Priest Sues Arua Bishop over Dismissal

By Clement Aluma
The Monitor
July 2, 2015

http://allafrica.com/stories/201507020647.html

A Catholic priest in Arua Diocese has sued Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki over what he termed as unlawful suspension from priestly duties and defamation.

Fr Nakarai Adiga is demanding compensation for what he claims are damages caused to him as a result of the bishop's actions.

Through his lawyer, Mr Samuel Ondoma of Alaka and Company advocated, Fr Adiga states that on July 4, 2012, Bishop Sabino made a false accusation against him and other priests: Fr Lino Buni, Fr Biajo Candini and Fr Valentino Matua, stating that they were threatening to kill him.

The case was investigated by both the police and secretary to the Papal Nuncio, Mr Edward Karani, but were found to be false.

The bishop was also directed to apologise to the priests, their families and Christians, who were affected by the allegations.

Mr Ondoma said instead of the bishop making an apology, he instead asked Fr Adiga to apologise to him.

Mr Ondoma said their relationship worsened when Fr Adiga refused to comply.

Fr Adiga says although Bishop Odoki agreed to settle the matter amicably with him in the presence of retired Bishop Fredrick Drandua of Arua Diocese, Bishop Martin Luluga of Nebbi Diocese and Archbishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu Archdiocese, he was suspended from priestly duties on August 22, 2014 before the meeting.

The priest was suspended on grounds that he refused to take up his appointment at Micu Parish, disobedience to church authority and felony. Fr Adiga denies the claims.

Hearing of the case has been set for July 2, in Arua High Court. Both sides have responded in writing.

Bishop Odoki said on Wednesday: "We don't handle church issues in courts and when there is an issue, we sit down for dialogue and settle it out. But it is my lawyer who handles it in court."