More than 300 foot pilgrims from Lira Diocese have embarked on their annual pilgrimage to the Paimol Martyrs Shrine in Agago District ahead of the October 20, 2026, commemoration of Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa.
Goddy Akio, the Publicity Secretary for Lira Diocese foot pilgrims, confirmed that the first groups had set off for the shrine, with additional pilgrims expected to join the journey.
Akio said the initial groups came from Aputi Parish in Amolatar District, Agweng Parish in Lira District, Te-Boke Parish in Apac District and Aber Parish in Oyam District.
Lira Diocese expects more than 700 foot pilgrims to participate in this year’s commemoration, which honours Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, two young catechists who were killed at Paimol more than a century ago because of their Christian faith.
The two martyrs are remembered for their commitment to spreading the Gospel despite persecution, and their witness continues to inspire Christians to remain steadfast in their faith.
Pilgrims Urged to Observe Safety Precautions
As the pilgrimage gets underway, organisers have urged pilgrims to prioritise their safety amid reports of marauding elephants and other wildlife in parts of the Acholi and Lango sub-regions.
Akio said pilgrims would undertake their journeys during daylight hours following reports of elephant movements from Kidepo Valley National Park in the areas of Lukole and Lapono sub-counties, where two people were reportedly killed in elephant attacks.
He explained that restricting the journeys to daylight hours was intended to minimise the risks associated with the reported wildlife movements along the pilgrimage routes.
Akio also appealed to transport operators to provide well-maintained vehicles for pilgrims travelling to the shrine, emphasising the need to prevent road accidents during the annual commemoration.
The safety precautions come as pilgrims from different parts of Lira Diocese make their way to Paimol for the annual celebration.
Archdiocese of Gulu Deanery to Animate Celebration
This year’s commemoration is expected to be animated by the Holy Rosary Deanery under the Archdiocese of Gulu, with the Bishop of Arua Diocese expected to preside as the main celebrant.
The annual pilgrimage brings together Christians from across northern Uganda to honour the legacy of Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, whose sacrifice remains an enduring example of faith, courage and commitment to the Gospel.
For the pilgrims, the journey is not merely a physical undertaking but also an opportunity for prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal as they make their way to the shrine of the two young catechists.
Lira Diocese anticipates more than 700 foot pilgrims at this year’s commemoration on October 20, as Christians gather to celebrate the lives and witness of the two martyrs.
The launch, held at Lira Cathedral Parish Ordination Grounds, brought together men and Christians from parishes across the Diocese, members of the Women’s Guild, clergy and other faithful. The Bishop led participants in a short run to mark the beginning of the campaign.
By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on stakeholders and members of the public to support efforts to acquire equipment for the early detection of prostate cancer, warning that the disease continues to threaten men’s health and family wellbeing.
Bishop Wanok made the appeal on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during the launch of the Lira Diocese Men’s Run, an initiative organised by the Catholic Men’s Guild to promote prostate cancer awareness, encourage early screening and mobilise resources towards improving access to diagnosis.
The launch, held at Lira Cathedral Parish Ordination Grounds, brought together men and Christians from parishes across the Diocese, members of the Women’s Guild, clergy and other faithful. The Bishop led participants in a short run to mark the beginning of the campaign.
The launch also featured the unveiling of the Men’s Run kit, with Bishop Wanok presented with the event’s green and yellow running outfit. Members of the Men’s Guild, dressed in their green shirts and brown trousers, also showcased the Guild’s uniform, highlighting the identity of the movement behind the initiative.
Bishop Wanok said the initiative seeks to raise funds to acquire equipment that would enable earlier detection of prostate cancer, particularly for men who cannot afford the cost of screening at existing facilities.
He noted that screening costs, which he estimated at between UGX 80,000 and UGX 100,000, remain beyond the reach of many families, forcing some men to seek medical attention only when the disease has advanced.
“Our aim is to get some machines to our hospital and to collect some money,” the Bishop said, emphasising the need to make early detection more accessible.
He called on men across the Lango sub-region to seek medical advice and establish their prostate health status, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Bishop Wanok also appealed to stakeholders who had received invitations, as well as others who had not been reached, to support the campaign, describing the fight against prostate cancer as an urgent intervention for the wellbeing of families and communities.
The Bishop further linked men’s health to family stability and development, saying that men and women both have an important role in building healthy families.
“If men are not there, the family is not balanced. And if women are not there, the family is not there,” he said, calling for continued investment in health initiatives that benefit both men and women.
He urged the public to support the campaign through prayer, participation and financial contributions, with the ultimate goal of enabling more men aged 40 and above to access screening.
Men’s Guild Calls for Broad Participation
Jimmy Bongo, the Coordinator of the Catholic Men’s Guild in Lira Diocese, said the movement seeks to strengthen Christian men’s formation through the patronage of St Joseph while providing a platform for fellowship, learning and mutual support.
He explained that the Men’s Run would bring men together to learn from one another, build relationships and strengthen their participation in the Church, while also contributing to the broader goal of promoting men’s health.
