Kumi bishop-elect opens case against impersonator

Kumi Diocese bishop-elect, the Rev Charles Okunya Oode, has reported a case of impersonation to police against unknown person purporting to be him and conning people of their money.
Rev Oode, who was elected bishop last Thursday by the Church of Uganda House of Bishops, in Namirembe, Kampala told Daily Monitor that he reported the matter to Kumi Central Police Station on Monday, after receiving multiple calls from the public to refund the money he allegedly borrowed through his Facebook account.
The Rev Okunya who will replace Bishop Thomas Edison Iregei on December 29 as the second bishop for Kumi Diocese said the impersonator is conning people of Shs80,000 to Shs800,000. “I received a call from one person asking me to refund Shs80,000, that he had sent to me. It was strange, I had not asked money from anybody,” he said.
Mr Michael Odongo, the East Kyoga region police spokesperson, confirmed the opening of the case.
“The person created a new Facebook account using the bishop-elect photos and particulars. We call on the public to stop sending money to that person,” Mr Odongo appealed.
He said the impersonator claims the bishop is stuck in Nairobi where he went to attend a seminar and needs to pay fees balance for his children.
“In our investigations, the impersonator seems to have closed the account he has been using to con people,” he explained.
He added that the culprit will be brought to book, when located.
Mr Odongo has also urged all members of public who have been conned to report to police to enable swift investigations. It is not yet known when a false Facebook account was created.

About the Rev Okunya
The Rev Okunya was born on November, 23, 1970 in Kumi to Elimelech and Ruth Oode.
He holds a Master in Management Studies from the Uganda Management Institute, and a Bachelor of Divinity from Uganda Christian University.
He originally trained as a teacher and holds a Diploma in Secondary Education from the National Teachers’ College, Ngetta.
The Rev Okunya was ordained a deacon in 2006 and a priest in 2007.
He worked as the principal of Bishop Tomusange Theological College and also lectured at Kumi University.
The bishop-elect also served as a school chaplain and teacher, and as the diocesan mission coordinator.

Issue

The Rev Okunya, who will replace Bishop Thomas Edison Iregei on December 29 as the second bishop for Kumi Diocese, said the impersonator is conning people of Shs80,000 to Shs800,000.