The Diocese Of Northern Uganda

Changing the face of Northern Uganda

2011-11-28T17:12:00.008+03:00

The Golden Jubilee Cake

Mother Union President Mrs Doreen Omaya and the Chairperson Clergy spouse Mrs Christine Onyango handing over a gifts to Rev. Merilyn Wilson
Students of Gulu High School
The Uganda Cancer Insitute van

Minster Kabakumba opening the Church at Musalaba
Minister Kabakumba Matsiko

Bishop Sunday Miller looking at the Order of service for ordination of Merilyn Wilson

Bishop Johnson introducing a team of Doctors
On November 26th the Diocese of Northern Uganda celebrated 107(1904-2011) years of arrival of Christianity into Acholi land and 50 (1961-2011) years of her existence as a Diocese in the Province of the Church of Uganda. This year’s celebration was the most colourful one in 42 years. According to elders, the last celebration that was held on the exact spot was in 1969, during the reign of the Late Archbishop Janani Luwum, who was then the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.
President Museveni asked the people of Acholi to forget about the war as the government continues with its reconstruction efforts in the region.
At the celebrations which took place at Keyo Hills, Lamogi Sub-county in Amuru District, the President said forgiveness and embracing reconciliation are cordial virtues that could heal the wounds caused by the LRA insurgency.
“Bitterness will not take this area anywhere, people must forgive and reconcile with one another as the region redevelops,” he said, in a statement read for him by Minister for Presidency Kabakumba Masiko.
Mr. Museveni re-emphasised the government’s commitment to redevelop and change the face of the region that was wrecked by a two-decade war, leaving many people without viable livelihoods.
The President noted that the already existing reconstruction interventions would be enforced further to realise real rehabilitation. “The government has the readiness and will to do everything to stop bad memories of the war among the people through reparations. We must have the will to help our people out of bondage,” the President said. The President pledge to help the construction of St. Philips Cathedral and other churches using the Northern Uganda Reconstruction Programme and others.
The Anglican missionaries journeyed up to Keyo via Agung in Anaka Sub-County, Nwoya District. At Agung, they knelt down to give thanks and pray and that is how the name Agung, which means kneeling, came about.
At Keyo village, a big cross (Musalaba) was planted as a monument for the missionaries’ arrival in Acholi. The cross lent its name to the village which is now commonly known as Musalaba village. It is located in Lamogi sub-county, Amuru district, about 11 km from Gulu District. The cross was destroyed during the war; sources say the man who looted this place was looking for mercury which was put as a lightening conductor.
The missionaries wrote on the concrete base of the cross a declaration to mark the spot saying (here, the gospel was preached to the people of Acholi in 1904. Another concrete block conveyed the same message in the Acholi language “Kany Gikwongo tucu iye Jiri bot jo Acholi 1904”
A memorial Shrine like the one at Namugongo has been built and officially opened.
Bishop Johnson Gakumba called on the Acholi’s sons and daughters who were educated by the Church to give back to the community by contributing towards the building of churches.
At least two Deacons were ordained and these are Rev. Nyeko Robert Luku and Rev. Merilyn Wilson –the first European to be ordained in the Diocese of Northern Uganda. While delivering his sermon the Assistant Bishop of London, Rt. Rev. Sandy Miller called on the Bishop together with the clergy to be strong like Joshua in the bible. The bishop said things can be done because of intercession. “Get Godly men and Women to pray for you” the Bishop Sunday said
Four Deacons were priested and these were Rev. Otto Zachariah, Rev. Olara James, Rev. Kibwota Samuel and Rev. Kevin Olweny.
As part of the day’s event, a medical camp was organized by Dr. Margaret Okello a consultant from Mulago Hospital assisted by fellow doctors and nurses from Kampala and Gulu. The Uganda Cancer Institute took their vehicle for screening people with cancer. The medical services were as a way of giving back to the community, because Dr. Margaret Okello comes from this area of Musalaba and she is one of the first Acholi girls to go to the University to do medicine.
Bishop Johnson together with his Guest Bishop Sunday Miller led a six kilometers walk that attracted more than one thousand people. This was to demonstrate the power of God on this land of Keyo Musalaba which had been abandoned and vandalized during the LRA war in Northern Uganda. A visit to this place will certainly show a changing face of the Diocese of Northern Uganda. Many people now see this as a new day-a new beginning in the history of the Anglican Church in northern Uganda. Already more than 16 churches are under construction.
A day before the celebration a mass wedding of 38 couples took place at Musalaba.

38 Wedded at Musalaba Shrine

2011-11-25T20:23:00.003+03:00

Today Friday 25th November 2011 a total of 38 coupes got wedded at Musalaba Keyo by Bishop Johnson Gakumba assisted by Retired Bishop of Kitgum Diocese. This is part of the big celebration being held here at the place where the first Church missionaries’ society preached the Gospel to the Acholi people in 1904. While delivering his sermon, the Bishop Mac Baker Ochola 11 called upon the newly wedded couples to remain loving. Picking from the so many Acholi tales, the Bishop challenged the young generation to think carefully before choosing a partner, because some people are attracted because of beauty or money.
Tomorrow Saturday we will have ordination of deacons and priest and the preacher is Bishop Sandy Miller. One of those to be ordained is Merylin Wilson, who is a lay curate in London

Diocese of Northern Uganda, Gulu celebrate Golden Jubilee, 26th November 2011

2011-10-29T21:05:00.003+03:00

The Church today
An open air mission in the early years of Christianity in Acholi

The Diocese of Northern Uganda established in 1961 will celebrate her 50 years of existence; the celebration is combined with 107th anniversary of CMS missionary to Acholi land. This year big events will be held on the actual spot where the first missionaries planted the Cross (Musalaba). On 26th November 1904 the CMS mission station was established at Keyo and Bishop Alfred Tucker, Dr. and Mrs. Albert Cook, and Rev. AB Loyd were the key players. Later Rev. AE Pleydell and Rev AD. Kitching joined Loyd at Keyo. Keyo was selected by the missionaries because of its central locationl; the place is a few miles away from Sir Samuel Baker’s Fort of Patiko. The Shrine is almost completed. The Diocese is also celebrating 50 years of her existence since 1961 when the Diocese of the Upper Nile was subdivided into the Diocese of Mbale, Soroti and Northern Uganda.
In 2004 the Diocese celebrated her Centenary and Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi had this to Say” The celebration is also un usual and unique as it is taking place in Gulu where the armed rebellion by the Lord’s Resistance Army(LRA) has a devastating impact on the people of Acholi. The Situation is of ruins and desolation. It is painful and indeed it is un usual for the suffering people to Celebrate”
This year 2011 the story is different almost 99% of the people who had been in the camps have returned to their original villages and very busy rebuilding their lives. The area is very peaceful and free movement of people, animals as well as vehicles is visible even at night.
It is also a wonderful coincidence that the 7th Bishop of the Diocese has both his names having 7 letters each and is overseeing the 107 years of Christianity Celebration in Acholi land. See the miracle JOHNSON (7) GAKUMBA (7), SEVENTH BISHOP, 107TH YEARS. According to the Jew the letter 7 is a complete number.
The key activities will include: -
• Mass wedding, already over 45 couples have registered.
• Ordination of Deacons and Priests.
• Four deacons will be priested and these are: -Rev. Kevin Olweny currently a Chaplain at Awere Secondary School and Unyama National Teachers College, Rev. Zachariah Otto, a Chaplain of Keyo Secondary School, Rev. James Olara Chaplain at Koch Goma Secondary School, and Rev. Samuel Kibwota, chaplain at Gulu Core Primary Teachers’ College.
• Those to be ordained deacons are Merilyn Wilson ( Lay Curate at Holy trinity Church Brompton London UK) and Nyeko Robert Luku( currently caretaker Agung Parish)
• A one week medical camp is also being organized, and Dr. Margaret Okello a consultant at Mulago Hospital, one of the first Acholi girls from keyo to have gone to the University is spearheading this.
• A one week door to door mission has been planned.
• Finally the official opening of the Shrine that has been built on the sport where the missionaries first preached the Gospel to the Acholi People.
Invitation has been extended to the President of Uganda His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. All the Dioceses that were curved out of Northern Uganda like: - Diocese of Lango, Madi West Nile, Nebbi and Kitgum have also been invited to come for this celebration.
The Cultural and Political Leaders like the Kabaka of Buganda and Rwodi of Acholi had a zeal for what would bring change in the life of their people. Hence, they invited the Missionaries. We now have the challenge of keeping the fire of the Gospel burning even brighter.
The theme of the celebration is:”Arise and shine again”
You are all welcome to join us in the celebrations.

