Blog - Page 22 of 22 - LIRA CATHOLIC DIOCESE

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

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

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

*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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Bishop Odoki Appeals for Humanitarian Support for Refugees in Arua Diocese

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The bishop of Arua diocese, Rt Rev Sabino Ochan Odoki, has appealed for humanitarian aid extended to refugees, particularly those from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Speaking at the opening of the 18th Provincial Peace and Prayer Week being held in Arua diocese, a program scheduled to run from January 20th to 24th, 2025, the bishop mentioned that Arua diocese is a host to over one million refugees who arrived when war broke out in South Sudan in 2013.

He went on to say, that refugees fled to Uganda as a result of the absence of peace in their country and that since their arrival in Uganda, Arua diocese has been giving pastoral services to refugees to facilitate their spiritual welfare.

Bishop Odoki further mentioned that at least there are 38 settlements in the diocese, the areas where the different pastoral agents are giving services tirelessly.

As a diocese, they have received the refugees to give them an opportunity, so that they can learn and have some value in their lives as they continue to live among the host communities.

He went on to say that they have been giving social services to the refugees through Caritas, to offer material needs among them, with collaboration with other partners.

The diocese according to Bishop Odoki among other things, has also given the refugees a platform through radio Pacis in Moyo to send messages of peace, reconciliation, and love to their relatives, health services are also being offered to the refugees to ensure that they remain healthy and productive.

In his address, the bishop said to help in offering different services, 14 different religious congregations are serving in the diocese among the refugees providing different services.

The Peace and Prayer Week is an event that was initiated in 2005, by the then Archbishop of Gulu Most Rev John Baptist Odama now Archbishop Emeritus, with the vision to unite the people of Northern Uganda, restore peace among people after the war led by the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels-LRA.

This year, the peace and prayer week being held in Arua diocese has attracted peace pilgrims from the dioceses of Arua, Lira, Nebbi, Kotido, and Gulu Archdiocese respectively. Other peace pilgrims are drawn from the neighboring countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

The bishop noted that as people come to Peace and Prayer Week, it should seek to foster collaboration, reconciliation, and forgiveness among people to ensure peace.

*Pilgrims of Peace match through Koboko town*

To achieve true peace, the bishop said, it is not just a mere absence of war or gun violence, but peace is about creating an environment where people respect one another, people live together in kindness and understanding. He continued that peace is not just a journey of one day, but it is a journey that is held continuously.

“Peace is something we can all choose to practice, and let us think of ourselves to be agents of peace, but choosing to be kind, and peaceful in the community.”

While reflecting on the theme, “Forgive us our trespasses and grant us peace”, he said, we need to forgive one another, in a move to have peace, since peace is a cornerstone for our development, a precious gift from God.

Bishop Odoki appealed to the peace pilgrims to ensure tree growth to help address the environmental challenges such as wetland encroachment, and poor disposal of other plastic materials among others.

The bishop further decried numerous cases of mental disorders making society experience extreme aggression and ongoing quarreling among married couples, noting that some are a result of drug abuse and other substances.

To address this, the bishop said Arua diocese has established a counseling ministry to provide counseling services to the people of God, especially mothers and children. He noted that most men run away because they fear taking responsibility, especially in offering care to their wives.

He appealed to the government of Uganda and other stakeholders to prioritize allocating resources to providing and facilitating nutrition services in the lives of expectant mothers and children.

He concluded by inviting people to live in harmony and embrace one another in a bid to have peace in their communities.

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Caritas Lira Donates Assorted Items Worth 40 Million Shillings To Flood Victims Of Dokolo District

Flavia Oyuu

*Caritas Lira’s Director Fr. Boniface Okori receiving the blankets and tumplines from Caritas International Belgium.*

Caritas Lira in collaboration with Caritas International Belgium distributed an assortment of household items worth 40 million shillings to flood victims in Akwote ‘A’ cell, Kachung Western Ward, Agwata Town Council and Adok Sub County in Dokolo district.

The assorted items which included blankets and tumplines were donated to the locals after an assessment was done by Caritas Lira in May when the residents of Agwata Town Council were hit by floods which saw many people displaced from their homes and lost food crops from their gardens.

Rev. Fr. Boniface Okori, the Director Caritas Lira while talking to the beneficiaries said the assessment which was carried out by Caritas Lira in May this year indicated that there was great need to help the flood affected people, the reason they partnered with Caritas International Belgium and they are donating the blankets and tapulines after the government and other organizations distributed other assorted items such as beans, maize flour, cooking oil, jericans among others.

He said, they are not able to donate the assorted items to all the sub counties because they are limited by the donations they get.

Speaking at the same event, John Bosco Ogwal, the sub county chief of Agwata town council noted the different interventions by the Office of the Prime Minister which supported the flood victims with food items but they realized there were still some gaps.

He thanked Caritas Lira for bridging the gap saying the floods caused a lot of havoc to the communities where crops were destroyed, houses submerged and pit latrines were filled with water and new ones cannot be built because of the water logged ground. JB Ogwal appealed to the beneficiaries who had received support previously to allow those who had not received to be supported.

Denis Odongo of Caritas International Belgium asked the beneficiaries not to sell the items they have been given or keep them for Christmas but use them to help them during this time of need.

*Some of the the beneficiaries after receiving the blankets and tumplines from Caritas Lira.*

Milly Atim, one of the flood victims whose house was submerged, lost her crops in the garden and chicken thanked Caritas Lira for the helping hand they have extended to them saying they will use the tumplines given to them as beddings and cover themselves the blankets after they lost everything while Ojok Albert also a flood victim said they are still faced with the problem of pit latrines which were affected by the floods and new ones cannot be built because of the water logged ground, causing a fear of a cholera outbreak in the municipality.

He also echoed his fears that the flood victims may not be able to pay school fees for their children because they lost all their crops in the gardens.

The villages that were affected by the floods include; Akwote ‘A’, Ager Nono, Achung Apenyi and Akwote ‘B’.

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