ARUA DIOCESE: BISHOP ODOKI WARNS OF EXCOMMUNICATION FOR FORMER AYIVU MP ATIKU

The Bishop of , Rt Rev , has signaled plans to excommunicate former Ayivu Member of Parliament  over remarks he allegedly made during the requiem and burial of the late Rev Fr Angelo Matua in Kampala and Arua City.Speaking during the Chrism Mass held on Wednesday at , a key Catholic ceremony where holy oils for sacraments such as baptism, confirmation, and ordination are blessed, Bishop Odoki said the former legislator’s statements were contrary to the teachings and unity of the Church.

The bishop strongly criticized Atiku, stating that his remarks during the funeral were inappropriate and divisive. 

Former Ayivu MP Hon. Atiku Bernard 

He declared that Atiku had effectively “excommunicated himself” and should not be allowed to speak at any Church gatherings or prayers until he repents and reconciles with the Church.

Bishop Odoki issued a six-month ultimatum, warning that failure by Atiku to seek reconciliation would lead to the formal confirmation of his permanent excommunication. 

He also directed priests across the diocese not to grant the former MP any platform in Church assemblies.Atiku had spoken at the funeral in his capacity as Chairperson of the Central Organising Committee, where he reportedly mentioned that the late Fr Matua had experienced repeated mysterious attacks during his illness.

Fr Angelo Matua, who passed away on March 12 at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala after spending about two weeks in intensive care, was the parish priest of Nyio Catholic Parish in Ayivu West Division, Arua City. 

He was laid to rest on March 17 at Micu Parish.In his remarks, Bishop Odoki further cautioned against equating material contributions with faith, emphasizing that the Church is founded on spiritual values such as faith and hope, rather than financial support.Responding to the bishop’s position, Atiku said he would reserve his official response until after the Easter period, noting that he is currently observing Lenten fasting. He maintained that he had done nothing wrong and suggested that his call for prayers for the diocese may have been misunderstood.

Atiku explained that during the burial, he urged Christians to pray for the diocese, citing concerns over the increasing number of priestly deaths in recent years, which he said could discourage vocations among young people.

The issue of excommunication has previously arisen within Arua Diocese. In 2019, Monsignor Casto Adeti of Ediofe Cathedral excommunicated members of the Andruvu, Komite, and Oruvu clans following disputes over diocesan land whose lease had expired.

Under Canon Law (Can. 1373), any individual who publicly incites hatred or disobedience against Church authority may face penalties, including interdict or excommunication.