Top priest suspended over politics
Dec 14, 2010
THE mission coordinator for the Anglican Church in Lango Diocese, Rev. Can. Jacky Milton Oto Olima, has been suspended over participating in party politics.
By Bill Oketch
THE mission coordinator for the Anglican Church in Lango Diocese, Rev. Can. Jacky Milton Oto Olima, has been suspended over participating in party politics.
Oto, who has served the diocese for over 30 years, is accused of campaigning for a political party and raising resources to promote the interests of the unnamed party.
According to a December 7 letter, Oto has publicly taken sides in party politics, while duly posted and holding position in the diocese, contrary to the norms of the Church of Uganda.
Oto is a candidate for the position of bishop in the soon to be created West Lango Diocese.
James Tweny, a Christian, said: “We are confused. Recently, Bishop Odur Kami transferred all reverends after Oto reportedly took them to meet President Yoweri Museveni in Rwakitura.â€
According to Tweny, Oto and Rev. Alfred Acur Okodi were nominated to contest for the position of bishop of West Lango Diocese.
Their names were submitted to the Archbishop in Kampala.
One of them will be appointed bishop after a sitting by the House of Bishops.
Should the House of Bishops sit when Oto is still on suspension, he will automatically lose to his rival, Tweny said.
The suspension letter, which takes immediate effect, was also copied to the district Police commander and the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi.
“I regret to inform you that you have put the diocese of Lango on a tricky path and so, we painfully write you this letter of suspension,†the letter, signed by Rev. Jacob Ogwok, the acting diocesan secretary, read.
The letter stated that Oto’s fate was dependent on a disciplinary committee, which would sit on a date that he (Oto) would be notified about.
Oto said he received a photocopy of the suspension letter, but vowed not to vacate office unless he gets the original.
He denied having attended any political rally.
“The letter is vague and the allegations are just cooked up to tarnish my reputation,†he said.
“These people served me with a photocopied document and have since remained quiet. They should tell you more about the suspension. Maybe it is a trap they have put in front me,†Oto added.
Another Christian, who talked on condition of anonymity, said Oto had support to become the bishop of West Lango Diocese.
Sam Atul, also a Christian, said people had been asked not to comment on the issue in public, but declined to name the person who asked them to do so.
THE mission coordinator for the Anglican Church in Lango Diocese, Rev. Can. Jacky Milton Oto Olima, has been suspended over participating in party politics.
Oto, who has served the diocese for over 30 years, is accused of campaigning for a political party and raising resources to promote the interests of the unnamed party.
According to a December 7 letter, Oto has publicly taken sides in party politics, while duly posted and holding position in the diocese, contrary to the norms of the Church of Uganda.
Oto is a candidate for the position of bishop in the soon to be created West Lango Diocese.
James Tweny, a Christian, said: “We are confused. Recently, Bishop Odur Kami transferred all reverends after Oto reportedly took them to meet President Yoweri Museveni in Rwakitura.â€
According to Tweny, Oto and Rev. Alfred Acur Okodi were nominated to contest for the position of bishop of West Lango Diocese.
Their names were submitted to the Archbishop in Kampala.
One of them will be appointed bishop after a sitting by the House of Bishops.
Should the House of Bishops sit when Oto is still on suspension, he will automatically lose to his rival, Tweny said.
The suspension letter, which takes immediate effect, was also copied to the district Police commander and the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi.
“I regret to inform you that you have put the diocese of Lango on a tricky path and so, we painfully write you this letter of suspension,†the letter, signed by Rev. Jacob Ogwok, the acting diocesan secretary, read.
The letter stated that Oto’s fate was dependent on a disciplinary committee, which would sit on a date that he (Oto) would be notified about.
Oto said he received a photocopy of the suspension letter, but vowed not to vacate office unless he gets the original.
He denied having attended any political rally.
“The letter is vague and the allegations are just cooked up to tarnish my reputation,†he said.
“These people served me with a photocopied document and have since remained quiet. They should tell you more about the suspension. Maybe it is a trap they have put in front me,†Oto added.
Another Christian, who talked on condition of anonymity, said Oto had support to become the bishop of West Lango Diocese.
Sam Atul, also a Christian, said people had been asked not to comment on the issue in public, but declined to name the person who asked them to do so.