Pastor Ronny Odur Lagum, the embattled leader of Holy Power Center of worship in Layibi division, Gulu Municipality has dismissed the allegation of rape cases brought against him by four women who are members of his congregation describing it as witch-hunt.
In July this year, Pastor Lagum was arrested by police following a directive from the Gulu District officials after a series of complaints were lodged against him alleging that he sexually assaulted female worshippers in his church in pretence that he can help them conceive.
Most of the women who claim the pastor raped them had been silent fearing reprisal until they opened up recently to other pastors.
Pastor Lugum was released on Police bond less than a fortnight ago after he spent two nights at Gulu Central Police Station without appearing before court.
On Friday, Lagum claims that he was framed simply because his church has grown over the last eight years.
“Since 2008 when I started my pastoral work, there has been overwhelming success. The number of members in my church has swollen,” says Lagum.
He claims that this has landed him into to trouble with rival church leaders who envy how his church has managed to grow in just few years.
“I am not a rapist. I have five children and happily married without my children. Those brought allegation against will be judged by God for lying,” says Lagum.
He said he was shocked by the allegation and it has given him and his family a very tough time especially his wife.
Lagum also alleges that all the women whom he has been alleged to have raped were paid money so that he is jailed in an attempt to destroy his spirit and church as well.
Quoting from the book of Titus 3:1-7, Lagum says he is a servant of God and will not relent since he has been anointed to serve the Most High.
He adds that he will continue to give blessings upon people so that they get work, children as well as recover from sickness.
“The truth will come out and those who wrongly accuse me of raping women will be put to shame. I will not drag them to police as they did to me but God will avenge for me,” the pastor said.
Police asked those with evidence against Lagum to come forward and make statement in reference to the case.
According to Mr James Asubu, the OC Crime at Gulu Central Police Station, the man of God was released on police bond pending further investigations.
