2026 - Page 6 of 20 - LIRA CATHOLIC DIOCESE

Bishop Wanok Urges Christians to Remain Firm in Faith Amid Rise of Religious Sects

He noted that some new religious groups claim that Christ is present only within their particular church or movement, urging Christians to be cautious of teachings that can create confusion and division among the faithful.

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

Lira, September 4, 2026 — The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has urged Christians to remain firm in their faith and exercise discernment amid the emergence of religious groups claiming to have exclusive access to Jesus Christ.

Bishop Wanok made the call on Friday while addressing more than 200 members of the Women’s Guild from parishes and sub-parishes across Lira Diocese who gathered at the Ordination Ground at Uganda Martyrs, Lira Cathedral, for a visit and fellowship with their Bishop.

The Bishop cautioned Christians against being easily drawn into emerging religious movements without carefully examining their teachings and beliefs.

Bishop Wanok encouraged Christians who were born and baptized in the Christian faith to remain grounded in their faith, discern religious teachings carefully and promote unity rather than division.

He also called on the Women’s Guild to strengthen unity and love within their families and communities.

The Bishop thanked the women for taking time to visit him, saying such fellowship strengthens the bond between the clergy and the faithful.

*The Diocesan Women’s Guild Coordinator, Imat Anna Lumumba Odongo*

Women’s Guild Presents Activity Report

The visit also provided an opportunity for the Women’s Guild to present its report on activities carried out across the Diocese from 2023 to date.

Presenting the report, the Diocesan Women’s Guild Coordinator, Imat Anna Lumumba Odongo, described women as an important pillar in the life and mission of the Church.

“Women are the backbone of the Church. When we fold our arms, the Church dies; when we open our hands, the Church flourishes,” she said.

Odongo said the Guild’s activities are anchored on five key pillars: faith; sharing love and supporting people in need; promoting unity in the Church; serving God, communities and families; and promoting respect, accountability and the visibility of Christian women.

She said the women are engaged in both spiritual and physical activities, including evangelisation, prayer, supporting priests and catechists, caring for vulnerable people and establishing small income-generating projects.

Among the economic initiatives are Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), livestock rearing and other parish-based projects.

Odongo cited Lira Cathedral as an example, where women saved 78 million shillings through their VSLA but distributed the entire amount among members at the end of the saving cycle.

She appealed to Bishop Wanok to help the Guild identify someone who could train the women in better savings and investment practices so that part of their savings can remain in a common pool and be invested for future growth.

Several parishes have already developed initiatives aimed at making the Guild more self-sustaining.

At Ngetta Parish, women operate a VSLA and other savings initiatives, including a project locally referred to as “chai,” through which members contribute savings that are used to purchase household items for selected members.

The women have acquired items including saucepans, mattresses, cups, plates and mats, while plans are underway to purchase iron sheets.

At Anai Parish, women have similar initiatives, including tents that are hired out to generate income. In Omoro, the Guild has invested in cattle, increasing its herd from three cows to ten, while women in Agwatta are involved in rearing sheep and goats.

Odongo said the Guild has also encouraged women to undertake household-level projects, including keeping chickens, pigs and other livestock, as part of efforts to strengthen household livelihoods.

She singled out Ngetta Parish as a leading example in implementing the initiative, saying it could become a model parish for other Women’s Guild groups.

The Coordinator said the strength of the Women’s Guild was also demonstrated during major diocesan events, including Diocesan Day celebrations and priestly ordinations, where the women provided the support requested by organising committees.

Guild Highlights Challenges

Despite the achievements, Odongo said the Guild continues to face challenges related to resources, registration fees, cultural practices and changes in leadership.

She said the annual registration fee of 3,000 shillings, which is shared among the chapel, parish and diocesan offices, is sometimes not paid by some members, making it difficult for women’s representatives to carry out activities.

She also raised concerns over cultural practices that restrict women from participating in certain activities, urging Christian women to remain guided by their faith while navigating such cultural expectations.

Another concern was the frequent change of Women’s Guild leaders before they complete their terms.

Odongo appealed for greater consultation between priests and women when selecting Guild leaders, saying frequent changes can disrupt development and undermine leaders who have already been trained and established in their roles.

She suggested that leaders be allowed to complete their three terms where possible and continue serving as advisers after retirement.

The Women’s Guild also presented an offertory to Bishop Wanok, consisting of food and other items as a gesture of appreciation and solidarity with their Bishop.

