Works State Minister Musa Ecweru issued a warning to the believers of the Reformed Anglican Church in Kumi district, cautioning them against internal conflicts with the Anglican Church in a stern address during the ordination of six priests at St Philip Cathedral in Ngora district. Minister Ecweru emphasized the adverse impact of the ongoing discord on the development of Kumi.
The state minister pledged to engage in a discussion with Reformed Anglican Church leader, Rev. Charles Okunya, recognizing the detrimental effects of the conflict on the local community’s progress. Okunya’s separation from the Church of Uganda (COU) stemmed from the cancellation of his consecration and enthronement by the House of Bishops in 2020. Allegations surfaced that he had tampered with his age to meet the minimum age requirement for election as a bishop in the COU.
The split in Kumi COU Diocese intensified when the House of Bishops appointed Rev. Michael Okwii Esakan as the new bishop, leading to a faction demanding Okunya’s consecration. Despite retaining a role in the diocese, Okunya resigned from both his priestly duties and as director of education services, focusing on the formation of the Reformed Anglican Church.
During the ordination, retired priest John Robert Angiro advised Okunya to establish his own church outside of COU. Bishop Okwii Esakan raised concerns about alleged intimidation from the Reformed Anglican Church team.
The Reformed Anglican Church, dating back to 1789, was officially registered in Uganda in 2020. Prof. Jonathan Kyangasha, the Archbishop of the Reformed Anglican Church, noted its presence in various regions, including West Nile and Busoga. In Teso, it operates as the Upper Nile Diocese, spearheaded by Rev. Charles Okunya.
The newly ordained priests expressed allegiance to Bishop Okwii and vowed to engage in outreach efforts to encourage repentance within the Kumi diocese.
