The Church of Uganda has opened an investigation after a priest and a man reported to be a local leader exchanged blows during a service in Abim District.
The confrontation took place at All Saints Church on September 27, 2026. A video circulating online shows Rev Canon Richard Ongom arguing with the man before the two fight. Congregants step in and separate them.
The man, reported to be an LC2 chairman, had entered the church seeking to address worshippers. He said he had security information from an earlier meeting with Abim Town Council officials.
Rev Ongom, who was at the pulpit, refused to let him speak and asked him to leave. “I am in charge here. You will not speak,” he said.
The local leader later claimed that Rev Ongom bit his shoulder during the fight. The Church has not established the full circumstances of the incident.
“Church of Uganda has learnt of a video circulating on social media showing a scuffle involving Rev. Canon Richard Ongom, a retired clergy currently serving on contract in Abim Diocese of North Karamoja, and a Christian whose identity is yet to be established,” the Church said in a statement issued on Sunday night.
“We are concerned by the incident and wish to assure the Church and the general public that the matter is being followed up through the appropriate Church structures,” the statement reads.
“Relevant administrative and pastoral measures will be taken upon establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The Church asked Christians to remain calm and pray while it investigates.
