I assaulted Fr. Ejoyi out of anger – Vicar General

Monsignor Kasto Adeti - Vicar General of Arua
Monsignor Kasto Adeti, the Vicar General of Arua Catholic Diocese during the interview in his office

Arua, Uganda | URN | Monsignor Kasto Adeti, the Vicar General of Arua Diocese and Ediofe Cathedral Parish priest has admitted assaulting Fr. Lazarus Ejoyi, saying he acted out of emotion.

Speaking to this publication in an interview at his residential office in Ediofe Monday 4th afternoon, Monsignor Kasto, said he was provoked by the endless and loud insults directed at him Fr. Lazarus Ejoyi whenever people call him on phone.

He explains that on the fateful day he was in his room adjacent to the balcony where Fr. Ejoyi had sat and heard him, saying that even one of those tormenting me is here in his room.

“When I heard this I came out picked a stick confronted Fr. Ejoyi out of anger. I gave him several lashes on the thigh just to stop him from continuing to tell lies and insult us. My intention was not to hurt him,” he said.

Monsignor Adeti confirmed that he has been summoned to record a statement at Arua Central Police Station regarding the assault case.

Read Also: Arua priest drags Vicar General to police for assault

He also disclosed that Fr. Ejoyi has been asked since 2013 to leave Ediofe parish and go to Vurra parish by the Bishop in vain.

Fr. Lazarua Ejoyi assault
Fr. Lazarua Ejoyi standing at the spot where he was allegedly assaulted by Vica General Kasto Adeti also the parish priest of Ediofe Cathedral parish.

According to Monsignor Adeti, they secured a court order and contracted Apollo Court Bailifs to evict Fr. Ejoyi from Ediofe parish since he has become a nuisance but the bailiffs have failed to act despite pocketing Shillings 150,000 in eviction fees.

Fr. Ejoyi, told this publication that he has now relocated to Catholic Center parish, which is opposite Arua CPS for the next four days to allow him keep in touch with the police as he pursues his assault case vide CRB ARCPS/SD. Ref: 35/29/04/2020.

A statement issued by Sabino Ocan Odoki, the Bishop of Arua diocese says Fr. Ejoyi’s stay at Ediofe Cathedral Parish is illegal. He accuses the priest of refusing to take up appointment in Vurra Catholic parish, a claim Fr. Ejoyi vehemently denies.

He says the administration of Arua diocese resolved that he or the diocese shall not be held responsible for what happens to Fr. Ejoyi since he was posted to Vurra catholic parish but he rejected the appointment.