Kampala, Uganda – Watoto Church Ministries, one of Uganda’s largest evangelical congregations, has dismissed one of its pastors following allegations of gross sexual immorality.
The announcement, delivered via a pre-recorded video message broadcast across all Watoto campuses on Sunday, August 10, reaffirmed the church’s commitment to “upholding the highest moral standards” and said leaders were expected to be models of integrity and righteousness.
Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, who in 2023 replaced Canadian evangelist Gary Skinner as the Team Leader at Watoto Church Ministries, described the development as “unfortunate” and “deeply saddening,” noting that the alleged misconduct undermines the institution’s core values.
“Leadership in the church is both a calling and a trust,” Rwotlonyo said in the video message. “We are committed to walking in righteousness and ensuring accountability to the Word of God.”
While he did not reveal the identity of the pastor or specifics of the allegations, Rwotlonyo confirmed that the removal followed internal processes. This publication is withholding the pastor’s name until they are given an opportunity to respond.
A Church Known for Zero Tolerance
Founded in 1984 as Kampala Pentecostal Church (KPC) and rebranded as Watoto Church in 2000, the ministry has grown to multiple branches across Uganda and is internationally known for its Watoto Child Care Ministries, which supports vulnerable children and orphans.
The church has long enforced a zero-tolerance policy on moral and ethical breaches among its leaders. Any violation, particularly involving sexual immorality, is met with swift investigation and, where necessary, removal from ministry.
Over the years, Watoto has consistently stressed that leadership is not only a position of service but also a moral responsibility — demanding integrity, accountability, and a lifestyle “above reproach.”
While church officials did not confirm whether the case will be referred to law enforcement, insiders say the dismissal sends a clear message to both clergy and congregants that moral failings will not be tolerated at any level of leadership.
Watoto’s stance mirrors a wider global trend among evangelical ministries toward heightened accountability in response to allegations of misconduct, especially in matters of sexual ethics.
For the thousands who attend Watoto services each week, the announcement has stirred difficult conversations, but also reinforced the church’s stated mission to maintain spiritual and moral integrity, even when the process is painful.
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