Some of the women who spoke after the meeting said the Bishop’s message had strengthened their faith and encouraged them to promote unity, responsibly manage their families and remain committed to Christian values.

For many of the participants, the opportunity to meet and personally greet their Bishop was also described as a meaningful spiritual experience.

The visit brought together Women’s Guild members from across Lira Catholic Diocese, reflecting the Guild’s continued role in the spiritual, pastoral and socio-economic life of the Diocese.

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Lira Diocese Joins Gulu, Nebbi in Delivering Food Aid to Hunger-Stricken Karamoja

Lira Diocese has joined Gulu Archdiocese and Nebbi Diocese in delivering food assistance to communities in Karamoja facing a severe hunger crisis, as the Catholic Church in the Ecclesiastical Province of Gulu strengthens its collective response to the growing humanitarian situation.

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The assistance follows an appeal from the Bishop of Kotido Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, MCCJ, to fellow Catholic bishops in Uganda to support communities struggling with severe food shortages following prolonged drought and poor harvests.

In response, dioceses across the country launched food collection campaigns, with Lira Diocese mobilising Christians and other people of goodwill through Caritas Lira Diocese, the charitable arm of the Diocese.

Lira Diocese flags off 4.1 tonnes of maize

In Lira, the Vicar General, Monsignor Innocent Valente Opio, flagged off the Diocese’s consignment on behalf of the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok.

At the time of the flag-off, 4.1 tonnes of maize had been loaded onto the truck for transportation to Karamoja.

Monsignor Opio said the contribution was an expression of Christian love and charity towards people who are struggling to find food.

“We believe that if we can offer a meal to someone who is at the point of death, it can sustain life,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to Christians, priests, religious and other people of goodwill in Lira Diocese for responding to the appeal.

Monsignor Innocent Valente Opio joined by the Pastoral Coordinator Lira Diocese, Francis Ojok the Program Manager Caritas Lira and the Lira Diocese Education Advisor Fr. John Bosco Ojede during the flagging off

Sharing despite Lango’s own challenges

Monsignor Opio acknowledged that the generosity of the people of Lango came at a difficult time, as prolonged drought has also affected food production in the sub-region.

He said many families in Lango have little food left for their own livelihoods, yet they were still willing to share what they had with people facing an even more severe crisis in Karamoja.

“They are still able to sacrifice a cup or two, a kilo or so of what they saved in the house for their livelihood to share with those who have nothing to eat,” he said.

He described the gesture as an incredible demonstration of love and charity.

The Lira Diocese campaign, which had been running for about a month, mobilised maize and beans from parishes, households, farmers, businesses and other well-wishers.

During a press conference in Lira on August 28, Caritas Lira Programme Manager Francis Ojok said the Diocese had already collected about four tonnes of maize and more than 900 kilograms of beans, while appealing for additional contributions because the supplies remained insufficient compared to the need.

Gulu Archdiocese contributes food and other supplies

The relief effort has now expanded into a joint response by the dioceses of the Ecclesiastical Province of Gulu.

According to Rev. Sr. Martha Nambi, Communications Coordinator of Gulu Archdiocese, the Archdiocese has contributed 3.5 tonnes of maize grain, 843 kilograms of beans, 225 kilograms of posho, two sacks of second-hand clothes and UGX 310,000 in cash.

The Gulu Archdiocese contribution forms part of the joint consignment being taken to Karamoja.

Gulu Archdiocese, Lira Diocese and Nebbi Diocese are expected to converge along the route and proceed together to Karamoja to deliver the assistance as an Ecclesiastical Province.

The joint team was flagged off by the Archbishop of Gulu, Most Rev. Raphael p’Mony Wokorach, who blessed and sent off the team carrying the collected assistance.

The three dioceses’ joint response demonstrates the Church’s commitment to standing with communities facing hunger, regardless of the geographical or diocesan boundaries separating them.

A call rooted in Christian charity

The flag-off in Lira was preceded by a reading from 1 John 3:17, which asks:

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

Monsignor Opio said the people of Karamoja are brothers and sisters who deserve the solidarity of the wider Christian community.

He thanked the people of Lango for giving despite their own difficulties and prayed for an improvement in weather conditions so that families in Lango and elsewhere can once again produce enough food for their households.

“We pray for this divine providence so that in the near future we can have plenty of food in our homes that we can also share with those who are suffering,” he said.