Set to be the United Nation Secretary General

2011-10-27T20:03:00.003+03:00

Ocen Walter a Senior Four student at Gulu High School.

A Letter from Ocen Walter
I am very happy to communicate to you and I hope you are doing well still. I am Ocan Walter,one of the beneficiary of the Bristol Scholarship, I am from Odyak Village, Gulu District. I love my studies so much but I am facing difficulties in payment of fees because our fees is shillings 276,000 and you help is 170,000 Uganda shillings which is very good but I now face problem in clearing the remaining 106,000 balance because my parents now have nowhere to cultivate due to land disputes.
My good sponsor, I remain still a committed students, I attained 15 aggregates in our mock and was the best student, I do hope to get 8 for 8 aggregates in final exams. Hoping to join King’s College Budo because I would like to get government scholarship in A’ Level so I am herby begging with great hope that could you please meet the high fees of Budo King’s College for two years and enable me to get to University. My response towards your scholarship remain positive because my vision/dream is to become the future United Nation Secretary General so that many poor fellows in the World would get international Scholarship to study through me. I am determined to become! Yes I will through you taking me to Budo.
Finally my sponsor could you please help us by paying us in full so that we remain committed in our studies.

Bishop Gakumba “demystifies” Awere Hills

2011-09-29T11:58:00.005+03:00

Climbing the hill

Bishop Johnson Baptizing on the Hill
UPDF Soldiers patrolling Awere Hills during the LRA war

Written by Acholi Times Correspondent

Monday, 26 September 2011 01:16
Gulu
The Anglican Gulu Bishop Johnson Gakumba last Sunday climbed Awere Hills and baptized four children as a way of demystifying Joseph Kony’s alleged spiritual powers.
It claimed the Lord’s Resistance Army rebel leader Gen Joseph Kony turned Awere Hills, located about 60km south-east of Gulu town along the Gulu-Moroto Road, an epicentre of his two-decade brutal war.
Furthermore, it is alleged Kony received instructions to start the war while atop Awere Hills and frequently visited the area to allegedly speak to his spirits on how to defeat the government forces and sustain the war.
The LRA rebel leader, who hails from Odek village in Awere sub-county in Omoro county; just a few meters from the Awere Hills, was also reportedly using the place for treating his fighters using water and herbs from the hills.
Bishop Gakumba on Sunday baptized four children- Jonhson Ouma, Geoffrey Kinyera, Francis Watmon, and Eunice Lakot on top of the hills, in what he said was a sign that the hills are no longer a source of fear and suffering.
Quoting from the Bible, the bishop said “the rock is God’s creation and He has given full authority for human beings to benefit from it.”
George Aligech Lapir, a resident of the area says that no one believed that the hills had some supernatural powers but they became famous when Kony launched his rebellion from the area in 1987. Lapir says apart from the Eastern side having foot marks, there is nothing peculiar about the 100m tall hills. He said that propaganda has tarnished the name of the area and that no God could have given Kony instructions on the Hill.
The top of the hills was left unattended throughout the two-decade war until late in 2009, when it became clear that Kony would not come back to the area to consult his alleged mediums.

Churches under construction

2011-09-21T23:54:00.010+03:00

Pakwelo Church
Koro Church
Bungatira
Musalaba
As we draw nearer to 107 years of Christianity in Acholiland, a number of church building are coming up. On 26th November 2011 we will be celebrating 107 of arrival of Church Missionary Society (CMS) in this part of the World. A big event is underway and for the first time in many years the celebration will take place at the original site -Musalaba. A small but beautiful shrine is about to be completed. We will also have mass wedding, medical clinic, mission and ordination of deacons and priest.
We call upon you to join us during this year’s celebration.

Bishop warns of cyber criminals

2011-09-21T23:37:00.002+03:00

Bishop Johnson , Picture by Rev.Willy Akena
Wednesday, 21st September, 2011

By Dennis Ojwee

The public has been cautioned against cyber criminals who hack into people’s email and create fake accounts to con them.

The warning was issued by the Bishop of Northern Uganda Diocese, Johnson Gakumba.

He was addressing journalists at the diocese’s headquarters in Gulu municipality on Monday.

“Cyber criminals have created a Facebook account using my name and photo. They send mails to con money from international organisations like in the US, claiming that I am the one asking for the money,” said Gakumba.

“Be aware that at the moment, I do not have a Facebook account to send mails or chat. If any one sends you an email with my name, just know those are cyber criminals,” Gakumba added.

The bishop’s remarks come after a cyber-criminal suspect identified as Charles Kinyera and his allies were arrested by the Police in Kampala. The suspects were reportedly sending mails and asking financial contributions using the bishop’s name.

Before his arrest, Kinyara had reportedly extorted over sh3m since September 2010, from several big international organisations based in the USA. Gakumba denied knowledge or relationship of Kinyara and said it is possible that the suspect was working with some malicious people.

Acholi urged to shun rebellion

2011-04-27T10:27:00.001+03:00

Sunday, 24th April, 2011

By C. lubangakene and Justin Moro
THE 1995 massacre by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) rebels in Atiak and others in Acholi sub-region should be an eye opener to the Acholi not to rebel against government.

The remarks were made on Wednesday by the Rwot of Atiak, Santo Apire, during the 16th annual memorial prayer for over 250 people killed by the LRA in Atiak.

Apire advised the Acholi to shun any rebellion against the Government.
“ What the LRA did should teach us that rebellion is bad,” Apire said.

He urged the Amuru district authorities to solve the boundary dispute between the district and Adjumani.

Apire said such disputes breed fertile grounds for insecurity in the region.
The Bishop of northern Uganda diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Gakumba, who led the mass, said it was unfortunate that Kony was still committing atrocities in Congo and the Central African Republic.

Gakumba, who is also the chairman of the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative called upon the Government to renew peace talks in order to end suffering in the Great Lakes region.
He said military options rarely end guerilla wars.

