RUKUNGIRI — Police in Rukungiri District have confirmed the arrest of a pastor of Kyarusongyera Anointed Church over allegations of assaulting a church secretary.
The suspect has been identified as Ayebare Felix, a pastor at Kyarusongyera Anointed Church in Bwanga Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-county, Rukungiri District.
According to police, the incident occurred on August 30, 2026, at around 2:00 p.m. at the church premises.
Police allege that Pastor Ayebare assaulted Byomuhangi Joan, 34, the church secretary and a resident of Kyarusongyera in Bwanga Parish.
It is alleged that the pastor grabbed money from a collection basket before it was counted. During the incident, he allegedly hit and boxed Byomuhangi.
Police further allege that the pastor grabbed Byomuhangi’s mobile phone and threw it to the ground, causing cracks on both the front and back of the device.
According to SP Nelson Tumushime, PRO Kigezi, the pastor had earlier accused Byomuhangi of preventing him from enjoying church funds and allegedly threatened her.
Police have cautioned religious leaders to operate within the law and warned that freedom of worship does not permit assault, fraud or extortion.
Police further said any religious leader found engaging in criminal activities will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Uganda.
