More than 30 Bishops to attend the Consecration in Gulu

The chairman Construction explaining the development on the bishop residence
Three heads together: Bishop Nelson, Canon Aaron and the Bishop Elect looking at some document for the consecration


By Rev. Willy Akena
With just about 25 days to the Consecration and Enthronement of the New Bishop of the Diocese of northern Uganda, the Rev. Canon Johnson Gakumba, the office of the Archbishop of Church of the province of Uganda assigned the Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon Aaron Mwesigye to come to Gulu and prepare the way.
While meeting members of the organizing committee for the consecration, the Rev. Canon Aaron said “I have come to encourage and motivate you” he added that he has come just like John the Baptist, to prepare the way for the House of Bishops and the consecration and Enthronement of Canon Johnson Gakumba. He added that more than 30 bishops have already shown interest to attend the consecration which will start with the house of bishops meeting on 18th December 2009. So far 23 visitors from the UK, 10 from Germany, 3 from America, 1 from Canada, about 200 from Luzira, 1 bus from Masindi, 2 buses from Madi West Nile Diocese, more than 30 clergy and their wives from Kampala Diocese.
The Chairman Organizing committee Hon. A.A Ongom said the budge for the function is 292 million Uganda shillings and that the two big items on the budget are :- Bishop’s residence at 89 million and transport (vehicle) at 90 million. The chairman added that the two items seems to be a real challenge for the committee.
The following were the key areas that the Provincial Secretary came to check:-Distribution of Invitation cards, Venue for the Consecration and Enthronement/ Reception, Accommodation for the Bishops and other guest, Budget, Bishop’s residence, vehicle for the Bishop, Vestment, Order of Service, and retreat centre.

The chairman Construction explaining the development on the bishop residence
As the people are just coming our of the war situation, their capacity is limited, but they are trying their best to host the consecration and enthronement. You are welcome to support us to have a successful function.


The Bishop’s residence currently under renovation was build in 1934

Chairman Organisning Committee Treasurer Chairman Finance
AA Ongom 0752434686 Eliakim O.Oyo 0774309818 Mark Avola 0772494881

Publicity and Secretariat
Rev. Willy Akena 0772667334

FROM SCRATCH TO CASH A TRUE STORY

Beatrice Atuku formerly abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army is one of the many who benefited from the sewing machine scheme. She is currently teaching in a vocational School and at the same time a tailor.

Ocwer Esther is one of the most successful beneficiaries of the sewing machine, she is in Gulu Town and they are making bags for export to European Countries

Most of the students at the Women Development Centre had no proper source of income for survival before their training. Some of the students were abducted by the Rebels of the Lords Resistance Army. And as a result, they missed formal education, parental care, and came back child mothers or even disabled. After training at the women development centre for one year, the students are ready to start earning a leaving. For about two weeks the o-coordinator Women Development Centre Rev.Willy Akena took his time off to visit some of the former students of the women Development Centre. He compiled the pictorial presentation of a few of them, as seen in the pictures.

Every day I get up, I am sure of at least 2000 (two thousands shillings), Said Esther who is now hiring a small room in the town. In their room which is about 4 meters by 3, Esther and her three occupants (all tailors) are very busy making hand bags. The bags are made of local materials. According to Esther, their bags are exported to European Countries. Here, I also met a former students Aya Sarah, who although has not benefited from the sewing machine from the Women Development Centre, but has got a sewing machine. Currently a sewing machine can be hired at a monthly fee of 8,000 (eight thousand shillings only). When asked why they are able to export the bags, Esther said some Europeans just make orders.
We wish to thank very much Elsabeth and her Church in Denmark for their contributions towards the sewing machines for the students at the Women Development Centre. So far a total of 42 Students have benefited from this scheme. We hope more will continue to benefit. At the moment we have 56 Students at the Centre and they are due to finish their course at the end of this month. The idea is that the students provide at least 25% of the total cost of the machines. As I write now, 10 students have already paid their 25% cost share for the machines. Attached is the list of the students and their location as well as some telephone contacts.