Simon Peter Opolot, previously reported to have led a group of over 270 believers from Christ Disciples Church to Ethiopia, has publicly sought forgiveness for leaving his post as the acting commercial officer without informing the Serere district chief administrative officer. In an exclusive interview with a local news paper at his home in Serere, Opolot expressed remorse for his actions and clarified certain misconceptions.
Despite being summoned by the police, Opolot firmly denied allegations circulating that the group fled Uganda to avoid an impending doomsday scenario. Furthermore, he refuted claims of being the leader of the team, asserting that the travel was organized by their church for an evangelical mission, following an invitation from their sister church, Hiwot Birahn Church.
Opolot explained that their initial plan was a two-week mission, but unforeseen circumstances arose after media reports in Uganda suggested that a group had mysteriously left for Ethiopia. This led to scrutiny from Ethiopian authorities, who questioned the group and temporarily confiscated their phones.
However, a letter dated February 1, 2023, indicated Opolot as the team leader, with a planned stay in Nyangatom, Ethiopia, from March 9 to 23, 2023. Despite this, Opolot maintained that he was not leading the team and expressed ignorance regarding the sale of properties by some members, emphasizing that he did not sell any of his assets.
In an unexpected turn, Opolot revealed that they were under security surveillance for six months as Ethiopian authorities investigated their actions. Following the investigation, they were deemed “good people,” released from surveillance, and allowed to continue their mission work. As of now, Opolot reported the successful establishment of six churches as part of their ongoing mission.
