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Prime Minister Nabbanja Contributes Shs20 Million Towards Renovation of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Dokolo

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has contributed Shs20 million towards the renovation of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Dokolo District, as the parish appealed for greater support towards restoring the historic church and improving other parish facilities.

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The contribution was announced on Saturday, 26 September 2026, during a fundraising function held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where the Prime Minister was Guest of Honour.

Her message was delivered by the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, who said the Prime Minister had reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Church-led development initiatives and projects aimed at improving communities.

Hon. Engola, who is also the Member of Parliament for Erute South, further pledged to support efforts to mobilise the resources needed to complete the renovation of the church sanctuary. He also said he would work towards inviting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to the church.

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, who was the main celebrant, used his homily to remind Christians that the physical development of the Church should not be left entirely to external supporters.

Bishop Wanok emphasised that the responsibility of renovating and developing church buildings also belongs to the local Christian community. He encouraged the faithful to take an active role in supporting the renovation of their sanctuary, describing personal financial contributions as an expression of faith, unity and communion.

A Church With a Long History

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church has a history dating back to 1958. The church was established on 1 October 1958 by the Parish Priest of Lwala Catholic Parish, following the establishment of Lwala Parish by Soroti Diocese.

The church had earlier been under the Archdiocese of Tororo, which later established Soroti Catholic Diocese. The first parish priest of Dokolo was Fr. Joe Delthy, later named Fr. Ocen Delley, a Mill Hill Missionary priest. The parish was opened by Bishop Monk Grift of Tororo Diocese.

In 1962, the Verona Fathers deployed Fr. Joseph as the first Verona Father to serve in Dokolo. He served there from 1962 to 1969 and supervised the construction of the present church building, with assistance from Brother Pendin, an Italian brother, who took part in the construction works.

The historic church building now requires renovation, prompting the parish to appeal for support towards its refurbishment.

Appeal for Support to the Vocational School

The parish also used the occasion to highlight the needs of St. Francis Vocational Training School, which was established by Dokolo Catholic Parish and currently has about 500 students.

The institution offers practical skills in areas including carpentry and joinery, block and concrete practice, tailoring, electrical and motor vehicle maintenance, welding and hairdressing.

The vocational school is part of the parish’s effort to equip young people with practical skills and contribute to employment creation. However, the institution relies largely on limited contributions from parents, which the parish says are insufficient to meet its needs.

Among the key challenges are accommodation for students and instructors, as well as the need for additional dormitories, sanitary facilities and classrooms.

The parish therefore appealed to the Government of Uganda not only to support the renovation of the church, but also to consider grant-aiding the vocational school.

*The dormitory which houses the female students at St. Francis Vocational Training School*

Leaders Pledge Support

Dokolo District LCV Chairperson Peter Ogwang pledged administrative support to ensure that the development of churches in the district proceeds smoothly.

Ogwang said the district administration would work to address bureaucratic and administrative challenges that could create disagreements between the district authorities and Church leadership and potentially delay development projects.

The Dokolo North County Member of Parliament, Hon. Joseph Jones Ogwal, and the Dokolo South County Member of Parliament, Hon. Vincent, each contributed Shs1 million towards the renovation of the church.

The two legislators also pledged to continue supporting Church development initiatives in the district.

Hon. Engola also highlighted his recent support to Catholic clergy in the region, saying he had donated several new vehicles to parish priests and other clergy members to facilitate their pastoral work and improve mobility.

The fundraising function also marked the beginning of preparations for the parish’s planned platinum celebration, commemorating 75 years of the Church’s existence.

The parish continues to appeal to Christians, government, well-wishers and other partners to support the renovation of the historic church and the development of its vocational training institution.

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Aketo Primary School Receives Support for Classroom Construction After Storm Damage

Fr. Atipopo said the initiative was intended to contribute to improved education standards in the area by helping provide pupils with a safer and more conducive learning environment.

By Dickens Aruca, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

Hope has returned to the school community of Aketo Primary School in Ibuje Sub-County, Apac District, following the commencement of construction of a three-classroom block supported through the efforts of Rev. Fr. Stanslas Atipopo.

The intervention comes about a month after a storm hit the school, destroying the roofs of several classrooms and the head teacher’s office and leaving the school with limited space to accommodate its learners.

The construction support was secured by Fr. Atipopo, currently the Parish Administrator of Gomi Sub-Parish in Lira District, through financial assistance from his friends in Germany. The project is being implemented through Lira Diocese.

Speaking about the development, the school’s Deputy Head Teacher, Samson Olum, said the arrival of the construction materials had brought renewed hope to the school management, parents and learners.