Gakumba urged the Government to compensate those affected by the war in order to improve their lives.
He said the time for war was over and urged people to embark on reconstruction.

Mathew Akiya, the Lamwo district LC5 chairman, said the district was planning to construct a memorial site at Corner Ogwec in Lokung sub-county, in remembrance of the over 450 people killed by the LRA in 1997 and over 400 others killed and buried in mass graves during the Idi Amin regime.

He castigated the elders for fuelling land disputes, saying they were being bought to do wrong things.

Betty Bigombe, the woman MP-elect for Amuru district, urged residents to forgive the LRA for what happened in Atiak and Acholi.

The 1995 Atiak massacre survivors want the Government to compensate them like it has done in other parts of the country.

“We know that the budget reading of the 2010/2011 financial year put aside sh200m for families of victims of the 1989 Mukura massacre in Teso.

While we applaud your efforts to compensate victims from this incident, we also want to be compensated,” the memorandum to President Yoweri Museveni, signed by the Atiak survivors committee chairman, George William Odong, read in part.

Acholi Religious Leaders Condemn Demonstrations

2011-04-20T08:18:00.007+03:00

Where as following the successful and generally peaceful presidential elections conducted on the 18th February 2011 and also as the people of Acholi having broken the camps of internally displaced persons and have returned to their villages, considering the challenges they are facing in rebuilding their lives, aware that they can easily be drawn into violence, we the Acholi Religious Leaders in St. Monica Girls Tailoring School on Sunday 17th April resolved:
• To condemn the killing. Looting, destruction of properties and injuries of many people in Gulu on the 14th April 2011.
• To mourn with those who lost their relatives and send their message of condolences to them.
• To sensitize the public to shun from politicians who would want to take every opportunity to cause states of unrest.
• To condemn the Walk to Work campaign, because its results have always involve human suffering, destruction of property, looting and to the extreme cases loss of lives.
• To urge the public to first seek police approval incase they want to organize public demonstrations.
• To identify some key political /party leaders to dialogue with other than let them spill their grievances in public.
• To invite the members of parliament of Acholi sub-region on a one to one discussion with religious leaders on matters affecting the public.
• To us e the media houses to sensitize the public on effects of demonstration and call upon the sow love instead.
• To urge the police to play their role of protecting the people other than kill them
• The army should have mechanism of controlling the arm in quelling down demonstration
• Police should watch these people walk to their destinations. Beyond those destinations the police should check.
• There is need for political reconciliation in this country as many who lost the election are still nursing their losses.

PALM SUNDAY- BEFORE YOU COMPLAIN

2011-04-19T11:04:00.002+03:00

Dear Leaders
As we celebrate the Palm Sunday, we need to remember to surrender our lives as a donkey of Jesus to ride on and avoid complaining like the pharisees. Remember this story that is so encouraging;

There was a blind girl who hated herself just
because she's blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend.
He's always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she
would marry her boyfriend.
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and
then she can see everything, including her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend asked her, "now that you can see the
world, will you marry me?"
The girl was shocked when she saw that her
boyfriend is blind too, and refused to marry him.
Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote
a letter to her saying. "Just take care of my eyes dear."

This is how human brain changes when the status
changed. Only few remember what life was before, and who's
always been there even in the most painful situations.
Remember Life Is A Gift.
Today, before you think of saying an unkind word -
Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food -
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife -
Think of someone who's crying out to God
for a companion.

Today before you complain about life - Think of
someone who went too early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children - Think of
someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house, someone
didn't clean or sweep -Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive - Think
of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job -
Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished
they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or
condemning another -Remember that not one of us are without sin and we
all answer to one maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down -
Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive
and still around.
Life is a gift, Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it and fulfil it.

A visit to Musalaba " the Cross" in pictures

2011-01-05T19:31:00.014+03:00

.

A team from St. John's Church visited the Hills of Keyo where 107 years ago the first missionary established a mission station. The Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda and the Retired Bishop Allan Gideon Oboma led the team. At least 37 members of the community welcomed the visitors. A stone with an inscription “The Gospel was preached to the Acholi People in 1904" could be seen in pieces. According to Muzee Okwonga Andrew Enoci said " I kare ma wan dong waringo wacito i camp aye jo ma gitye ki miti me lim gubino gubalo kabedo man" Meaning the Monument was destroyed by some people who had a desire for money during the period when people where in the camps because of the war. “I am privilege to be here for a pilgrimage to this holy ground" Said Rev. Dr. Greg Snyder the team leader of the USA, St. John's Church. Bishop Allan Oboma appealed to the community to start rehabilitating this place. While Bishop Johnson said with prayers and support from everybody by November 26th 2011,a structure will be erected on this land and that the annual celebration will no longer take place at Keyo Primary School but on Musalaba hill. The community listed the following needs: - Church building, Theological /Primary School, and Water. At Keyo Parish Headquarters a church building has reached roofing stage

Never be defiled as you start the New Year says Bishop

2011-01-03T13:08:00.008+03:00

Group Photo with Bishop,visitors from St. John and Staff of the Diocese,

Today Monday 3rd January 2011 is when we officially opened office at the Diocese of Northern Uganda.
The day started by staff sharing their experiences of last year and their plans for this year 2011. The staffs were very grateful to the Diocese and the Bishop for work well done. While giving his remarks, the Bishop said this year is going to be a year for rebuilding family foundation and this would begin with the staff at the headquarters. He also encouraged those who have the calling to serve God in the ordain ministry to come up.
One staff Moses Otim caused laughter when he said he had been ordained informally-meaning people call him Reverend and that he would like to be ordained before he dies. Another staff appealed to the rest to own a Bible for themselves and read. One other staff said working with the diocese helped him to stop drinking alcohol. A driver said “when driving the bishop you must apply maximum skills" Others appreciated the saving and loan scheme which had helped them to build their capacity in a number of ways, like starting a business, building houses and paying fees for themselves and their children.
We also had a team of visitors from St. John's Church South Carolina USA. The visitors said it was time to rebuild, rehabilitate and reform this diocese and that they have been praying for this to happen and be part of the diocese.
The Bishop Concluded by urging staff to remain undefiled, faithful and with integrity quoting from the book of Daniel chapter 1:8
“But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating food and wine given to them by the King. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods"

St. John’s, John’s Island team is here in Northern Uganda

2011-01-02T22:10:00.005+03:00

Clair Miller taking picture in the Bishop's garden under construction.

At Christ Church
Fr Greg Snyder handed over a Holy COmmunion Cup to the Dean of St.Philips Cathedral Rev. Canon Ayela in the presence of Bishop Johnson and many christians.

A team from St. Johns Church South Carolinea is finally here in Northern Uganda for a visit.Team members includes ;Fr Greg Snyder, Emily Rudolph, Thom Pennington,Leila Baldwin ,Clair Miller, and Peter.
Sunday 2nd January 2011 they attended a service at St. Philip's Cathedral Gulu where Fr Greg was the preacher and therafter they went to Christ Church for the English service. Fr. Greg encouraged the Christian to make use of the different spiritual gifts that God has given them. He said God is faithful and will restore the people in Northern Uganda who are just coming out of the war situation. He said St.John's has been praying for the Diocese for the last three years and that Bishop Johnson made them aware of the situation in this diocese during his visit to them early this year.Continue to pray for this team so that a stong partnership is built.

