Ten pastors granted bail in Gulu assault case

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A total of 10 pastors from the New Life Christian Centre accused of assaulting Pastor Charles Lakony have been granted cash bail of sh200,000 each.

Released on Friday, the group are embroiled in leadership struggle which has affected businesses at the church.

The individuals involved include Dr Rev. Philip Okentkeny, Bishop Patrick P’Okeny, Rev. Dr. Norah Atim, Pastor Moses Okumu, Pastor James Okello Mathew, Pastor Boniface Okello (the bishop's secretary), Moses Ocen, Pastor David Otim, Wilfred Ochola, and church elder Lucy Alum.

According to the court documents provided to the magistrate by the prosecution, the incident allegedly occurred on April 29, 2025, during a church gathering, where Lakony claimed he was assaulted by church leaders.

Following the incident, Lakony reported the matter to the police, who intervened by firing shots to disperse the congregation. When the church leaders complied with the police, they were subsequently arrested.

On Friday, May 2, 2025, these 10 accused pastors appeared before the Gulu Chief Magistrate's Grade One Court for a bail hearing.

After reviewing their bail applications, Gulu Chief Magistrate Miriam Amato stated that granting bail is a constitutional right under Article 23 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

The bail conditions included a cash bail of sh200,000 for each accused pastor, submission of a copy of their national identification cards, and an introductory letter for their sureties, who were granted non-cash bail of sh5 million.

The court proceedings were adjourned until May 29, 2025, when a hearing will take place.

Magistrate Amato criticised the pastors' conduct and encouraged them to pursue alternative conflict resolution methods, such as reconciliation, instead of legal action.

She prompted a lawyer to read Colossians 3:15 aloud, which advises against taking a brother to court and advocates for the private resolution of disputes.