A heated confrontation between Reverend Canon Richard Ongom and Innocent Oyo, the LC2 Chairperson of Wiawer Parish, disrupted a Sunday service at All Saints Church of Uganda in Abim Town Council on September 28, 2026, leaving congregants stunned by the physical altercation that unfolded inside the place of worship.
The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. when Oyo, citing a need to deliver a security-related message from the Detach Barracks Commander in Abim Town Council, requested permission to address the congregation during the service. Reverend Ongom, who was leading the prayers, reportedly declined, advising Oyo to wait until the service concluded or delegate the message to the church media team. This refusal allegedly triggered the conflict, with Oyo accusing the reverend of undermining his authority as a local council leader.
A video recording of the exchange captures Reverend Ongom insisting, "Please, please, please, no, no, no, LC2, I am the authority here, and I’m not going to allow you to talk. Can you go out?" The confrontation escalated rapidly, with Oyo advancing toward the altar and allegedly slapping the reverend. Reverend Ongom retaliated, and the reverend’s wife reportedly joined the fray, with Oyo alleging she was punched and fell to the ground.
Oyo later explained that he had arrived late to the service after the designated time for announcements had passed and sought brief permission to relay the security message. He emphasized that other individuals had been permitted to speak during the service, yet his request as the LC2 chairperson was denied. "People who earlier thought permission to speak were allowed to speak, but for me, as the LCII chairperson of Wiawer Ward where this church is located, it was rejected," he stated, alleging the reverend became agitated and physically assaulted him.
Police confirmed the incident, with Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson Mike Longole reporting that both parties had filed assault complaints at Abim Town Council Police Station. Two counter-cases were registered, and PF3 forms were issued for medical examinations. Longole noted no arrests had been made as investigations continued, urging the public to resolve disputes peacefully, particularly in places of worship.
Reverend Ongom declined to comment on the matter, citing instructions from his superiors not to issue statements. Meanwhile, congregants expressed shock at the disruption, calling for unity and peaceful resolution of the conflict. The incident has raised concerns about the intersection of local governance and religious institutions, highlighting the need for clear protocols to manage such interactions.
The altercation underscores broader tensions between civic duties and religious practices, particularly in communities where local leaders hold significant influence. Oyo’s role as an LC2 chairperson, tasked with community engagement, clashed with the reverend’s authority over church proceedings, revealing potential gaps in communication channels between secular and religious leadership structures.
Public figures and community members have since urged both parties to prioritize reconciliation. The church’s leadership has not yet issued a formal response, but the incident has sparked discussions about maintaining decorum in places of worship and the responsibilities of public officials during religious gatherings.
The event also highlights the challenges of balancing urgent civic communications with the sanctity of religious services. Oyo’s claim that the security message was critical for Abim Town Council’s safety adds complexity to the dispute, raising questions about how such information should be disseminated in public spaces.
As the investigation continues, the community remains divided. While some support Oyo’s right to communicate with his constituents, others defend the reverend’s authority to maintain order during services. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for conflict when overlapping spheres of influence intersect.
The incident at All Saints Church has left a lasting impression on the congregation, with many calling for dialogue and understanding to prevent future disruptions. The police’s emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution aligns with broader societal efforts to address tensions in increasingly complex community dynamics.