In Serere district, an unregistered church led by a pastor faced eviction and backlash from local residents, predominantly parents. The pastor, who oversees New Life Church Ministries in Agule village, Omagoro Kyere sub-county, was reportedly caned by angry locals, and the church building was subsequently demolished.
According to Kyere LC3 chairperson John Esadu, who also serves as the chairperson of the district security committee, the New Life Church Ministries was not registered and was therefore operating illegally. This prompted the residents’ strong reactions.
Malon Adengu, an intelligence security officer from Omagoro parish, condemned the actions of caning the pastor and demolishing the church. Adengu pointed out that the local community displayed excessive aggression.
Sam Echodu, the proprietor of the church, claimed that jealous individuals and leaders of other faiths were responsible for inciting the mob to burn down the church. He suggested that personal motives were behind the incident.
Erika Omedel, the LC1 chairperson and lay reader of Omagoro Achinga Church of Uganda, accused the church of having internal issues that had contributed to community violence. The situation remains contentious as it unfolds in Serere district.
Individuals Involved
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| John Esadu | Kyere LC3 chairperson, District Security Chair |
| Malon Adengu | Intelligence Security Officer, Omagoro Parish |
| Sam Echodu | Church Proprietor |
| Erika Omedel | LC1 Chairperson, Lay Reader |