Welcome to 2011

2011-01-02T21:42:00.004+03:00

The Bishop’s Guest house now at roofing stage

You are all most welcome to the Year 2011. Thanks you very much for being part of us during the year 2010.

One year of Bishop's Johnson Gakumba Ministry 20th December 2009-20th December 2010
DIOCESE OF NORTHERN UGANDA
The Presidential handshake: Bishop Johnson shakes hands with the President of Uganda His Excellency Yoweri
Kaguta Museven, while His grace Henry Luke Orombi and Mama Christine look on.
First Deacons to be ordained by Bishop Johnson on
26th November 2010: Olara James, Olweny Kevin,
Kibwota Samuel and Otto Zachariah
CONSECRATION
Bishop was consecrated and Enthroned as the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of
Northern Uganda in a colourful ceremony officiated by His Grace, the Archbishop of
the Province of the Church of Uganda Henry Luke Orombi, and in attendance was
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,
Ambassadors, and many dignitaries .
A cross section of Bishops who attended the
consecration
Confirmation Candidates Koro parish at
Lakwatomer
Part of Sacred Heart Confirmation Candidates.
Pope Paul 11 Laliya, Confirmation Candidates.
Christ Church
confirmation candidates
PASTORAL VISIT TO ALL THE PARISHES.
A group photo with goats and confirmation
candidates at Christ Church
Nwoya church building at foundation level.
New St. Philip Cathedral under construction.
With support from the Bible Society of Uganda the talking Bible is handed over to clergy for Bible study
The biggest tree planted by Bishop Johnson
during the first year of his ministry in the
Diocese of Northern Uganda
The Diocese handed over two cars to retired Bishops, Gideon Allan Oboma and Nelson
Onono-Onweng

Dennis and Phoebe at their reception venue
Inside St. Michael Obiya Confirmation Candidates in front of Bobi Church
Cwero candidates
Layibi sub-Parish in Christ Church Parish
Confirmation Candidates in front of Bobi Church
Part of Keyo Church under construction
Awere only the foundation dug Koro Parish, Lakwatomer Sub-Parish candidates

KEY ACHIEVENMENTS OF THE YEAR 2010

• Launched four years Strategic plan
2010-2014
• Provincial quota arrears worth 28.7
million paid.
• Retreat with the clergy and their
spouses
• Youth conference
• The first Lay readers and pastors
conference
• Clergy wives fellowship
• Handing over of sewing machines to
students at the Women Development
Centre
• Public Address system for mission
work
• Cars for retired bishops
• Visit to all parishes except Pakwelo
• Wall fencing of Bishop’s residence
• Theological Students at University
• Maintaining a minimum stipend of an
average of 50,000 Uganda shillings
about 22 US$ per month
No Parishes Status of the Church
Total 1360 12 2261
TOOK PLACE DURING THIS ONE YEAR
1. NEW PROJECT SIGNED/STARTED
1. THE FATHERS HOME OF OUR ONE HUNDRED ORPHANS
2. BISHOP’S GUEST HOUSE
3. BISHOP’S GARDEN
4. COMMERCIAL FARMING OF GROUNDNUTS
5. IRCU NWOYA PROJECT
6. EXTENSION OF PIPE WATER TO GULU PRIMARY SCHOOL/COLLEGE BY CED
7. DRILLING OF BORE HOLE
The Bishop’s Guest house now at roofing stage
South Caroline; St. John’s Church USA Hanover -Germany
2. FOREIGN VISITS
1. USA ESTERN MENONITE UNIVESIRTY
2. NC-CONFERENCE
3. GERMAN VISIT,
4. NAIROBI NEW BISHOP’S ORIENTATION BY CAPA ,
5. BURUNDI GREAT LAKES PEACE INITIATIVES
3. VISITORS COMING TO THE DIOCESE
a. ST.JOHNS TEAM S.CAROLINEA DECEMBER –JANUARY 2011
b. NORDEN-GERMANY JAN 2011
4. CHALLENGES/PRAYER REQUEST
1. WEAK FOUNDATION IN SUB-PARISHES AND PARISHES NEED FOR IRON
SHEETS FOR ROOFING PASTOR HOUSES /CHURCHES. Most of the Parishes do
not have church building and so prayers are conducted in classrooms or under
trees. Some are grass thatched building which can be easily burnt down like
the one in the picture.
2. NEED FOR BIBLES/PRAYER BOOKS. Currently the number of Christians who
have Bibles and Prayer books is less than 10%. In the past it was requirement
for every confirmation Candidate to own a Bible, now it is not happening.

THE LOST SHEEP AND THE LOST COINS

2010-11-30T11:58:00.008+03:00

Rev. Canon Ayela Okot Introducing Rev. Olara James, Rev Olweny Kevin, Rev. Otto Zachariah, Rev. Kibwota Samuel and Rev. Eunice Opok.

Rev. Captain Titus Baraka and Mary trying the new skills of praising the Lord -see the techniques of holding hands while jumping.

Bishop Johnson handing over bicycles to the Newly ordained clergy.

Visiting the home of Alex Okello who was a prominent witch doctor the children also accepted Jesus Christ; here the bishop is leading them in a prayer of confession. Rev. Canon Titus is taking pictures

Five people were ordained in a colourful ceremony held at Keyo Church of Uganda by the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda Johnson Gakumba on Friday 26 November 2010. The Rev. Canon Captain Titus Baraka who led the retreat as well as preached during the occasion called upon the newly ordained to look for the lost sheep then they would find the lost coins. Rev. Canon Titus said “The lost sheep has also gone with the lost coins” Once you get the lost sheep you will also get the lost coins the Rev. Canon said. Preaching from the Gospel of Mathew 9:37ff Titus said the field is ready but the labourers are very few. Rev. Piloya Eunice was ordained priest while Rev. Kibwota Samuel, Rev. Olweny Kevin, Rev. Olara James and Rev. Otto Zachariah were orained Deacons. This is the first lot of clergy to be ordained by Bishop Johnson during the first year of his ministry in the Diocese of Northern Uganda.
The Diocese gave each one of them a bicycle to facilitate their transport as they begin the ordained ministry in the various places. Rev. Eunice Opok was posted to Lukodi Child Voice International as a Chaplain, Rev. Kibwota Samuel posted to Gulu Core Primary teachers’ College as chaplain, Otto Zachariah posted to Keyo Secondary School as a chaplain and Olara James is the Chaplain of Koch Goma Secondary School.
Keyo is the first mission station in Acholi land when the missionaries came in 1903 and officially opened the station in 1904. While reading the history of Christianity in Acholi land the Rev. Wilson Atine mentioned that among the key challenges in the spread of the Gospel in Acholi land is the lack of support to the clergy, he said the clergy in the diocese do not have stipend and when asked how much each one gets the Rev. Wilson Atine said the response from clergy is that they will know their salary when they reach Heaven. It was because of this that Rev. Canon Titus Baraka said the clergy stipend is also here on earth except that the lost sheep have also gone with the lost coins. He challenged the clergy to look for the lost sheep and in them they would also find the lost coins which will in turn provide them with the physical needs like food, shelter and many others.

