A pastor in Rukungiri District has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a church secretary during a dispute over money collected from worshippers, police said.
The suspect, identified as Felix Ayebare, is a pastor at Kyarusongyera Anointed Church in Bwanga Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-county.
Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson SP Nelson Tumushime said the incident occurred on August 30 at about 2pm at the church.
According to police, Mr Ayebare grabbed money from a collection basket before it had been counted, triggering a confrontation with Joan Byomuhangi, 34, the church secretary.
‘In the ensuing altercation, the pastor allegedly hit and boxed Ms Byomuhangi. He is also accused of grabbing her mobile phone and throwing it to the ground, leaving it cracked on both the front and back,’ SP Tumushime said in a statement dated September 4.
Police also allege that Mr Ayebare had earlier accused Ms Byomuhangi of preventing him from accessing church funds and had threatened her.
Tumushime said the suspect was arrested and remains in custody as investigations continue.
Police cautioned religious leaders against using violence or engaging in criminal activities under the guise of performing their religious duties.
‘Freedom of worship does not allow assault, fraud and extortion,’ Tumushime said, warning that religious leaders found engaging in criminal activities would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with Ugandan law.