*The maize grains collected from the communities of Lira Diocese*

The journey to Karamoja

The food collected by the participating dioceses is being transported by road to Karamoja, where it will be handed over to the Church in the affected area.

Government officials and other stakeholders in Karamoja are also expected to participate in receiving the relief supplies.

The initiative comes at a time when communities in Karamoja continue to experience serious food shortages, with vulnerable families struggling to meet their daily food needs.

For Lira Diocese, the dispatch of the 4.1 tonnes of maize marks an important step in translating the appeal for solidarity into practical assistance.

And while the people of Lango are themselves facing the effects of drought and poor harvests, their willingness to give from the little they have has become part of a wider Catholic response stretching across the Ecclesiastical Province of Gulu.

Monsignor Opio wished the team a safe journey to Karamoja and appealed for continued prayers for both the people receiving the assistance and those who contributed to the relief effort.

“Keep us in prayer,” he told the faithful.

Lira Diocese Intensifies Appeal for Food Aid as Hunger Crisis Deepens in Karamoja

Lira Diocese has intensified its appeal to the people of Lango and other people of goodwill to contribute food and financial assistance towards families affected by a severe hunger crisis in Karamoja.

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The appeal was renewed on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a press conference held at the Apostolic Social Centre in Lira City, as the Diocese moves towards the climax of a month-long food collection campaign initiated in response to an appeal from the Bishop of Kotido Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, MCCJ.

The campaign is being coordinated by Caritas Lira Diocese, with food being collected from parishes and communities across the Diocese for delivery to the affected communities in Karamoja.

Speaking to the press, Francis Ojok, Programme Manager at Caritas Lira Diocese, said the situation in Karamoja remains critical despite relief efforts already being undertaken by the government and other organisations.

He said health facilities in Karamoja have reported receiving patients who are severely malnourished and lacking adequate food and water.

“The Karamoja people are in deep food crisis and we are mobilising any other person here, person of goodwill, to give a generous contribution, so that at least we provide something for them to eat,” Ojok said.

*Some of the maize grain already packed in sacks in one of the stores at the Apostolic Social Center, Lira Diocese*

Four tonnes of maize, 900kg of beans collected

Ojok said the response from Christians and other well-wishers across Lira Diocese has already yielded four tonnes of maize and more than 900 kilograms of beans, which are currently stored at the Apostolic Social Centre.

The food is being repacked and prepared for transportation to Karamoja.

However, he said the supplies collected so far are still insufficient given the magnitude of the need.

He appealed to farmers, produce dealers, business people, maize millers, petty traders and ordinary households across Lango to contribute whatever they can.

“If you have a cup of maize, bring it for us. If you have a basin full, bring it for us,” he appealed.

Ojok stressed that the campaign is not restricted to Catholics, saying hunger affects people regardless of their religion, tribe or social background.

He also appealed to people to remember that the circumstances facing Karamoja today could affect another community tomorrow.

“Today is Karamoja, tomorrow will be Lango,” he said, pointing to the vulnerability of communities facing climatic and food-related challenges.

Lango communities also facing food challenges

While the campaign is primarily responding to the urgent situation in Karamoja, the Diocese also acknowledges that some communities in the Lango sub-region are themselves struggling with food insecurity following poor harvests.

The Women’s Desk Coordinator for Lira Diocese, Imat Anna Lumumba, said this makes the call for solidarity particularly significant.

She explained that the Diocese is appealing for contributions from those who are able to share, while recognising that not everyone has the capacity to give large quantities of food.

Lumumba said the Diocese is therefore planning a road drive around Lira City in the coming days to collect food directly from people who may be willing to contribute but cannot travel to the Apostolic Social Centre.

The collection drive is expected to move through different parts of the city, including along Aduku Road, targeting households, produce dealers, business people, factories and other well-wishers.

“We are doing this irrespective of religious affiliation, cultural [background], anybody who is willing to give us something,” Lumumba said.

She added that the Diocese is collecting non-perishable food items that can safely be transported to Karamoja.

“What we have collected in the store, it is already repacked, ready to be taken, but we are seeing it is not enough. We need to add more,” she said.

Parishes to coordinate food collection

The Diocese has directed all parishes across Lira Diocese to mobilise food from their respective communities.

Once food has been collected, the parishes are expected to contact Caritas Lira, which will arrange to pick up the donations and consolidate them for transportation.

