The Rt. Rev. Thomas Edison Irigei of Kumi Diocese on Sunday handed over the ecclesiastical and episcopal authority of the Diocese to the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Stanley Ntagali in a handover and abdication service held at St Phillip’s Cathedral, Ngora.
Rev. Charles Okunya Oode, who was elected Bishop of Kumi Diocese on November 7th, 2019 by the House of Bishops, was not consecrated following four petitions from members of the clergy, Christians and politicians in the diocese.
On December 14th, the House of Bishops meeting held at Boroboro Parish in Lira district resolved to postpone the Consecration and Enthronement of Oode over allegations of infidelity which were raised by concerned Christians of Kumi Diocese.
Archbishop Ntagali told Christians on Sunday that a three-member committee has been appointed to investigate the allegations against Oode. The committee comprises of The Rt. Rev. George Kasangaki of Masindi-Kitara Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Samuel Bogere Egesa of Bukedi Diocese and The Rt. Rev. Patrick Gidudu of Mbale Diocese.
The committee is expected to report their findings by February 1st, to enable the province make a decision. Bishop Ntagali asked Christians of Kumi Diocese to remain calm, united and focused during the investigation processes.
Enos Osire, the Head of Laity in Kumi Diocese urged the provincial committee set by the House of Bishops to consult with all stakeholders to be able to make an informed decision.
The Archbishop appointed the retired bishop of Lango Diocese, The Rt. Rev. John Charles Odurkami as caretaker Bishop of Kumi Diocese.
This the third time Archbishop Ntagali is taking over a diocese. He has taken over leadership of Soroti Diocese and West Ankole Diocese.
While quoting 1 Peter 1-3, the Archbishop called upon people of Kumi Diocese to reconcile and avoid any form of evil that will stop them from praising the Lord.
“Put away all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander. Put away everything that stops you from praising the Lord.” Archbishop Ntagali said.
He appealed to them to be connected and united to the Lord and He will answer whatever they ask.
“When we are reconciled and united, we see God’s Will in the way He desires and not as man desires.” He added.
Archbishop Ntagali added: “The Bible says, may your will be done. That means that whatever we do should reflect what ought to be done in heaven. May God’s Will be done in Kumi.”
In his remarks as he abdicated the See, Bishop Irigei applauded Archbishop Stanley Ntagali, the House of Bishops, the Clergy, Lay readers and Christians from the Diocese.
“I want to thank the Archbishop for his great brotherly leadership. He has been a friend and a very close person to me. I want to thank him for his Ministry to me and my family especially mobilizing resources for me when I was sick.” Bishop Irigei said.
He noted that he has retired a very happy man without any collision in the House of Bishops and in his Ministry.