Alex Okello from a witch doctor to a preacher

In another related development, Mr Alex Okello a prominent witchdoctor in Gulu who recently accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour, appealed to the other witchdoctors to turn away from their evil practices and receive peace of mind and freedom from bondage. Alex said people used to fear him instead of respecting, him. A detail story about Alex is coming soon.

The first official appearance of the Clergy’s spouses in their uniform, Rev. Captain Baraka and Mary (C) squatting down

Mrs. Christine Gakumba made history in the Diocese of Northern Uganda by being the first to form the Clergy Women Fellowship. The group of women now has a saving scheme and out of that they to start keeping poultry, tree planting, outside catering just to mention but a few. They need your prayer and support.

A church burnt down in Northern Uganda

2010-10-28T09:27:00.005+03:00

By Rev. Willy Akena
Although Kony’s war is over in Northern Uganda, but the spirit of burning grass thatched houses is still raging on. On Friday night, community of Akonyibedo village in Unyama Parish Aswa County woke up astounded to see the Church that was built by the Christian in this place burnt down, about five other houses were also burnt by one called Ojok Morris. According to the Catechist Florence Okoya, the Church was built last year 2009 during the time of return. The community who also lived in grass thatched huts, decided to put up a place for worship of God. This was a central place in their lives where they renew their lives and gain energy to continue moving. The Parish Priest of Pakwelo whose sub-parish is Akonyibedo, Rev. Komakech Charles reported the incident to the Bishop on Saturday 23rd October, 2010. You could see the trauma in the Reverend who did not even realize that he had not combed his hair while coming to report this case. On a visit to the Site of the incident, we found the church still burning. One old woman whose husband donated the land to the Church said “latim man omyero oto woko pien man tim marac atikatika” meaning the man who did this deserve to die.
Rev. Charles Okello the Diocesan Education Co-ordinator who also visited the scene strongly condemned this act as satanic and unchristian. To the Church he however said” We as a church need to stop building grass thatched houses like the one that was burnt down and focus on the ministry of healing of trauma and memories, and also appeal to the NGO’s throughout the world to help in resettlement and restoration” to the government the Reverend said “It is high time the government gives support to improve the livelihood of people in the community” Said Okello
On Sunday 24th October the Bishop of the Diocese of northern Uganda the Rt. Rev. Johnson Gakumba also visited the church. He was met by the Catechist and a few Christians who were praying under a tree now that their church is burnt down. They appreciated the visit by their Bishop and said it is a true sign of a good Shepherd. The Bishop equally condemned this act and blamed it on trauma as a result of the war. The Bishop also urged the christian to collect the bricks that still look good and make some more so that they rebuild their church. He however stopped them from using grass again as this may be burnt down. He encouraged them to raise the wall and together with them he will look for iron sheets.
In line with this incident the Bishop is kindly appealing to well wishers to support this church by donating iron sheets so that the people are resettled back to their church. Incase of interest to support, call the Bishop on + 256 (0) 772601421 or e-mail j.kumba.faith@hotmail.com

Challenges in our Primary Schools in Northern Uganda

2010-10-07T12:01:00.004+03:00

Report on text books distribution in 33 primary schools in Diocese of Northern Uganda
By Rev. Okello Charles –Education Secretary
Background
Education Department Diocese of Northern Uganda requested for text books from Director Children International Church of Uganda-Provincial Education Department. After receiving these text books I drew programme to distribute it to 33 Primary School within the Dioceses of Northern Uganda
Strategies used during distributions
• Requested for a vehicle to help in the distribution
• Requested for a driver to drive the vehicle
• Requested enough fuel to reach the 33 schools
• Encouraged headteachers, teachers and pupils to make good use of the books and develop
• Prayed for the administrators, teachers and pupils of these schools as I distributed text books
• Asked the school administrators of challenges they are facing in the day to day running of their schools

Achievements
• We distributed the text book to 33 schools which are church of Uganda founded schools
• Each of the 33 schools received at least 100 text books
• We guided the teachers to take teaching as God given service. To guide and direct the future of the young children
• We encouraged the children to develop goals in vacation they would take in future. This is to help them be self driven and work hard
Challenges we met during the distribution exercise
• Many children in rural schools don’t have access to text books
• Teachers lack reference books
• Many children move bear feet. This indicates that they lack most essential things for life
• Teachers have no accommodation in school
• There is high level of unexpected absentism of teaching during rainy season
• Time management is very poor due to distance from teachers homes to schools
• Some schools have no staff room and offices
• Most school lack equipment for co-curricular activities
• Many school wanted books for science which was very few copies
• The capacity of administrators in schools is very law
RECOMMENDATION
• We need more of the science text books for primary schools
• We need support to improve our schools to become model schools
• We need more houses for teachers accommodation in schools
• We need library, staff room and additional class rooms in some schools
• We need equipment for co-curricular activities

Voice of Youth From Northern Uganda

2010-10-05T12:11:00.006+03:00

PETITION OF THE YOUTH TO THE GOVERNMENT AND ALL PEACE PRACTITIONERS.
Guest of honour, fellow youth, children, country men and women of this nation. Today as we celebrate the international day of Peace, we have to bear at the back of our mind that this is a global call for ceasefire and non violence. We the youth of Northern Uganda invites all nations and peace practitioners to honour cessation of hostilities and commemorate the day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
Youth, peace and development are closely interlinked. Peace enables development, which is critical in providing opportunities for young people, particularly those in countries emerging from conflict. Healthy, educated youth are in turn crucial to sustainable development and peace. Peace, stability and security are essential to achieving the millennium development goals aimed at slashing poverty, hunger, disease and maternal mortality by 2015.
All the negative conditions above reflect greatly on us the youth of Northern Uganda who are emerging from the dark claws of war for the last 2 decades. We have comparatively lagged behind in terms of economic security, education, employment, health and our hope in life has continued to dwindle. This year’s celebration of the International Peace Day and particularly the theme: “Peace, Youth and Development present to us a perfect opportunity to aid out our voices in demand for a peaceful co-existence and development.
Peace is something unseen, something untouched and something divine that needs a gradual process to reach at. Peace in northern Uganda is a general concern and the wish of all Ugandans and all the stakeholders to ensure that a common understanding exists so that everything runs smoothly.
A cry for peace is the tears of all in suffering, so is Uganda. We the youth of northern Uganda appeal to any warrior and peace lover to help us seek and find peace through love, forgiveness, reconciliation but not through hatred, wars and rebellion.
In the same spirit, we would like to appeal to all Ugandans to develop the spirit of love and accommodation of each others views especially in the forth coming national elections next year. We have witnessed the untold suffering that violence can inflict in the society in the recent years in Kenya. We would therefore not wish to experience the same in the name of our political differences.
In conclusion, as we join the whole world, we believe that with commitment in the peace process we shall have it one day. We call upon the government and the Lord’s Resistance Army to pursue a peaceful means of ending the conflict in our region.
I say this, FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.

In another related development on September 21st 2010 a Peace March was held in Gulu as part of the celebration of International World Peace Day the Chairman of Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative Rt. Rev. Johnson Gakumba gave a speech and Rev. Willy gives you an extract.
We as religious leaders support the initiative of the World all over to celebrate a day of peace. Peace does not necessarily means absent of war. For instance people fighting for land is a sign that there is no peace, where domestic violence is high is sign that there is no peace, when fellow citizens fight for votes that is a sign of insecurity, when people abuse each other on radios is a sign that they are not at peace. So peace should not only be treated as silence of the gun but where God’s children live in harmony with one another and this should start at home.

