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Yearly Archives: 2025

LIRA CATHOLIC DIOCESE > Blog > 2025

Bishop Wanok Says Christmas Is the True Preparation for Peaceful Elections

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Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has said that Christmas offers the nation its most important preparation for peaceful, free, and fair elections, calling on Ugandans to allow Christ to first transform their hearts before seeking political change.

The Bishop made the remarks in his Christmas message to the Curia during the End of Year Mass held at the Diocesan Offices, Daniel Comboni, Bar Ogole.

He said that as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the country is also entering a sensitive civic period ahead of the coming elections, a moment that calls for deep listening to the Word of God and honest examination of faith and conscience.

Bishop Wanok said Christmas reminds believers that Uganda belongs to God and that every citizen carries a responsibility to ensure elections are conducted in freedom, fairness, friendship, and love.

Reflecting on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the Bishop said the birth of Christ reveals a God who chooses to journey quietly with His people not through force, intimidation, or raw power, but through humility, faithfulness, and closeness to humanity.

Bishop Wanok and the Social Communications Secretary Lira Diocese, Rev Fr Isaac Ojok pose for a photo with journalists

He noted that the humility of God, often mistaken by the world as weakness or foolishness, is in fact His greatest strength, one that changes hearts before changing structures.

Drawing from Matthew’s Gospel, Bishop Wanok highlighted the example of Joseph, whom Scripture describes simply as “a just man.” Faced with fear, confusion, and uncertainty, Joseph chose what was right before God, refusing to harm, shame, or act out of anger toward Mary.

The Bishop said Joseph’s response teaches society that righteousness is often expressed through quiet discernment, prayer, and a willingness to listen to God before reacting in anger or fear. By protecting life in a moment of uncertainty, Joseph offers a model for personal and national leadership.

Turning to Luke’s Gospel, Bishop Wanok reflected on Mary’s Magnificat, describing it as a proclamation of courageous faith. He said Mary trusted God to lift up the lowly and to judge history with justice and mercy, without inciting hatred or violence.

The Bishop said the leadership of Joseph and Mary, beginning within the family, offers a powerful lesson for leadership in the nation, leadership grounded in humility, faith, and trust in God rather than aggression or intimidation.

Speaking on the meaning of Christmas for society, Bishop Wanok emphasized respect for the poor and the youth, noting that young people are searching for direction as they learn from the past and navigate the present. He warned that no person should ever be exploited because of poverty, frustration, or vulnerability.

He said the buying of votes through money or material inducements is incompatible with the dignity of the human person, stressing that no amount of money can purchase a person’s right or conscience.

The Bishop cautioned against leaders who spread hatred, division, and confusion, saying such behavior is a clear sign of destructive leadership. He condemned acts such as tearing down opponents’ posters or inciting quarrels, warning that leaders driven by hatred ultimately destroy both people and the nation.

Bishop Wanok reaffirmed that the Church, during Christmas and beyond, must remain a space of peace. He said all Church institutions, including churches, schools, and hospitals must remain non-partisan, welcoming all people regardless of political affiliation.

“For the Church,” he said, “every human being must find a place of prayer, guidance, reconciliation, and healing.”

He added that Christianity and Islam alike are rooted in peace, reminding the faithful that Christ is the Prince of Peace and that religion, understood as humanity’s attachment to God, must always lead to peace rather than division.

Turning to the local Church, Bishop Wanok said the people of Lira Diocese and the wider Lango Sub-region are called to a renewed commitment to peace, unity, and hospitality, welcoming all people regardless of origin, belief, or background.

Bishop Wanok joins some of the Curia members for a photo moment earlier in the day

Mindful of the region’s history and the wounds caused by past conflicts, the Bishop said the Diocese is recommitting itself to healing and solidarity through Caritas, sharing resources and building peace within families, Small Christian Communities, and parishes.

He urged the faithful to focus on preparing their hearts and homes to receive Christ, noting that true discernment including choosing leaders must be done in prayer, silence, and sobriety.

Bishop Wanok warned against noise, drunkenness, and reckless behavior, saying Christ did not come amid chaos but in humility and quietness. He encouraged believers to imitate Joseph and Mary by waiting in prayer, minimizing quarrels, rejecting violence, and protecting one another.

He concluded by praying that the birth of Christ may renew the nation with truth, humility, and hope, and extended his Christmas and New Year wishes to the people of Lira Diocese, the Lango Sub-region, and Uganda at large.