The Diocese plans to transport the collected supplies by road to Karamoja, where they will be handed over to the Diocese of Kotido. Government officials and other stakeholders in Karamoja are also expected to participate in receiving the assistance.

The initiative follows an appeal by Bishop Dominic Eibu of Kotido Diocese to fellow Catholic bishops in Uganda for assistance as communities in Karamoja struggle with severe food shortages following poor harvests and prolonged climatic challenges.

The Uganda Episcopal Conference subsequently called on dioceses across the country to mobilise support for affected communities in Karamoja.

*Ojok Francis the Programme Manager Caritas Lira*

Every contribution matters

Caritas Lira says the appeal is not limited to large donations, emphasising that even small contributions can help provide food to vulnerable families.

Ojok urged the people of Lango and other well-wishers to respond according to their ability.

“There is nothing which is too little not to be shared. What you have, though it is a cup full, you can give; you can divide it to your brother to eat.”

He said the food collected in Lira will be consolidated and transported to Karamoja as part of the Diocese’s commitment to stand with communities facing hunger.

The campaign also seeks to mobilise support beyond the Catholic community, with the Diocese calling upon all people of goodwill, regardless of religious or cultural affiliation, to participate.

How to donate

People in Lira City who wish to donate food can take their contributions to the Apostolic Social Centre, opposite Uganda Martyrs Cathedral, where they can hand them over to Ongom Paul.

For food donations:
Ongom Paul — 0782 300 690

For financial contributions:
Imat Lucy Pia, Diocesan Treasurer — 0772 604 501

For coordination and further information:
Imat Anna Lumumba, Women’s Desk Coordinator and Vice Chairperson of the food relief programme — 0772 697 295

The Diocese is appealing to individuals, families, farmers, produce dealers, businesses, institutions, parishes and other organisations to contribute towards the effort.

As Caritas Lira prepares for the final phase of the collection, the message from the Diocese is simple: whatever one can share can help put food on the table of a hungry family in Karamoja.

“Today is Karamoja, tomorrow will be Lango.”

Lira Diocese joins national Catholic Church drive to combat hunger crisis in Karamoja

The Catholic Church in Uganda has intensified its response to the worsening food crisis in Karamoja, a sub-region located in the northeastern corner of Uganda, bordering Kenya and South Sudan. Lira Diocese is mobilising food assistance for the most vulnerable families.

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The crisis began to escalate between April and July this year after a prolonged drought destroyed crops, leaving many households without food and severely affecting their livelihoods.

In response to the humanitarian situation, the Bishop of Kotido Diocese, Bishop Dominic Eibu, MCCJ, appealed to his brother bishops across the country to support the people of Karamoja through donations of food and other essential supplies.

National appeal

Following this diocesan appeal, the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, called on all bishops in their respective dioceses to organise relief efforts for the people of Kotido and Moroto dioceses, where thousands of families continue to face acute food shortages.

Responding to this call, Lira Diocese, together with other dioceses across Uganda, has launched a diocesan-wide campaign encouraging Christians to donate food items as an expression of Christian charity and solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Karamoja. The initiative aims to provide immediate relief to families affected by the prolonged drought while demonstrating the Church’s commitment to caring for those most in need.

*Vicar General of Lira Diocese, Monsignor Valente Innocent Opio launched the appeal for humanitarian assistance (@Diocese of Lira)*

Lira Diocese’s response

In Lira Diocese, the campaign is being coordinated by Caritas Lira Diocese, the Church’s official charitable and humanitarian arm. Christians in parishes across the diocese are donating food items such as maize flour (Posho), beans, and other non-perishable foods, which will be transported to the affected communities in Karamoja.

Every family in Lira Diocese is being encouraged to contribute whatever they can afford, however small, to help alleviate the suffering. Reports indicate that children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and the elderly are among the most affected by the food crisis, with many showing signs of severe malnutrition.

Speaking during the launch on the diocesan Catholic radio station – Radio Wa, the Vicar General of Lira Diocese, Monsignor Valente Innocent Opio, appealed to the lay faithful to respond generously to the humanitarian call.

“Let every family share whatever it can afford. Feeding the hungry is not only an act of charity but also a command from our Lord Jesus Christ,” Monsignor Opio said, referring to the Gospel of Matthew 25:35, where Christ identifies Himself with those who hunger.

The campaign has already recorded encouraging progress, with thousands of Kilograms of maize and other food items collected from generous Christians across the diocese.