Bongo called on people from different religious backgrounds and all sections of society to participate in the event, emphasising that the campaign was not limited to Catholic men.
“We are calling all people of God, all faith, whether Catholic, all Christians to join, the Muslims, and even our mothers,” he said.
He added that women, children, young people and other stakeholders were welcome to participate, recognising their contribution to families and society.
The Men’s Run, he said, would provide an opportunity for participants to unite around a common cause while promoting fraternity, solidarity and healthier communities.
Health Official Warns Against Delayed Screening
Hillary Okello, the HIV Focal Point Person for Lira City, expressed concern over the burden of prostate cancer among men in Uganda, calling for increased awareness, early detection and timely treatment.
Citing research, Okello said prostate cancer accounts for between 11 and 30 per cent of cancers affecting men in Uganda.
He identified cultural barriers, fear and stigma as some of the challenges that prevent men from seeking screening and medical advice.
According to Okello, many men wait until they experience complications before seeking medical attention, potentially delaying diagnosis and access to appropriate care.
He urged men, particularly those aged between 40 and 60, to seek medical advice about prostate cancer screening and embrace regular health check-ups.
His message reinforced the central objective of the Men’s Run: encouraging men to take greater responsibility for their health and seek medical guidance before symptoms become severe.
A Run for Healthier Families
The launch also featured a lively exchange between representatives of men and women during a mini-talk show moderated by one of the event’s masters of ceremonies.
The discussion centred on complaints that some men abandon their family responsibilities, prompting a heated debate between the two sides and leaving Bishop Wanok in stitches.
The exchange added a light-hearted but thought-provoking dimension to the event, bringing family responsibility into a campaign centred on men’s wellbeing and their contribution to family life.
The Bishop subsequently led participants in a short run, symbolising the beginning of the initiative’s activities ahead of the main event.
The Lira Diocese Men’s Run 2026, held under the theme “Run in Faith, Serve in Strength”, draws inspiration from 1 Corinthians 9:24 and seeks to bring people together in support of men’s health while strengthening solidarity across the Diocese and the wider community.
The main run is scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2026, at Lira Cathedral Parish Ordination Grounds. The date was changed from November 28 to avoid a clash with the national cleaning day.
The Men’s Guild is calling on men, women, young people, Christians of different denominations, Muslims and other well-wishers to participate and support the campaign.
Through the initiative, Lira Diocese hopes to turn public awareness and community participation into practical support for early prostate cancer detection, helping more men access screening and protecting the health of families across the Lango sub-region.
The celebration brought together priests, religious, parishioners, benefactors, and civil authorities from Kole District, who joined the Catholic community of Aboke in an atmosphere of gratitude, unity, and great joy.
Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, on Sunday, 11 October 2026, presided over the solemn rededication of St. Paul Catholic Parish Church, Aboke, in Kole District, after intensive renovation works were successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in the spiritual life and pastoral mission of the parish.
The celebration brought together priests, religious, parishioners, benefactors, and civil authorities from Kole District, who joined the Catholic community of Aboke in an atmosphere of gratitude, unity, and great joy.
The rededication was a moment of profound significance for the parishioners, celebrating not only the renewal of a sacred place of worship but also the enduring faith, commitment, and collective effort that made the occasion possible.
St. Paul Catholic Parish, Aboke, is under the pastoral care of priests belonging to the Congregation of the Apostles of Jesus (AJ), who continue to guide the faithful in their spiritual growth, evangelization, and service to the wider community.
In his homily, Bishop Wanok reflected on the spiritual meaning of the celebration, drawing from the day’s readings, which highlighted God’s invitation to His people, the promise of salvation, and the importance of responding to the Lord with faith and commitment.
Reflecting on the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, the Bishop noted that the Lord prepares a banquet for all peoples, offering nourishment, hope, and consolation. He emphasized that the church must remain a place where people encounter God’s Word, receive the Eucharist, seek forgiveness, and find strength amid life’s challenges.
He reminded the faithful that the beauty of the church building must be reflected in the lives of the people who worship there, urging them to continue building a united, compassionate, and vibrant Christian community.
“We have completed the building; we must continue building the community,” he emphasized, calling on parishioners to make St. Paul Catholic Parish a welcoming home for the poor, children, young people, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and all those seeking spiritual renewal.
The Bishop further challenged the faithful to respond actively to God’s invitation by participating faithfully in Sunday Mass, receiving the sacraments, and living out the Gospel in their families and communities. He urged them to strengthen family life, promote reconciliation, reject violence, and embrace honesty, forgiveness, and charity.
Drawing from the Gospel account of the wedding banquet, Bishop Wanok encouraged the parish to deepen its missionary commitment by reaching out to those who have become distant from the Church, supporting struggling families, and ensuring that no one feels forgotten or excluded from the life of the Christian community.