Olum said the school community was particularly encouraged by the intervention because no immediate government support had been received following the storm.

He said construction of the three-classroom block had commenced and would help address the shortage of classroom space created by the storm damage.

The development was also confirmed by the LC3 Chairperson of Ibuje Sub-County, Alex Ogota, who recently visited the school and found that the donated construction materials had been delivered and foundation works had begun.

*Onyakede Primary School in Amach Sub County* *received a donation of a classrom block in 2025*

Ogota commended Fr. Atipopo for his contribution to education in Apac District, particularly his support towards the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms in schools across Ibuje Sub-County.

Fr. Atipopo said the initiative was intended to contribute to improved education standards in the area by helping provide pupils with a safer and more conducive learning environment.

He said the support from his friends in Germany had made it possible to respond to the school’s urgent need following the storm.

The construction of the three-classroom block is expected to ease pressure on the school’s existing facilities and provide much-needed learning space for pupils as the school works towards restoring normal learning conditions.

The school community has welcomed the intervention as an important contribution to the recovery of Aketo Primary School and the wider effort to improve the learning environment for children in Ibuje Sub-County.

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Ngetta Parish Marks 96 Years of Faith with Confirmation of 584 Christians

In his homily, Bishop Wanok described the Sacrament of Confirmation as a deeper connection between Christians and God, comparing the Christian life to a mobile phone that must be connected and charged in order to fulfil its purpose.

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

Ngetta, September 9, 2026 — St. Peter Claver Ngetta Catholic Parish has marked 96 years of Catholic faith with the Confirmation of 584 Christians, as the parish looks ahead to its centenary celebration in 2030.

The celebrations took place on Wednesday, September 9, during the Solemnity of St. Peter Claver, the patron saint of Ngetta Parish, bringing together hundreds of Christians for the annual Parish Day celebration presided over by the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok.

“Just like a telephone without charging, without a SIM card and without money in the SIM card is good for nothing, we too need to be charged by God,” the Bishop explained.

He said Baptism and Confirmation, through the coming of the Holy Spirit, enable Christians to become more deeply connected to God and equipped to communicate His love to others.

Bishop Wanok urged the newly confirmed and the wider Christian community to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit so that they may be transformed and become true disciples and missionaries.

He said the coming of the Holy Spirit should open the “locked doors” in people’s hearts, particularly those created by anger, fear and divisions that prevent people from connecting with one another.

The Bishop encouraged Christians to allow the Holy Spirit to drive out fear and renew them for mission, reminding them that Confirmation is not simply a ceremony but a call to Christian witness.

He further urged the newly confirmed to remain firm in their Catholic faith and to use the gifts they have received through the Holy Spirit responsibly.

*Ngetta Parish Priest, Fr. Constanz Opiyo MCCJ*

Ngetta looks towards 100 years

The Parish Day also marked an important milestone in the history of Ngetta Parish, which was established in 1930 and is recognised as the mother parish of Lira Diocese.

Welcoming Bishop Wanok and the faithful, Ngetta Parish Priest, Fr. Constanz Opiyo MCCJ, said the parish was grateful to God for sustaining its Christian journey for 96 years.

“We remain with just four years to celebrate 100 years of faith,” Fr. Opiyo said, noting that the preparations for the centenary had already begun.

According to the parish history, the first mission in Lango was established at Ngetta in 1930, following the transfer of the mission from the Mill Hill Fathers to the Comboni Missionaries.

The mission was officially handed over to the Comboni Missionaries on April 30, 1930, and was placed under the patronage of St. Peter Claver.

Fr. Opiyo said the centenary preparations began in 2024 with annual fundraising initiatives aimed at strengthening the parish’s infrastructure and supporting its development.

In 2024, the fundraising focused on renovating the parish hall, while the 2025 fundraising supported its completion.

This year, each chapel has been encouraged to undertake fundraising to develop its own facilities, while the parish continues with other initiatives aimed at improving its infrastructure.

Fr. Opiyo said the parish still has several buildings and facilities requiring renovation and used the Parish Day to present mattresses and other gifts donated by Christians.

He explained that the mattresses were intended to replace old ones used by catechumens and participants in parish programmes.

“We still have a lot to do. We have a plan of how we want the parish to look like and every year we are working towards that,” he said.

A legacy of missionary faith

As Ngetta prepares for its centenary, Fr. Opiyo also called on Christians to remember and emulate the missionaries who laid the foundation of the Catholic faith in the area.

He highlighted the missionary example of St. Peter Claver, who devoted his life to serving enslaved people in Cartagena, Colombia, ministering to their physical and spiritual needs and defending their human dignity.