Unity and Knowledge: Key to Development, Says Fr. Atipopo  

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Parents, teachers, and learners have been called upon to embrace unity both at home and in school if they want to realize true development in their communities.

This call was made by Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Atipopo, the Administrator of Gomi Sub Parish, during the dedication prayer for Primary Seven candidates ahead of their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), and the handover of a new classroom block at Onyakede Primary School in Amach Sub County.

In his homily, Fr. Atipopo emphasized that success in any aspect of life, whether as a parent, teacher, or farmer, requires knowledge and understanding of how things are done.

“Having knowledge is very important. It is not found in heaven; it is sought,” he said. “The one who has knowledge is like a lamp that gives light to the world. God does not just give us knowledge; we must be taught and willing to learn.”

He likened education to light that dispels ignorance, adding that Jesus calls His followers “the light of the world” because they are meant to uplift others.

Fr. Atipopo reminded candidates that their upcoming exams are a chance to demonstrate what they have learned over the years.

“For one to put knowledge into action, two things must happen, seek knowledge and use it,” he noted. “But in giving knowledge, either the teacher lacks enough of it to share, or the learner is not willing to receive it.”

Fr. Atipopo cautioned parents who claim education is no longer valuable because of unemployment.

“There will be no development in your homes without education, no matter your religion,” he said. “Even as a priest, it was not only my prayer life that brought me here. My education documents also opened the way for me to join the seminary.”

He urged parents to work hard for their children’s education, expressing concern that some were unhappy about teachers returning to school after the recent industrial action.

“Teachers are struggling to educate your children despite being poorly paid. The strike was a cry for fairness, not a reason for parents to keep children at home,” he said.

Fr. Atipopo concluded by urging unity between parents and school administrators, saying development can only come when all stakeholders work together.

Rev. Sr. Agnes Atala, MSMMC, the Lira Diocese Education Secretary, praised Fr. Atipopo for his commitment to improving learning conditions at Onyakede Primary School. She said the new classroom block was born out of compassion after seeing children studying under trees.

Each of us was created for a purpose, and that purpose needs knowledge, and a good heart, like that of Fr. Stanislaus,” she said. “The donors who helped us are not rich people, but they understand that God created them to make a difference.”

Sr. Agnes revealed that Lira Diocese has 379 schools, six of which, including Onyakede, are in critical need of support: Onyakede P/S, Alworo P/S, Barlela P/S, Abongorwot P/S, Owiyodyek P/S, and Okile P/S.

She cautioned parents against believing in the idea of “free education,” noting that quality education requires shared responsibility.

“There is no such thing as free education,” she said. “Parents must contribute their part if they want their children to study well.”

She further encouraged parents to provide for their children and keep them in school, saying it is through education that the next generation will bring lasting change to families and communities.

The Headteacher of Onyakede Primary School, Mr. Do Santo Alango thanked Fr. Atipopo for his support, recalling how learners previously studied under trees due to a lack of classrooms.

He also noted that Fr. Atipopo had provided 26 desks after noticing that pupils had none.

While acknowledging that the teachers’ strike had disrupted learning, he expressed disappointment that some parents still refused to send their children back even after schools reopened.

The Chairperson of the School Management Committee (SMC) also appreciated Fr. Atipopo for the new classroom block and appealed for help in constructing dormitories for both boys and girls to further improve performance.

He called on parents to unite regardless of denomination, reminding them that although the school is Catholic-founded, it serves children of all faiths.

Fr. Stanislaus Atipopo revealed that the classroom block was donated by Lira Diocese with sponsorship from KREISTAG DONAURIES (FOUR STONES FOR AFRICA), friends of the Diocese. The project cost UGX 80 million.

Last year, Onyakede Primary School registered 28 PLE candidates, of whom 24 passed while 4 failed. The school administration expressed hope for even better results this year, thanks to the improved learning environment.

Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok Set for a Three-Day Pastoral Visit to St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, Agweng in Lira district

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By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

After a spiritually uplifting and fruitful one-week pastoral visit to Our Lady of Mercy Alito Catholic Parish in Kole District, the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok is set to embark on another sacred mission, a three-day pastoral visit to St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, Agweng.

During his time in Alito, the Bishop walked closely with the people of God, sharing in their joys, hopes, and struggles. He met leaders at various levels of society, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to hundreds of faithful, and erected three new Eucharistic Centers, a powerful symbol of the Church’s growing presence in the region. He presided over holy Matrimony, visited health facilities, learning institutions, and spent precious time with numerous associations and spiritual movements, offering words of encouragement, hope, and fatherly love.

