Works state minister Musa Ecweru has cautioned members of the Reformed Anglican Church in Kumi district against internal strife with the Anglican Church. Speaking during the ordination of six priests at St Philip Cathedral in Ngora district on Sunday, the minister expressed concern that the ongoing conflict is negatively impacting the development of Kumi.
Ecweru, who has pledged to engage with Reformed Anglican Church leader Rev. Charles Okunya, emphasized the detrimental effects of the discord on the local community. Okunya’s fallout with the Church of Uganda (COU) traces back to 2020 when his consecration and enthronement were canceled by the House of Bishops. He faced accusations of manipulating his age to meet the required minimum age of 45 for election as a bishop in COU.
The division within Kumi COU Diocese escalated as some Christians and clergy advocated for Okunya’s consecration. The House of Bishops later announced Rev. Michael Okwii Esakan as the new bishop of Kumi Diocese. Despite retaining a role in the diocese, Okunya resigned from his priestly duties and as director of education services, playing a key role in the formation of the new church.
During the ordination, retired priest John Robert Angiro advised Okunya to depart from COU and establish his own church. Esakan highlighted alleged intimidation from the Reformed Anglican Church team.
The Reformed Anglican Church, registered in Uganda in 2020, traces its roots back to 1789. Led by Prof. Jonathan Kyangasha, the Archbishop of the Reformed Anglican Church, it has branches in West Nile, Busoga, and Teso, named the Upper Nile Diocese, spearheaded by Okunya.
The ordained priests pledged allegiance to Bishop Okwii and committed to persuading individuals in Kumi diocese to embrace repentance.
