In the livestream with Tamale Mirundi Jr, Mugisha stated, "Pastors are lying to you… your tithes take care of us the pastors and their families."
Bishop Franklin Mondo Mugisha, head of the Empowerment Christian Prayer Center International, has found himself at the centre of controversy following remarks he made about tithing. Last week, during a TikTok livestream, the pastor openly admitted that tithes collected by churches are spent by pastors and their families, sparking anger among his followers and fellow church leaders.
Pastor Mondo Mugisha
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He added, "God cannot descend from heaven to collect money. Where is he taking it? I am the one who eats your money and you get a blessing."
Pastor Mondo Mugisha
pulse uganda
His comments led to swift backlash from pastors who felt that his statements could mislead congregants about the purpose of tithes.
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Subsequently, the pastor says he was inundated with phone calls from both concerned followers and other religious leaders.
Many of his colleagues accused him of "touching a sensitive issue," suggesting that his words could undermine the faith people place in tithing as a religious practice.
In response, however, Mugisha issued a clarification on the remarks, defending his earlier statements while attempting to offer a more detailed explanation.
"I wish to address the pastors who thought what I said was a lie. The truth is the tithe is what is used to run the church activities and everything to do with the ministry, which also includes taking care of the pastors," Mondo clarified.
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Pastor Mondo Mugisha
pulse uganda
He added that the tithe is necessary for the survival of churches, explaining that it is not only used for the operational needs of the church but also for supporting pastors, whom he likened to the biblical Levites.
Mugisha asserted that his comments were rooted in scripture and urged those who did not wish to tithe to refrain from doing so, stating that those who understand the benefits will continue to give.
Despite the clarification, the damage appears to have been done, with several religious figures expressing disappointment in Mugisha for addressing such a delicate topic in a public forum. Some pastors fear that the controversy could lead to congregants questioning the integrity of their church leaders and the role tithing plays in their ministries.
Mugisha stood firm in his stance, asserting that transparency about tithing is essential for churchgoers. "People need to know the truth so they can rest at ease knowing where their money goes," he remarked.