He also acknowledged the importance of solidarity and generosity, recognizing the contributions made by parishioners, benefactors, and members of the wider Church towards the parish’s spiritual and infrastructural development. He encouraged the faithful to extend the same spirit of generosity to other communities in need.
The celebration was attended with great joy by civil authorities from Kole District, whose presence underscored the importance of cooperation between the Church and civil leadership in promoting the spiritual and social well-being of the people.
For the parishioners of St. Paul Catholic Parish, Aboke, the occasion was a source of immense happiness and thanksgiving, representing a renewed sense of belonging, pride, and hope for the future of their parish. It was also an opportunity to appreciate all those who had contributed, in various ways, to the life and development of the Church.
As the parish begins this renewed chapter, the faithful are encouraged to care responsibly for the church, sustain its spiritual life through prayer and worship, and translate the fruits of their faith into meaningful service in their homes, schools, workplaces, and wider community.
The rededication of St. Paul Catholic Parish Church, Aboke will continue to stand as a celebration of what has been accomplished and a renewed call to mission, unity, and Christian witness.
Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Image of Our Lady of Kibheo continues its prayerful pilgrimage across the parishes of Lira Diocese, bringing together the faithful in prayer, reflection, Marian devotion and spiritual renewal.
The pilgrimage has been moving through Ngetta Deanery, beginning with Lira Cathedral Parish on 1 October 2026, and continuing to St Peter Catholic Parish, Anai, on 2 October; St Leo the Great Parish, Boroboro, on 3 October; St Peter Claver Parish, Ober, on 4 October; and St Philip Neri Sub-Parish, Erute, on 7 October 2026. On Thursday, 8 October 2026, the Image was warmly received by the faithful of Ngetta Parish, where the faithful will remain in prayer and vigil throughout the night before the Image proceeds to St Jude Sub-Parish, Ojwina, on Friday, 9 October 2026.
At each parish, the visit of the Image offers the faithful an opportunity to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and, through her intercession, draw closer to Jesus Christ. The spiritual programme focuses particularly on praying the Holy Rosary, reflecting on the Ten Messages of Our Lady during the apparitions in Rwanda, meditating on the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and engaging in questions and answers to deepen understanding of the Catholic faith and Marian devotion.
The shrine of our Lady of Kibeho in Rwanda
Next Stop: Aloi Deanery
On Saturday, 10 October 2026, the Image of Our Lady of Kibheo will proceed to Aloi Deanery, beginning its visitation with Aloi Parish.
This pilgrimage is a journey of faith, prayer, conversion, reconciliation and spiritual renewal, inviting the faithful to encounter Christ more deeply through the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Make time and be part of this special pilgrimage. Let us welcome Our Lady of Kibheo with faith, prayer and open hearts.
Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Every October, Catholics around the world dedicate special attention to the Holy Rosary, a period that invites the faithful to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through prayer and reflection. In Lira Diocese, this year’s Rosary month has been marked by the pilgrimage of the image of Our Lady of Kibeho, which is being taken from parish to parish.
The image arrived in Lira Diocese at the beginning of October 2026. On 1 October 2026, it was received with joy by the faithful at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral, Lira, before being taken to St Peter Anai Catholic Parish. From there, the Marian image proceeded to Boroboro St Leo the Great Parish and St Peter Claver Ober Parish, as part of the ongoing visitation to Catholic communities across the diocese.
According to the programme drawn for the Marian visitation, the image of Our Lady of Kibeho will visit all 31 parishes and four sub-parishes in Lira Diocese. The programme is intended to give Catholic communities across the diocese an opportunity to welcome the image, gather in prayer and reflect on the messages associated with Marian devotion.
The visitation is being coordinated by Mary Bashaasha, Coordinator of the Visionaries in Uganda. The programme draws attention to the reported apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Kibeho, Rwanda, which began in 1981 and continued until 1989.
The three visionaries recognized by the Catholic Church in connection with the Kibeho apparitions are Alphonsine Mumureke, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie-Claire Mukangango. Alphonsine reported the first apparition on 28 November 1981, while Nathalie and Marie-Claire subsequently reported apparitions beginning in 1982. The apparitions associated with Alphonsine continued until 28 November 1989.
During the October visitation, particular emphasis is being placed on prayer, especially the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady. The faithful are being encouraged to use the month of the Holy Rosary as an opportunity for deeper prayer, reflection and renewed devotion.
In addition to the Seven Sorrows, the programme includes reflection on the ten points associated with the messages attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the reported apparitions at Kibeho. These teachings form part of the spiritual content being shared with Catholic communities as the image visits different parishes.
The pilgrimage of the image provides an opportunity for parishioners to gather in prayer and to reflect on the role of Marian devotion in the spiritual life of the Church. Through the October programme, the faithful in Lira Diocese are being invited to make prayer, particularly the Rosary, a central part of their observance of the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary.
As the image continues its journey through the diocese, all 31 parishes and four sub-parishes are expected to receive it in prayer, reflection and devotion, making the October visitation a diocese-wide Marian prayer programme.
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