Under the theme “Showing solidarity with all people affected by the LRA regardless of the country they come from” I would like to link this to the LRA disarmament bill and Northern Uganda Recovery Act 2009 which president Obama signed into law on the 24th May 2010. Since we stand for non violence we wrote an open letter urging him against use of force.
This walk which is dedicated to the children abducted by the LRA and the suffering they go through, for the sake of these children we urge regional movements to adapt dialogues to end the war.
Every effort should therefore be made to provide opportunities for defection, to provide services such as rehabilitation centre in CAR, DRC, Sudan and Uganda and to foster reconciliation within communities.
For over 23 years millions of our sisters and brothers throughout Northern Uganda and Eastern Uganda have suffered violence at the hands of the LRA rebel group. As church leaders from Northern Uganda, we have witnessed the past and present impact of the LRA in our communities. We know children who were abducted and force to fight for the LRA. We know women who were raped and abused by the LRA, and we know of countless others who are still in captivity with the rebels.
Recommendations:-
To the Lords Resistance Army
• Immediately desist from all forms of violence against the civilian population
• Release those abducted so they may return home to their families
• Allow uninhibited access to individuals in need so that humanitarian aid can be provided to them
• Show a commitment to peace by renewing communication with the GoU and or other stakeholders
• Honour commitments made during the Juba Peace Talks
To the Government of Uganda
• To develop a withdrawal plan for Ugandan troops in co-ordination with the regional governments and the United Nations to ensure civilian protection and containment of conflict
• Honour the commitment made to the Juba Peace Talks and seek ways for the hurried implementation of the agenda items
• Fulfill the commitment to the Peace and Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) both financially
• Practically endure effective performance
• Prioritize reconciliation and forge ways to faster harmonious coexistence
Regional Governments of LRA affected areas (Uganda, DRC, South Sudan and CAR)
• Purse dialogue with the LRA as a means of ending the conflict
• Continue to engage in robust diplomacy with regional stakeholders to meet the needs of the affected people.
• Develop and support a joint containment strategy to ensure the violence does not continue to spread
• Make it a commitment to meeting the humanitarian needs of the LRA affected communities in a time sensitive manner
• Develop a plan to foster the return and rehabilitation of individuals who have been abducted by the LRA in their respective countries
• Engage in trust and confidence building approaches with the LRA
The International Community
• Increase support for the implementation of the items agreed upon in the Juba peace talks, especially transitional justice mechanisms which foster community reconciliation in accordance to what was agreed under Agenda Item#3 on Accountability & Reconciliation
• Engage with stakeholders at the grassroots level of all LRA affected areas in the region in order to determine a consensus on how to move forward.

100% turned up

2010-08-17T15:49:00.005+03:00

This time round the Bishop visited Lakwatomer sub-parish which is in Koro Parish. A total of 37 Christian were confirmed on Sunday July 25th 2010. The service was attended by all the pupils of the primary school and this made the Bishop very happy. He thanked the Head teacher of the School, Mrs.Ventorina for mobilizing the Pupils. The Bishop said “This is the first school I have seen almost 100% turn up of pupils” Trees were planted in the school compound. The community also showed the church land that was given some years ago to church of Uganda. The Parish Priest Rev. Joyce Lakot Akena was grateful to the Bishop for having honoured their invitation to have the event in Lakwatomer

Students of Sacred Heart after confirmation by Bishop Johnson Gakumba

2010-08-17T15:19:00.000+03:00

Foundation of faith in Acholi

2010-08-17T15:13:00.005+03:00

On August 1st the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda Johnson Gakumba visited Keyo Church of Uganda. The Christians of Keyo are not happy that even after 100 years of Christianity in Acoliland, there is nothing to show off. There is on foundation built on Keyo Hill where the first Christians settled. While delivering his sermon, Bishop Gakumba stressed this point further. He shared with the congregation about the story of the two builders in the Bible where one laid his foundation on stone and the other one had the foundation of his house on sand. When the winds raged the building on a weak foundation collapsed. This according to the Bishop is an indication of the church in this part of Uganda.
Bishop Gakumba confirmed 97 Christian of which 43 girls came from Sacred Heart secondary School. Rev. Odora Willy Francis the chaplain in the school prepared these girls of confirmation trained them. Otto Zachariah who has just completed his studies from UCU and is now working in the school as a chaplain prepared students from Keyo Secondary School Other candidates were prepared by the Archdeacon of Keyo Archdeaconry Rev. Paskwali Cwinyaai who is also the parish priest.
As a fund raising strategy for the church, the Bishop’s portrait was sold at Ug. Shs. 100,000. Three portraits were sold; one bought by Keyo Secondary School another one by Keyo Parish and another one for the Primary School.
The Bishop was not happy that the Students of Keyo Secondary School, Keyo Community Polytechnic and pupils from the primary School, did not attend the service.
The traditional Chief of Lamogi, Rwot Loka Binya, narrated how they used to attend church while they were still very young, and how a lot of importance was put in religious education.
In a memorandum read to the Bishop, the Christians of Keyo church of Uganda appealed to the Bishop to continue giving Keyo a priority. They were not happy that the centenary celebration did not take place at Keyo, but instead the event took place at Mican. They partly accepted that this was because of the war that had displaced people away from their villages.

New face to the Diocesan blog

2010-08-13T10:31:00.002+03:00

Diocese of Northern Uganda has redesigned easy to use website. We give glory to God for the support we have got from Brian Moore who was here for just 6 weeks. Among the many things that he did for the Diocese was the giving of a new face to the Diocesan blog. You can now get the list of Archdeaconries, Parishes, Departments, how to help us and of course you get latest updates from the Diocese of Northern Uganda. Brian, we are grateful.

A miracle has happened

2010-05-10T20:44:00.004+03:00

Rev. Willy Akena reports
In what many people here have seen as the mighty work of God in the Diocese of Northern Uganda, on Sunday 2nd May 2010 at St. Philips Cathedral Gulu, two retired Bishops received cars for their personal use during their retirement. Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng who was consecrated in 1998 and retired in 2009, received Car Number UAK 877V, while Bishop Allan Oboma who retired in 1998 received car Registration number UAN 517 J. The current Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda Johnson Gakumba locally fundraised for the car that was given to Bishop Allan Oboma, while the one given to Bishop Nelson had been bought for the Diocese of Northern Uganda during Nelson reign. While speaking to a large crowd that turned up for the function, the retired Bishop of Kitgum Diocese Mack Baker Ochola 11 said “ Tangu Otime” Meaning Miracle has happened. The reason that made people to believe that Tangu Otime is because in the history of the Church in Uganda, particularly in the Diocese of Northern Uganda, when a Bishop retires, he goes out without means of transport. A retired bishop is often found walking on foot or on boda body motorcycle riders. The Paramount Chief of Acholi Rwot Onen David Acana 11 thanked Bishop Johnson for thinking about the retired Bishops, he appealed to the Bishop to think about the retired clergy as well as catechist.