Fr. Opiyo said the saint’s missionary courage provides an important example for Christians as Ngetta prepares to celebrate a century of faith.

He urged the faithful to appreciate the contribution of the many missionaries who served in the area, including those who remained buried within the communities where they ministered.

“We pray that we may emulate their example of faith and the courage to go out on mission,” he said.

**584 confirmed** as Ngetta Parish makes 96 years of Faith

584 confirmed for the future of the Church

The Laity Coordinator of Ngetta Parish, Geofrey Norah Okello, thanked God for guiding the parish since its establishment in 1930 and described the Confirmation of 584 children as another significant milestone in its journey of faith.

Okello encouraged the newly confirmed to take seriously the responsibility that comes with receiving the Holy Spirit and to remain committed to their Catholic faith.

He said the young Christians should allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives and avoid actions that could destroy their future, so that they can grow into responsible members and future leaders of the Church.

He also thanked the Parish Council, Parish Priest, deacons, religious and Christians for contributing to the success of the Parish Day.

Okello said the Parish Council remains committed to working under the guidance of the Parish Priest to promote both the spiritual growth and development of Ngetta Parish.

He also presented a request from Christians of St. John Bosco Acwau Chapel, asking for the chapel to be elevated to a Eucharistic Centre.

The Christians said the elevation would bring Mass and other Eucharistic celebrations closer to them, given their location within Lira City and the distance to Iwor and Abongo Den.

As Ngetta Parish continues its journey towards 100 years of Catholic faith, the celebration brought together its rich missionary heritage, present pastoral growth and renewed focus on preparing the younger generation to carry the faith into the future.

End

Bishop Wanok Calls Christians to Become Builders of Reconciliation and Unity

Preaching during his Sunday homily for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A), Bishop Wanok said the Gospel reminds every believer that faith is lived in relationship with others and that Christians have a duty to care for one another.

“We are not isolated Christians. We belong to one another, and therefore we are responsible for one another”, Bishop Wanok said.

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on Christians to become agents of reconciliation by embracing dialogue, forgiveness, and mutual responsibility in their families, communities, and society.

“We are not isolated Christians. We belong to one another, and therefore we are responsible for one another”, Bishop Wanok said.

Reflecting on the first reading from the Book of Ezekiel (33:7–9), the bishop explained that God appoints His people as “sentries” who must lovingly warn others whenever they are moving away from the path of truth.

Bishop Wanok also reflected on Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of Matthew (18:15–20), emphasizing that Christian correction should always aim at reconciliation rather than humiliation.

“Jesus does not tell us to spread the story or condemn the person. He tells us to go to the person, speak, listen and seek reconciliation. The goal is not to win an argument but to win back a brother or sister,” the bishop said.

He observed that many families and communities continue to suffer because of unresolved conflicts, misunderstandings, political divisions, tribalism and broken relationships.

Linking the Gospel message to the Church’s synodal journey, Bishop Wanok encouraged Christians to become a listening and reconciling Church.

“Before speaking about somebody, speak to somebody. Before judging, listen. Before spreading a story, verify it. A synodal Church must become a reconciling Church because we cannot walk together if we refuse to forgive,” he said.

Quoting St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, the Bishop reminded the faithful that the greatest obligation of every Christian is the debt of mutual love.

“Our true wealth is not what we possess. Our true wealth is the love we give and the relationships we restore. We owe love to our families, our neighbors, the poor and even those with whom we disagree,” he emphasized.

The bishop further challenged Christians to extend reconciliation beyond the Church by becoming builders of peace within society.

Drawing from Jesus’ promise that “where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them,” Bishop Wanok said Christ remains present wherever people gather sincerely to restore broken relationships and seek peace.

As a practical challenge for the week, he encouraged the faithful to listen before speaking, seek personal dialogue when conflicts arise, apologise when they have caused harm, and willingly forgive those who sincerely seek reconciliation.

Concluding his homily, Bishop Wanok appealed to Christians to take the initiative in healing broken relationships.

The bishop concluded by praying that the Lord would soften hardened hearts, heal wounded relationships and make His people true instruments of reconciliation, peace and unity in the Church and in society.

End

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.”

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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)

Tag Archives: lira diocese

Prime Minister Nabbanja Contributes Shs20 Million Towards Renovation of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Dokolo

Aketo Primary School Receives Support for Classroom Construction After Storm Damage

Ngetta Parish Marks 96 Years of Faith with Confirmation of 584 Christians

Bishop Wanok Calls Christians to Become Builders of Reconciliation and Unity

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