The Church of Uganda-CoU has issued a stern warning against individuals and groups using its vestments, liturgical traditions, and identity without authorization. In a statement issued on Friday, CoU said it has noted with deep concern the activities of individuals operating under the “Reformed Anglican Church,” who are allegedly using Church of Uganda hymns, Anglican liturgical forms, and clerical as well as episcopal vestments in ways that could mislead the public into believing they are part of, or officially affiliated with, the Church of Uganda.
The statement signed by the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, on Friday, June 26, 2026, categorically clarified that the “Reformed Anglican Church” is neither affiliated with, recognized by, nor in communion with the Church of Uganda or the worldwide Anglican Communion. Any suggestion or representation to the contrary is false, misleading, and intended to create a false impression of legitimacy,” the statement reads in part.
CoU also expressed particular concern over the unauthorized use of the ecclesiastical attire resembling that of its clergy and Bishops, alongside the adoption of Anglican worship traditions and hymns. ”This includes the use of clerical collars, cassocks, episcopal shirts, pectoral crosses, mitres, croziers, and other sacred insignia by individuals who are not licensed, ordained, or officially recognized within the Church’s ecclesiastical structures. Such practices amount to a serious misrepresentation of Anglican identity and authority,” the statement adds.
CoU emphasized that its clergy serve only within duly established dioceses under the oversight of bishops and remain accountable to the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Uganda. ”Members of the public are therefore urged to exercise caution and to verify the authenticity of any person, group, or ministry claiming representation within the Anglican tradition,” the statement further says.
CoU further warned that continued misrepresentation of its identity, doctrine, and ecclesiastical authority may result in legal action to safeguard the integrity of Anglican doctrine, order, and worship. The Reformed Anglican Church was founded in 2009 from the Traditional Anglican Church. In Uganda, it’s led by, Professor Most Rev Jonathan Kyangasha, as Archbishop (a former Archdeacon in the Church of Uganda).
Recently, the Reformed Anglican Church consecrated a Bishop of Upper Nile Diocese, Charles Okunya Oode, after a leadership dispute in the Kumi Anglican Diocese. This is after Rev Okunya disputed the elections of Rt Rev Micheal Okwii Eshakan as the Bishop of Kumi Diocese.After disagreement, Okunya quit the Anglican Church and formed the Reformed Anglican Diocese, where he was installed as Bishop. At least 47 churches have since joined the Reformed Anglican Church in Kumi Diocese, threatening the Anglican Church’s future-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