From Alito, he now turns his gaze northward to Agweng, a parish that was carved out of Alito in 2018. It is a community still healing from the scars of past conflict, yet one that continues to shine with unwavering faith and resilience.

The Bishop’s visit to Agweng will begin on Friday, 26th September 2025, with his arrival at the Parish headquarters. That day, he will meet with key leaders, Catechists, the Parish Pastoral Council, professionals, businessmen and women, cultural leaders, and local politicians. These gatherings are expected to foster deep dialogue on pastoral and community matters, as the Bishop listens, guides, and blesses his flock.

After a day of meaningful engagement, the Bishop will retire to rest, preparing spiritually for the days ahead. On Saturday, 27th September, he will preside over a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Ogur Central Eucharistic Centre, where he will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to 220 Christians from the zones of Ogur and Coorom. It will be a profound moment of grace as these faithful receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the presence of their shepherd.

On Sunday, 28th September, Bishop Wanok will journey to Agak Chapel, where another 246 candidates from the zones of Agak, Agweng, and Aromo will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, marking a total of 466 new soldiers for Christ sealed in faith.

Rev. Fr. Alfred Okello Snr., the devoted Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Parish, Agweng, shared that the faithful are in a state of joyful anticipation. 

Fr. Okello further disclosed that preparations have reached their peak. The Christians have been diligently prepared through the dedicated efforts of priests, catechists, and other pastoral agents within the parish. The community is ready, body, mind, and spirit, to receive the grace of this pastoral visit.

Located 28 kilometers north of Lira City along Kitgum Road, Agweng Parish stands as a testament to faith reborn from suffering. Once deeply wounded by the insurgency of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the region now clings steadfastly to the hope and healing offered by Christ and His Church.

As Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok makes his way to Agweng, he carries with him not just the authority of his office but the tender heart of a shepherd, ready to comfort, strengthen, and bless the flock entrusted to his care.

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Uganda Martyrs University Ngetta Campus Undergoes Remarkable Transformation in Spiritual, Academic, and Infrastructural Development

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By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Ngetta Campus, strategically located 8 kilometers along Kitgum Road, is undergoing a significant period of transformation marked by spiritual revitalization, academic excellence, and major infrastructural development.

A key highlight of this transformation is the renovation of the former Ngetta Demonstration School block. This project, recently completed, signifies a substantial step forward in the University’s commitment to providing quality education in a conducive learning environment. To celebrate this milestone, the campus administration, under the leadership of Director Dr. Alex Okot and University Chaplain Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Olugu, organized a thanksgiving Mass and dedication ceremony on 22 September 2025. The newly renovated block has now been officially allocated to the Faculty of Education.

The thanksgiving liturgy, animated by students and staff, was held on the campus’s spacious and serene green compound, a vibrant space that fosters learning, worship, and community engagement. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, with Rt. Rev. Giuseppe Franzelli, Bishop Emeritus of Lira Diocese, serving as Guest of Honor.

In his homily, Bishop Wanok expressed gratitude to God for His continued blessings and commended the University’s leadership for their vision and resilience in spearheading transformative change. Drawing from Romans 12:4-8, he emphasized the importance of using individual gifts in unity for the common good-echoing the University’s mission to foster a holistic and collaborative educational environment.

The Bishop also stressed that true growth must extend beyond physical infrastructure to include the internal transformation of values, character, and faith. Referencing Matthew 7:24-27, he urged both students and staff to build their lives on the firm foundation of Christ’s teachings, which he described as essential for withstanding the “storms” of modern life-such as corruption, selfishness, and social fragmentation.

The celebration served as a timely reminder of the University’s founding values, inspiring all stakeholders to recommit themselves to a shared vision rooted in faith, integrity, and excellence. Bishop Wanok further called on the academic community to cultivate ethical leadership and service, noting that the University’s ultimate success will be reflected in the character and impact of its graduates.

Following the Mass, Bishop Wanok formally blessed both the newly refurbished Education Block and a newly constructed student hostel, key infrastructural milestones in the campus’s ongoing development.

In his remarks, Dr. Alex Okot, Director of UMU Ngetta Campus, expressed deep appreciation to Bishop Wanok, Bishop Emeritus Franzelli, and all stakeholders for their continued support. He reaffirmed the campus’s dedication to delivering high-quality, affordable education to both local and international students.