*Uganda’s Diocese of Moroto is equally affected*

Bishop of Kotido’s urgent appeal

Meanwhile, the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, has also begun distributing relief supplies, including beans and maize flour including other essential supplies, to the affected communities.

Speaking in an interview with Vatican News on 20 August 2026, Bishop Dominic Eibu said the hunger crisis in Kotido Diocese remains severe even as humanitarian assistance was being mobilised. He expressed deep gratitude for the campaigns but also concern that many vulnerable families have yet to receive support. He has since called for a stronger and urgent more coordinated response to the crisis.

According to Bishop Eibu, reports from parish priests serving in various Catholic parishes across Kotido Diocese indicate that, despite the relief efforts already undertaken, many households continue to endure acute food shortages and are struggling to meet their basic needs.

“During my meeting with the parish priests, they told me that many families have still not been reached with assistance,” Bishop Eibu said. “The situation remains critical, and we urgently appeal for greater solidarity and support to ensure that no family is left behind.”

Karamoja, located in north-eastern Uganda, is a semi-arid region that frequently experiences prolonged droughts, making communities highly vulnerable to food insecurity.

The Karamojongs traditionally depend on pastoralism, with livestock serving as their primary source of livelihood. However, recurring drought and harsh climatic conditions have significantly undermined their ability to sustain themselves.

End

Lira Diocese Priests and Deacons Begin Annual Retreat at Alokolum

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

GULU — Priests and deacons of Lira Diocese have begun their annual spiritual retreat at Uganda Martyrs National Major Seminary, Alokolum, Gulu, in a week-long period dedicated to prayer, reflection and renewal of their priestly vocation.

The retreat began on Sunday, August 16, 2026, and will run until August 22 under the theme “Brother, I need you,” drawn from Matthew 11:28.

This year’s retreat is being facilitated by Rev. Fr. John Baptist Masayi, Director of St. Augustine Institute at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat.

Officially welcoming the participants, the Vicar General of Lira Diocese, Monsignor Innocent Valente Opio, encouraged the priests and deacons to make the retreat a genuine opportunity to encounter God through prayer, silence and personal reflection.

Monsignor Opio urged the participants to observe silence and avoid unnecessary conversations throughout the retreat, saying a recollected atmosphere is essential for fruitful prayer and reflection.

He acknowledged the many responsibilities priests carry in their daily ministry, including pastoral work in parishes, diocesan institutions and other apostolates.

The Vicar General said the retreat therefore provides an important opportunity for the clergy to temporarily step away from their demanding responsibilities and concentrate on renewing their relationship with God.

A time to step away and renew

For several years, Lira Diocese has held its annual priests’ retreat at Alokolum, outside the Diocese, as a way of providing the clergy with a serene environment away from their usual pastoral responsibilities.

According to Monsignor Opio, the setting allows the priests and deacons to devote themselves more fully to prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal without the distractions associated with their normal assignments.

On behalf of the Bishop of Lira Diocese, he also expressed appreciation to Fr. Masayi for accepting the invitation to lead this year’s retreat.

The annual retreat forms an important part of the spiritual life of the clergy, giving them time to examine their lives and ministry, deepen their relationship with God and renew their commitment to serving the Church.

Beyond personal spiritual growth, the retreat is also intended to strengthen the clergy for their continued service to the People of God.

Faithful urged to pray for the clergy

As the priests and deacons spend the week in prayer and reflection, the lay faithful of Lira Diocese have been encouraged to remember them in their prayers.

The faithful are particularly urged to pray that the retreat will bring the clergy renewed strength, wisdom, holiness and zeal as they continue their pastoral ministry.

A spiritually renewed priest, the Diocese notes, is better prepared to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the Sacraments and accompany the faithful with joy, compassion and dedication.

The retreat will conclude on August 22, 2026, after which the priests and deacons will return to their respective pastoral assignments.

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Salvation of the whole person; body, soul and mind.“ I have come so that they may life and have it to the full” (John. 10:10b)

Yearly Archives: 2026

Bishop Wanok Urges Christians to Remain Firm in Faith Amid Rise of Religious Sects

Lira Diocese Joins Gulu, Nebbi in Delivering Food Aid to Hunger-Stricken Karamoja

Lira Diocese Intensifies Appeal for Food Aid as Hunger Crisis Deepens in Karamoja

Lira Diocese joins national Catholic Church drive to combat hunger crisis in Karamoja

Lira Diocese Priests and Deacons Begin Annual Retreat at Alokolum