, involved Rev Canon Richard Ongom and Waimer Ward LC2 chairperson Innocent Oyoo, on a Sunday when a team from Uganda Christian University was leading the service.
Police said on Sunday that inquiries into the melee were ongoing.
Bishop Aisu, who shepherds the Anglican flock in Abim, Kotido, Kaabong and Karenga districts, appealed for calm.
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