Professor Patrick Edrin Kyamanywa, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, echoed this commitment. He called on local communities, religious institutions, and development partners to actively participate in the University’s mission to serve the Lango sub-region and beyond.

Bishop Emeritus Giuseppe Franzelli, honored as Chief Guest, reflected on the visionary role of the Comboni Missionaries in establishing educational institutions in the region. He emphasized the transformative power of education in uplifting communities and advocated for increased financial investment to support further development projects at the campus.

Programs Offered at Uganda Martyrs University Ngetta Campus

UMU Ngetta Campus currently enrolls approximately 1,200 students, including seven international students from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting its growing regional importance. The campus is particularly known for its practical, skills-based training and its focus on community-driven education.

1. Faculty of Education

Diploma and Bachelor of Education (Primary) – Direct entry and in-service upgrading

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) – In-service upgrading

Diploma in Education (Primary & Secondary)

Diploma in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE)

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) – Newly introduced

2. Faculty of Agriculture

Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor in Crop Production

Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor in Animal Production

Strong emphasis on hands-on learning with student-managed plots and livestock

Collaborations with Ngetta ZARDI and Alito Farm for field-based practice

3. Faculty of Business

Bachelor of Business Administration and Management

UMU Ngetta Campus remains committed to providing affordable, accessible, and practical education, with a particular focus on agriculture and teacher education. The University also plans to introduce additional programs in response to emerging community and national development needs.

Looking Ahead

The recent developments at UMU Ngetta Campus mark a defining chapter in its growth, one grounded in faith, driven by academic ambition, and supported by strong community collaboration. With continued support from stakeholders and visionary leadership, the campus is well-positioned to become a transformative hub for education in Northern Uganda and the broader East African region.

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Religious Leaders In Northern Uganda Speak Out Against Drug Abuse Among The Youngsters

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Bishops and Clergy at the 18th Ecclesiastical Prayer Peace week in Koboko Parish, Arua Diocese

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Catholic Bishops in Northern Uganda have expressed grave concern regarding the alarming rates of drug abuse among the youth in the region, which they identify as a significant contributor to insecurity within the community.

During the ongoing 18th Provincial Peace and Prayer Week in Koboko Municipality, hosted by the Arua Diocese, bishops from the dioceses of Lira, Arua, Nebbi, and Gulu highlighted that a substantial number of young individuals in the sub-region are involved in excessive consumption of drugs, including alcohol and marijuana, as well as other harmful substances detrimental to health.

In their collective statements, the bishops emphasized that youth engagement in drug abuse is leading to mental health issues, which pose a considerable challenge to public health and are becoming a burden on society. They underscored the urgent need for intervention from all stakeholders to raise awareness about the dangers of drug misuse among both youth and adults.

According to the religious and local community leaders, drug abuse is contributing to insecurity and instilling a common sense of fear within the community.

Bishop Rt. Rev. Sabino Ochan Odoki of the Arua Diocese expressed his concern over the rising instances of mental disorders likely linked to drug abuse, which are fostering increased aggression and domestic violence in society.

As a proactive measure, Bishop Odoki announced the establishment of a counseling ministry within the Arua Diocese aimed at providing support and rehabilitation for victims of drug abuse, particularly focusing on young mothers and their children.

Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the bishop of the Lira diocese revealed that drug abuse within society is contributing to an increase in sexual offenses, particularly among the local population in the region. He emphasized the necessity for the community to establish a strong moral foundation for children, enabling them to lead responsible and productive lives.

In a related context, Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu MCCJ, the bishop of the Kotido diocese, who participated in the provincial peace and prayer week in the Arua diocese at the invitation of bishops from Gulu Province, expressed concern that many individuals are currently engaging in reckless behavior due to the influence of alcohol and other substances. He remarked that such recklessness undermines the peace that currently exists in the region.

Bishop Eibu further urged all peace pilgrims to avoid violence with their neighbors, highlighting that for many years, the Karamojong and their neighbors in Lango and Acholi have experienced conflict due to cattle rustling by nomadic groups. As a church leader, he is committed to organizing peace and prayer weeks, along with other initiatives, to foster mutual understanding and harmony among the people.

The bishops concluded their address by stressing the importance of instilling a strong moral foundation in children, enabling them to lead responsible and productive lives within the community.

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