A fierce battle has erupted within Watoto Ministries following the departure of founders Gary and Marilyn Skinner. The ministry, which has been a cornerstone of hope and support for vulnerable children in Uganda for 40 years, is now embroiled in a dramatic conflict between the church’s alumni and its new leadership team.
The clash began after the Skinners handed over the reins to Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo and his wife, Vernita, a year ago. This shift has led to growing tensions with a group of Watoto alumni—individuals who were once vulnerable children taken in and raised by Watoto Church. These alumni are now accusing the current leadership of sidelining them and favoring new recruits who lack their deep understanding of the ministry.
Watoto Church, a non-profit organization registered as a company limited by guarantee, operates several projects beyond its church services. It builds villages with schools, churches, medical centers, and homes, populated by orphans and widows. The ministry runs three villages: Bbira and Suubi near Kampala and Laminadera in Gulu. Additional projects include baby homes, vocational training, and farms, along with the internationally touring Watoto Children’s Choir, which draws significant funding.
To date, around 1,000 Ugandans have benefited from Watoto’s programs, transforming into productive citizens. Many of these alumni have returned to work within the ministry. However, recent allegations suggest that the new leadership has been dismissive of these former Watoto children, preferring to hire outsiders and family members instead.
In a protest letter to the founders, the alumni expressed frustration over being excluded from opportunities to contribute to the ministry. They claim that the new staff, unfamiliar with Watoto’s mission and operations, are undermining the ministry’s values and effectiveness.
The alumni have also criticized the current leadership for allegedly pursuing personal gain rather than focusing on Watoto’s mission. They argue that this shift has led to corruption, declining morale, and a neglect of the core values that Watoto was built upon. They fear that the ministry’s future is in jeopardy due to these changes.
The alumni accuse the current leaders of turning Watoto into a platform for business opportunities rather than a place of ministry. They claim that the ministry’s core objectives are being overshadowed by a focus on self-enrichment and improper management.
Several former Watoto employees, including Mesach Buleeya, Joseph Kasasa, Elizabeth Namuyomba, and others, have reportedly been dismissed or sidelined. The alumni are calling for the founders to intervene, urging them to address these issues and restore the ministry’s integrity.
The alumni are particularly concerned about allegations of mismanagement and corruption within Watoto. They point to issues such as neglect of the ministry’s mission, declining educational standards, and misuse of donations. They accuse the current leadership of creating a corrupt system that exploits Watoto for personal gain.
In response to these concerns, the alumni are demanding that the founders push for a review of Watoto’s administration across its church, school, and village operations. They want to ensure that Watoto alumni are given fair opportunities to contribute and that the ministry’s original values are upheld.
The alumni stressed that they are committed to preserving the spirit of Watoto and ensuring that it continues to serve its mission effectively. They urged the founders to take decisive action to address the issues and prevent further damage to the ministry’s reputation.
Watoto Church has been contacted for a comment regarding these allegations and the ongoing internal conflict.
