Salary Denied to Ugandan Orthodox Priests Amid Growing Protest

A five euro European bank note with a one thousand Ugandan shilling bill cl. Pic https://depositphotos.com/

Wanjala Immanuel – OCP News Service

Kampala-Uganda: In the month of March, a deanery meeting was conceived under the leadership of Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga. Sister Sovaria who was responsible for building a convent at Kiyindi in Buikwe District was also present for the occasion. One of the important agendas in the meeting was that of the long unpaid monthly allowance of the priest (last received in 2006). Several Priests in the Ugandan Orthodox Church has been requesting the Metropolitan to pay the pending monthly salary. Sister Sovaria felt the pressing need of the priests which made her speak to her donors about the problem. The donors accepted to pay us a salary worth 600,000 Ugandan Shillings (UGX) per month. They also agreed to donate 5,000,000 UGX to purchase a motorcycle for transportation purpose.

“We are not Happy with the Greek Orthodox Leadership, and Tribalism in Uganda, and in Africa. We Need Help” – Ugandan Orthodox Christians

During Easter 2021, the donors donated around 20 million UGX and sister Sovaria confirmed that priests that the amount has been credited to the Metropolitans Bank account. Each priest was supposed to receive 600,000 UGX.

The priests of Mukono Kayunga Buikwe Deanery at Kayunga organised a meeting on 21/05/2021 and requested Bishop Jonah to provide their salary from the amount that was sent by the donors. However, the Bishop dismissed their request and advised them to forget the money that was donated from abroad. The Bishop also commented that they “are useless priests” warned to deal with whoever stands in his way over the money.

As a response, the priests have demanded the retirement of Bishop Jonah or his transfer to another country. They have stated they will not serve Liturgy unless their genuine complaints are resolved by the Ugandan Orthodox hierarchy. The priests also complained that they are frequently threatened and undermined by the Bishop.

The Ugandan Orthodox Church falls under the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and all of Africa. 

Source:
OCP News Service