The Bishop of Yahweh Pentecostal Mission, Rev Joel Mukalo, has beseeched for the pardon of two devoted members currently held in custody for contempt of court. The individuals in question, Mr Emmanuel Owiny and Mr Benedard Ogwang, find themselves ensnared in legal proceedings, accused of robbery and public armament, purportedly stemming from their efforts to obstruct court bailiffs in Lango Sub-region.
The genesis of this legal entanglement traces back to 2015 when Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Uganda, under the leadership of Bishop Peter Emyau, initiated legal action against the now-defunct PAG Lira, subsequently rebranded as Yahweh Pentecostal Mission. The aftermath of this legal dispute has elicited vehement opposition from adherents of Yahweh, who vehemently contest the court’s ruling. The termination of Bishop Mukalo’s tenure in 2013 within the Lira Pastorate of PAG Uganda is believed to have catalyzed the schism leading to the formation of Yahweh Pentecostal Mission.
Expressing his concerns during the commissioning ceremony of the Awake Pentecostal Church in Otuke District, Bishop Mukalo implored President Museveni to intervene, emphasizing the innocence of the detained individuals. He underscored the widespread consternation among the faithful, asserting the unjust nature of their incarceration. Furthermore, he illuminated the plight of numerous adherents who have suffered arrest, torment, and imprisonment as a consequence of the protracted conflict.
Bishop Mukalo elucidated that the construction and registration of all churches affiliated with PAG Uganda, now Yahweh Pentecostal Mission, were facilitated through grassroots fundraising initiatives and other communal endeavors. He lamented the punitive measures endured by their congregation members, with some languishing in detention facilities within Otuke, while others bear the scars of past incarceration.
In response to the impassioned plea, State Minister for Northern Uganda, Ms Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, extended assurances to Yahweh adherents, invoking divine providence as a beacon of hope. She offered solace in the belief that justice, aligned with the will of the Almighty, will ultimately prevail, assuaging the fears of those grappling with uncertainty amidst the legal imbroglio.
A Brief Background: Yahweh Pentecostal Mission stands as a beacon of faith across several districts, including Lira, Amolatar, Otuke, Alebtong, Dokolo, Kole, Kwania, and Apac. With a membership exceeding 300,000, predominantly comprising women and children, the mission serves as a spiritual cornerstone within these communities, fostering religious devotion and communal solidarity.
