AGAGO: Police in Agago district are investigating the demolition of a Catholic church building in Onudapet Village, Kotomor Sub-County in Agago District, by unknown people.
St. Thomas Chapel sat on a one-acre piece of land donated by a faithful member, Martin Odur, in the 1990s, for the construction of the church.
It is not known when the church was demolished, but the news reached the chapel leaders on Thursday afternoon.
According to a community member who spoke on the condition of anonymity, there was a disagreement with the leaders of the protestant school next to the chapel.
However, Richard Okwir, the chairperson of St. Thomas Chapel, dismisses the claim, saying that the church leaders have not been in any wrangle with any individual or community, and wonders what could have made someone think of committing such a crime.
Okwir says the news of the demolition of the church stunned the church leaders, more so the catechist, who had to be admitted at Onudapet Health Center II, where he is still recovering from the shock of the sudden announcement.
He reveals that the case has been reported at Kotomor Police Post under Reference Number: 12/12/05/2022.
Sabino Okwii, chairperson of the church construction committee, claims that the chapel was built up to the roof level with contributions from Christians and that iron sheets had yet to be installed.
Okwii notes that the structure was, however, being used for prayers, and they could put up tarpaulins to provide shade for the worshippers.
“We shall organise the Christians, for now, to worship under a tree as we wait for a permanent solution,” Okwii said.
The Parish Priest of Patongo Catholic Parish confirmed the incident and advised the Christians who worship at the chapel to remain calm and cautioned them against reacting in ways that would be considered unlawful.
Emmanuel Okot, the RDC of Agago district, condemned the demolition of the church and asked police to quickly investigate the matter to bring the suspects to book.
