Worshipers arrested for gathering to pray

Jun 10, 2020

The operations commander of Dokolo central police station, Joel Arinaitwe said all the seven suspects were being charged with defying presidential directives under SD Ref. 34/09/06/2020.

CORONAVIRUS                    ARRESTS 

A catechist and seven of his followers have been arrested by police in Dokolo district for allegedly gathering together for prayers.

The catechist has been identified as Ivan Ongom who was leading prayers. 

The operations commander of Dokolo central police station, Joel Arinaitwe said all the seven suspects were being charged with defying presidential directives under SD Ref. 34/09/06/2020.

Some other suspects included: Jonasio Ocwa 70, Rose Akao 40, Francis Otim 28, Vicky Angwech 32, Ketty Ajok 34 and Ambrose Angura 19.

A police officer effecting arrest of Christians who are alleged to gathering for prayers which is against the government measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Micheal Onyinge
A police officer effecting arrest of Christians who are alleged to gathering for prayers which is against the government measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Micheal Onyinge

They were arrested in Ajaa B village, Okwongodul sub county Dokolo district.

Arinaitwe said people were not allowed to gather and have prayers due to fear of spreading corona virus.

Since it was still difficult to know who may be having coronavirus, he said the directives given by the government were to safeguard the public from spreading or contracting it.

Ongom said his main work has been helping families and other people who have challenges in their lives through prayers.

Suspects arrested for gathering to conduct prayers. Photo by Micheal Onyinge
Suspects arrested for gathering to conduct prayers. Photo by Micheal Onyinge

He said he had just returned from St Peter's Catholic Church Akokoro in Apac district where he had gone to help many other families with prayers.

Ongom believes, there is no reason why he had been arrested.

He said he was comparing his arrest to the times of Paul and Silas in the bible who were put in cells for unknown reasons.

However, Arinaitwe said they were going to continue enforcing the guidelines in the district. He said the laxity that was beginning to be seen among the public is will not be accepted.

 

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