Abim, Uganda — September 2026
What was supposed to be an ordinary Sunday service turned into chaos at a church in Abim after a disagreement between a reverend and a local council chairperson escalated into a physical altercation right near the altar — leaving worshippers stunned and the moment captured on video for the whole community to see.
What Happened
According to reporting by journalist Gabriel Buule, the confrontation began when the LC II chairperson sought permission to address the congregation and share a UPDF (Uganda People's Defence Forces) security message during the service. The reverend reportedly refused the request — and things escalated quickly from there.
Per the report, the reverend slapped the chairperson, who responded by punching him back. The clash unfolded in front of the congregation, with tense scenes playing out near the altar itself before worshippers stepped in to physically separate the two men.
Videos and photos circulating from the incident reportedly show visible marks on the chairperson's arm from the altercation.
A Service Disrupted
The confrontation brought the church service to a halt, leaving worshippers who had gathered for what should have been a routine Sunday in visible shock. As is often the case with this kind of incident these days, the moment didn't stay contained to those in the room — clips of the confrontation quickly made their way online.
Community Reaction
The footage has sparked a wave of online commentary, with many reacting to the sheer incongruity of a physical fight breaking out in what's meant to be a sacred, peaceful space. Beyond the shock factor, some of the online discussion has pointed to the episode as reflecting deeper community tensions — the kind of local friction between religious and civic authority figures that occasionally boils over into public view.
What's Unclear
As of this report, it has not been independently confirmed whether either man has issued a public statement, whether the matter has been formally reported to police, or whether any disciplinary action is being considered by church or local government authorities. This account is based on reporting attributed to journalist Gabriel Buule; further official confirmation from church or LC II authorities in Abim was not immediately available.
Watch the Moment
This is a developing local story. Details beyond the original report — including any official response from the church or Abim's local council — had not been independently verified at the time of publication.