Two catechists arrested for defying Covid-19 directives on congregational prayers

Amuru, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Two catechists attached to Agwayugi Parish in Kilak South, Amuru district are in trouble for defying presidential directives on mass gatherings aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19. They are Michael Ojok and Peter Labalpiny.

The two are in custody at Amuru Central Police Station following their arrest on Sunday afternoon while conducting a church service. Amuru Resident District Commissioner Geoffrey Oceng Osborne says they picked up the duo after receiving intelligence that they were presiding over congregational prayers in violation of the closure of places of worship.

The Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson David Ongom Mudong and the Catholic Church have not yet commented on the matter, as they could not be reached through their known phone numbers. While living the 42 days lockdown imposed to contain the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Yoweri Museveni said places of worship would remain closed for another 60 days.

The additional lockdown days have raised concerns among top clerics. On Friday, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan revealed plans by the Inter Religious Council of Uganda-IRCU to meet the Health Ministry this week to seek an explanation about the continued closure of worship places.

He revealed that during their last meeting at IRCU, top clerics in the country expressed their dissatisfaction with the continued closure of worship places.

“We resolved to meet the Ministry of Health for an explanation on the additional lockdown days imposed on worship places since they are the ones who advise the president,” he said.

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