Commitment is a choice

2010-04-26T11:44:00.005+03:00

The Assistant Bishop of Kampala Rt. Rev. Zac Niriygire said " Commitment is a choice" the Bishop was officiating at a wedding of Hope Atim and Titus Tumusiime held at Church of The Resurrection Bugologi on Saturday 24th. The Bishop was preaching from the Book of Ruth, chapter 1, where Ruth said to Naomi “Don’t ask me to leave you! Let me go with you, wherever you go. I willgo, wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die and that is where I will be buried. The wedding was attended by many people including the Rtd Bishops of Northern Uganda, Nelson Onono-Onweng, and Mama Brenda, Rtd Bishop Allan Oboma, the Diocesan Secretary Rev. Canon Ayela, and many other people from across the country. Hope is the first daughter of Bishop Johnson Gakumba. While speaking to the newly wedded couple Bishop Zac, said "I promise you Hope and Titus that you will meet challenges in your marriage". Bishop Zac said some of the challenges will come from outside, while others will come from within. The Bishop appealed to Hope and Titus to learn to forgive one another. The Bishop concluded by saying the Hope and Titus must run to Jesus Christ for answers to issues in their marriage.

A Clergy daughter returns from LRA captivity after 12 years

2010-04-08T17:24:00.003+03:00

Adiya Lillian daughter of the Late Rev. Peter Ben Ochan and Mary Ochan (Vice president of the Mothers Union) today unites with her mother, brothers and sister after spending 12 years in the bush. Lillian was abducted by the LRA in May 1998 when she was just in Primary Five at Gulu Primary School. The LRA came at night up to the primary school and abducted a number of children, some of them returned while others died. While receiving her daughter, Mary said " I have been praying to God to protect you just like He did to Daniel in the Bible". Lillian on her part narrated how on several occasion she had tried to escaped but could not make it, until January this year, that she finally escaped, from January 2010 she has been staying with different people in Congo, including the UPDF, the Congolese army as well as villagers. From a girl of about 10 years in 1998 to now a woman with two kids; - Olal and Lamwaka Mercy, Lillian is not yet very sure how she will look after her siblings without the husband and with no proper education. To make matter worst, Lillian almost fainted on learning that her father is dead. With your prayer and support Lillian will have a bright future.

Report by Willy

The way of the Cross 2010

2010-04-03T20:12:00.008+03:00

In Gulu the way of the Cross was led by the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese His Grace John Baptist Odama, and the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda Johnson Gakumba. The about 6 Kilometres walk attracted a large number of the faithful. I have given you some pictures of the event in Gulu and one from Kampala where His Grace Henry Luke Orombi together with the christains in Kampala participated in the walk. Below is also a story that appeared in the New Vision.

Kasubi prayers cause debate
Friday, 2nd April, 2010

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Luke Orombi, carrying a cross in Kampala yesterday, in remembrance of the death of Jesus
By Ben Okiror

RELIGIOUS leaders have defended their involvement in the Kasubi tombs prayers last week, which had been criticised by some Christians for the site’s association with ancestral worship.

The prayers were led by Archbishop Cyprian Lwanga of the Kampala Catholic Archdiocese, who was wearing a bark cloth sash for the occasion.

He was joined by leaders of the Anglican, Pentecostal and Orthodox Churches as well as the Muslim faith.

Namirembe diocese Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira represented the Anglican Church.

Jonah Lwanga attended on behalf of the Orthodox Church in Uganda, while Zubair Kayongo of the Kibuli faction represented the Muslim community. Apostle Alex Mitala, represented Born-Again churches.

The religious leaders argued that they were only there to mourn with the Baganda and did not get involved in witchcraft. Pastors of some Born-again churches had objected to the presence of Christian leaders at the event.

Michael George Kizito, the president of the Watchman Africa Discernment Ministry, argued that Christians should not associate themselves with the tombs, a place where witchdoctors used to go to renew their powers..

“The burning of the tombs was unacceptable,” wrote Kizito in The New Vision yesterday. “However, there is no way a true Christian can pray to God to rebuild a temple where satanic rituals, such as devil invocation, pipe smoking, ancestral possession, fire altars, ritual cleansing and worship of the dead are practised.”

Pastor Anthony Owalu of Hope Restoration Ministries, while also condemning the burning of the tombs, said it was wrong for the religious leaders to pray at the Kasubi site. “They should have called for a prayer elsewhere and consecrate that place (Kasubi) to God. I would not want to be associated with such a place as a religious leader because of the traditional rituals that are being practiced there.”

Archbishop Lwanga has rejected the accusations, saying his critics were uninformed. He said Jesus Christ asked his apostles to spread the gospel to anybody without boundaries.

He cited Apostle Paul’s visit to Athens where he explained to idol-worshippers that the ‘unknown god’ was actually the Almighty God.

“We were there for a good purpose and nothing about witchcraft was mentioned,” Lwanga said. “We have bishops buried in the church compound, is that witchcraft? Ignorance prompts people to make such sweeping statements.”

Sheikh Hassan Kirya, the spokesperson for Kayongo, said they were there to pray for Kabaka Mutesa I since he was the first Muganda to embrace Islam. “Islam teaches us to pray for the dead and because Mutesa I did a lot to spread Islam, he is more important to us than anyone else,” Kirya said.

He explained that a Koran and the kettle used during the king’s ablution were lying on his tomb, according to the Islamic tradition. “The mosque in Kasubi was the first in Uganda, built in the 1880s,” he noted.

He added that the Muslims who went for the Kasubi tombs prayers were not part of witchcraft or the rituals performed that day.

Pastor Martin Sempa of the Makerere Community Church said he was there to ask God “to extinguish the fires in grieving people’s hearts that were ignited by strife”.

He agreed that there were some unchristian cultural practices by the kingdom but these were changing because of the church’s involvement. “The policy of disengagement is abdication of our responsibility as religious leaders,” Sempa said. “Even the Bible teaches to mourn with those who mourn. A family is a family and if the behaviour of some members may be unworthy, it does not mean you don’t attend family functions.”

The retired Anglican bishop of Mityana, Dunstan Bukenya, said the event was of critical nature and those who denounced the prayers were wrong. He said Kasubi was a burial place like any other. “If a night dancer went to a grave, it would not stop other people from visiting it.”

However, his successor, Stephen Kazimba, who did not go to Kasubi because of other commitments, said he would have first established what would take place to ensure it did not conflict with his faith.

Kazimba last year led a team of two other Anglican bishops and five clergy members to destroy a traditional shrine in a village in Mityana after the owner repented.

He however absolved his colleagues who went to Kasubi, saying they could have gone to show solidarity with the mourners without knowing what else was taking place there.

The Buganda kingdom’s deputy information minister, Medard Lubega, acknowledged that certain cultural practices took place at the Kasubi Tombs.

However, he said, any rituals performed were exclusively the business of those concerned.

“I am a Christian who lives among people of different religions but I do not take offence at their practices,” he noted

Church leaders are encouraged to go where satanic practices are performed to preach the gospel, he added.

He called the discussion diversionary and reiterated Mengo’s call for an independent probe into the cause of the fire.

“Our concentration is on investigating who exactly burnt the tombs.”

77 days the 7th Bishop visits 7 parishes plus 7 more things.

