Lira Bishop inaugurated at night

By Patrick Okino

A section of the members of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) in Lira recently consecrated their bishop at night defying a police directive to delay the process over a court order. 

The inauguration of former Bishop of Lira pastorate, Rev Joel Mukalu, took place at PAG church in Obanga Pe Wany located at Ireda Shamba, Central Division, Lira municipality at around 10pm.

"We have inaugurated our bishop and if any party is not satisfied with what we did, should go to court," Johnson Adupa Orech, a spokesperson for the rival group said.  

He said the consecration of Rev Mukalu took place after three days of fasting and praying to God.  About 79 pastors attended the fasting.

The conflict in the PAG church started in 2014 when Bishop Mukalu was suspended by PAG Uganda and replaced with Rev Silvano Ogwal as interim bishop to pave way for investigations over suspension of pastors, failure to submit offertory to PAG Uganda and intention to split.

Five pastoral members were sent by PAG Uganda to lead the church while Rev Mukalu served his suspension. But in a dramatic twist of events, Rev Mukalu dragged PAG Uganda to court seeking an injunction and stopped the process. 

Properties at the center of the wrangle also include Lira main church at Teobia village in Lira town, Kioga progressive secondary school, PAG technical school, three cars and a newly built secondary school at Barpoo.

Adupa said the registered as an independent church on 17 December, 2014, with the Uganda Registration Bureau in the name of PAG Lira and is operating legally.

Recently the police halted the consecration of Bishop Mukalu due to lack certificate of incorporation as evidence of legal existence of PAG Lira.

"The reasons for not allowing the consecration is not because of alleged illegality but the court order which specifically put a halt on the consecration of Bishop Mukalu till the disposal of the main suit," said Twaruhukwa Erasmus who signed the letter on behalf of the inspector general of police, Kale Kayhirua he added.

"If the police or any person is aggrieved with what happened they should go to court," he said.   

Lira resident district commissioner George Odong doubted the inauguration saying it is against the law and if Mukalu was the legitimate bishop, the function would have been during day time not at night.

"That is the joke of the year. It will be possible if he is going to be the bishop of the night dancers," Odong explained and said the consecration will not be recognized legally. 

“How can the function take place in the middle of the night unless you will be the bishop of your household?” he asked.