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Ntagali appoints retired Lango bishop as caretaker for Kumi
Men of collar. Archbishop Stanley Ntagali (centre, front row) poses with other clergy at St Philips Cathedral Ngora District yesterday. PHOTO BY SIMON PETER EMWAMU
Out-going Archbishop of Church of Uganda Stanley Ntagali has appointed retired Bishop for Lango Diocese Charles Odurkami as the caretaker for Kumi Diocese.
Kumi’s Bishop-elect Charles Okunya was supposed to be consecrated yesterday, but the function was postponed indefinitely pending investigations over a petition raised by a section of Christians against the persona of the overseer.
Archbishop Ntagali made the announcement during the abdication of Bishop Edison Thomas Irigei as Bishop of Kumi Diocese at St Philips Cathedral Ngora District yesterday.
“After careful consideration, I appointed Charles Odurkami to be caretaker of Kumi Diocese on my behalf, he has the mandate to convene the synod and council,” the Archbishop Ntagali said.
Bishop Irigei is currently battling diabetes, which has left one of his legs amputated.
Archbishop Ntagali praised Bishop Irigei for the work well done.
He also hailed Bishop Odurkami for helping the church solve the Kitgum Diocese crisis.
Archbishop Ntagali warned Christians to stop sending memorandums and petitions to Namirembe Diocese with immediate effect.
He also appealed to the bishop -elect to keep in constant prayer with his wife.
“I urge you to limit movements to friends and reflect on prayer,” the Archbishop said.
He appealed to the Christians to cooperate with the team of selected bishops who are investigating the said allegations contained in the whistleblowers’ petition.
He identified the team of bishops under the commission of inquiry as George Kasangaki of Masindi Kitara, Samuel Egesa of Bukedi and Patrick Gidudu of Mbale Diocese.
Bishop Odurkami asked the consecration committee to proceed with their organisation as they wait for the outcome from the commission of inquiry.
“I will be preaching here on January 1, 2020, at St Philips Cathedral, we want peace, unity and stability in the Diocese,” he said.
The head of laity Kumi Diocese, Mr Enos Osire, appealed to the House of Bishops not to prolong the consecration.
He said the team of inquiry should meet Christians from a broader spectrum in the diocese.
“We are ready to comply with the leadership of the province of Church of Uganda, and get bishop at the right time appointed by God,” Mr Osire said.
The Rev James Opedun, the chairperson for house of clergy Kumi Diocese, thanked the outgoing bishop for his work and asked for his forgiveness for times they disobeyed him. Bishop Irigei said he had forgiven them.
