ACP Dr. Alungat
The Bishop of Kumi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Michael Okwii Esakahn, has cautioned newly installed Canons against using church offices for personal gain, urging them to uphold humility, integrity and a spirit of selfless service to God and the wider community.
The bishop made the remarks during an installation ceremony held at St. Philip’s Cathedral in Ngora, where he reminded both clergy and lay leaders that ecclesiastical titles are not symbols of privilege or status, but a call to deeper spiritual responsibility.
“You the leaders that God has chosen must understand that among the people seated here are many who feel helpless. They are struggling in their families, in their economy, with their children and in their daily lives,” Bishop Esakahn said. “God has called you to serve them and make their lives better.”
During the ceremony, six Canons were ordained into the priesthood, twelve Christians were installed as Lay Canons, and seven Deacons were ordained as Canons.
Among those installed as Lay Canons was the Commandant of the Police Senior Command and Staff College, Bwebajja, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Barbara Alungat.
Speaking after her installation, ACP Alungat said the appointment demonstrates that senior police officers are not only law enforcers but also community leaders and role models.
“It underscores the expectation that police officers are custodians of values, not just enforcers of the law. We are expected to positively influence society beyond operational duties through service, mentorship and value-based leadership,” she said.
Alungat noted that faith institutions remain among the most trusted and influential structures in society, adding that her appointment highlights the importance of constructive engagement between the police and religious institutions in promoting social order, peaceful coexistence and respect for the law.
“This aligns with community policing principles, which emphasize partnership rather than coercion,” she added.
The Administrator of the Police Senior Command and Staff College, SSP Dr. Edson Muganzi Rusetuka, said the appointment of a serving senior police commander as a Lay Canon reinforces the importance of ethical conduct, integrity and moral authority in policing.
“It demonstrates that professional law enforcement leadership is compatible with, and indeed strengthened by, strong moral and faith-based values,” Rusetuka said.
He further noted that at a time when police legitimacy is under close public scrutiny, such recognition enhances public confidence in the police institution.
Alungat said the recognition should also serve as a reminder to police officers that legitimacy is built through consistent service, humility, respect for human dignity and strict adherence to the rule of law.
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