news 4 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Tororo Assistant RDC Cautions Clergy on Extortion and Sexual Exploitation
Tororo's Assistant Resident District Commissioner Julius Oketcho has urged church leaders to shun extortion through mandatory offerings and sexual misconduct with congregants, emphasizing focus on spiritual duties over partisan politics. He praised a recent pastors' graduation for enhancing doctrinal knowledge and ethical ministry. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/tororo-rdc-warns-clergy-against-extortion-sexual-exploitation-5413570
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Julius Oketcho in Tororo has issued a stern warning to church leaders against extorting money from followers and engaging in sexual exploitation.
Speaking at the graduation of 45 pastors from Fellowship Bible School Tororo under Pentecostal Outreach Ministries International on April 4, 2026, Oketcho highlighted reports of churches imposing fixed amounts for tithes and offerings, rejecting small donations like coins.
“Believers should support your welfare voluntarily based on what they can afford, not through extortion,” he stated, stressing that clergy lack formal salaries.
Oketcho expressed alarm over pastors having sexual relations with female congregants, noting risks like HIV transmission. He encouraged leaders to promote income-generating activities alongside spiritual guidance for better household and church welfare.
He commended the training program in Bible and theology for fostering truthful preaching and urged graduates to maintain professional ethics, avoiding exploitation of the vulnerable.
Dr. Girado Olukol, the school’s director and senior pastor, advised graduates to embody integrity, humility, and service, steering clear of partisan politics. Quoting Matthew 9:37, he called on them to harvest souls and disciple nations.
Graduate Asianut Aelol described the diploma program as transformative, instilling not just preaching skills but values of ethical living.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)