Police and army are involved in running battles with a group of angry Christians in Arua that want to evict Arua Diocese Bishop Sabino Odoki.
Heavy gunfire was heard throughout the night at Ediofe, the seat of the diocese, about 3 kilometres west of Arua town.
The irate christians accuse Odoki of having neglected his precedecesor, Bishop Frederick Drandua when he badly needed the church’s help. Apparently when Drandua fell ill, Odoki allegedly declined guarantee, for his treatment in Italy.
Drandua consquently died on 1 September. He had served as the ordinary of Arua diocese for 23 years and was widely revered in West Nile.
However, the situation escalated when police attempted to forcefully send away the christians who had camped at the graveside inside Ediofe cathedral, claiming to be mourning and protecting the burial site.
Efforsts to remove them was followed by fighting outside the cathedral, with Christians razing the makeshift structure forSunday masses.
The situation worsened on Thursday and the army was brought in for reinforcement. By the time the story was posted, Police was still firing teargas.
Over 15 people suspects have been taken into custody by police over the violence. Though, it is not yet clear if the bishop is still at his residence.
The District Police Commander Jonathan Musinguzi is commanding the ongoing operation.