2010-03-16T08:25:00.005+03:00

On Sunday 7th March 2010 Bishop Johnson marked 77 days as Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda as the 7th Bishop, Johnson visited 7 Parishes of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, and Rev. Willy Akena brings you some highlight of the 77 days. Bishop Johnson was consecrated on December 20, 2009 by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda His Grace Henry Luke Orombi who is also the 7th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. The following parishes have already been visited: - St. Philips Cathedral where they have an old cathedral built in 1913 by missionaries, a new cathedral is under construction, Christ Church has a church building, Awere, Nwoya, Anaka, Purongo and Agung. Among the key activities that have already taken place was the clergy and spouses retreat. Gulu Primary school hosted this event that saw about 100 participants for this retreat which took place from 27th -30th January 2010. It was a time for healing of memories as the clergy and their spouses shared their experiences of ministry during the difficult period of the war. They went back with hope especially given the peace that is now prevailing and the new Bishop coming in at this time of return and resettlement.

MISS ME BUT LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no riles in a gloom-filled room
why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a litt-le But not too long
And not with your head bowed low Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me-But let me go
For this is a journey that we must take
And each must go alone
It’s all a step in the Master’s plan
A step on the road home
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And burry your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me but let me go.
This was read during the burial of Rt. Rev. Patrick Kyaligonza Ateenyi

Many Bishops attended the burial of their brother Bishop Patrick who died in a motor accident along the Fort Portal Kyenjojo Road. It was a week of mourning in the Church of Uganda. While coming for the burial of Bishop Patrick, the Bishop of North Mbale and that of Sebei Diocese got involved in another accident that took away the life of Mrs Papertua Gimadu all this happened in the District of Kyenjojo

Bishop Johnson Gakumba former pupil of Kyema Primary School 43 year ago on Friday 5th March 2010 called upon the pupils to listen to their teachers is they are to succeed. He advised the pupils to fear God because if they fear God then they will not be disappointed. He said he came back to thank the teachers for making him what he is now. The Bishop gave a number gifts including box of soap for teachers, 600 pens for pupils, different ball and pump, and whistles The Headmistress of the School Mrs. Esther Kaunde thanked the Bishop for remembering his former school. Esther said most people never think about their primary schools and never remember to go back and say thank you. The Bishop said he used to walk on bare foot to come to school and sometimes beaten by rains. The Bishop of Masindi Kitara Rt. Stanley Ntgali thanked Bishop Johnson for remembering his former school and promise to strengthen the relationship between Masindi Kitara and Diocese of Northern Uganda. In another related development the Bishop was welcomed in his village church of St. Paul COUKiswata, Kyema Parish Masindi District. Excited congregation lined the road leading to the venue church compound, singing, dancing and making Ululations. A Christina band dressed in a Light Greenish uniform made the day even more colourful. The bishop handed over of a Stall to his brother Bishop Stanley, Surplice and cassock to the Parish Priest and different colours of table cloth for church survice. The community together with the committee handed over gift ranging from cows to broom.
107 Years ago the Church Missionary Society under the leadership of Albert Cook crossed the Nile from Bunyoro to Acholi land. They then had a rest at a place later to become the current Agung. The name Agung came as a result of Kneeling down to pray in that place, the Acholi’s who accompanied the missionaries and some banyoro later named the place Agung meaning we kneel down. On Sunday 7th March which is exactly 77 days since Bishop Johnson was consecrated, another interesting coincidence happened. The Rev Canon Robert Spingett led a team from the Church of England to attend a service at Agung. The Rev. John Ochola and his wife Christine this time was their guide together with the Chairman house of laity Mr. Benjamin Buruto and his wife Jennifer. This time the missionaries came from through Gulu Town and in two vehicles. Bishop Johnson together with his wife Christine and two of their children Lamwaka Charity and Peace Agenorwot , Ayo David the Driver, Rev. Willy Akena and his wife Poline, came from Masindi Kitara Diocese in Bunyoro through the Bridge of Karuma and this time not crossing the water on foot but in a vehicle into Acholi land. A renewed prayer was said on the spot the missionaries once knelt down to pray. It came to the notice of the congregation that some people had taken over the Alter and turned it into a devil alter.

One Month In Office as Bishop

2010-02-26T21:49:00.008+03:00

One month in Office as a bishop of the diocese of northern Uganda
30 days ago, a new Bishop was consecrated and Enthroned as the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda in a colourful ceremony officiated by His Grace, the Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda Henry Luke Orombi, and in attendance was His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Ambassadors, and many dignitaries .
Rev. Willy Akena has come up with summary activities of the past one month. I hope you will enjoy reading the extract.
A day after taking on the throne, Palenga on Kampala road was the first to wake up with excitement as they saw their own sons and daughters accompanied by their colleagues , friends and well wishers attracting onlookers light up the single street of the centre. Banana cuttings decorated the roadsides and also gave direction to the celebration point. Five more minutes of driving, and there we were! A small town like setting, with multitudes of Christians, jubilating, singing and dancing with joy for their own son had arrived.
The organizing committee for that function seemed to be personalities of caliber, with different talents. This could be seen in the sitting arrangement, executive chairs, state of the art public address system, and the red carpet. The presence of so many Roman Catholic Sisters in their veils demonstrated a very strong ecumenical arrangement.
During the Service, The Rev. Modicum Okello, a son of the soil appealed to the community to come back to the Lord because God does not disappoint. His word did not come back empty. Many who were touched by this message openly confessed their faith and pledged to follow the path of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The gifts that were given demonstrated love and loyalty to their son. Palenga remains in History for being the first to host the New Bishop, their son.
On Christmas day the Rt. Rev. Johnson Gakumba was in St. Philips Cathedral where he was consecrated and Enthroned. The day attracted more than the church building could hold. Those who came late did not find comfortable seats. Some actually stood the whole time of the service. The Bishop Confirmed 46 candidates, among them were Mr. Acire Dennis who was due to be joined in holy matrimony by the Bishop himself later on the 2nd of January.
The New Year found the Bishop at Christ Church, where he was a Vicar before the Retired Archbishop Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo requested him to go to Luzira Prison as a Chaplain. Bishop Johnson was later transferred to Bugologi church of Uganda by the current Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi. He officiated in all the three services beginning with the first one at 6:00am and ending with the last one at 12:00 noon, Christians in Northern Uganda welcomed the New Year with a new message of hope and encouragement not to fear but trust in the Lord who will see them to the end of the year.
Many others activities came in among them were burials, weddings, thanksgiving for 60 years of marriage between Dr. Odonga and his wife Mary.
On the 5th January some bad people also visited the Bishop Residence at night and took off with a number of gifts given to the Bishop and family. At the time of compiling this report, the bad boys have been remanded to Gulu Prison. They were arrested with some of the stolen gifts.
On 14th of January, a convention was organized at Reckiceke Primary School in Amuru District. Christians came from the Diocese of Masindi- Kitara, Nebbi, and a number of Parishes of the Diocese of Northern Uganda. A total of 325 candidates were confirmed by the Retired Bishop Gideon Allan Oboma. The Bishop himself was out of the County for great Lakes region peace meeting held in Bujumbura, Burundi and so Gideon carried out the function on his behalf.
In another related development, fencing of the Bishop Residence also commences and is ongoing. Pray that we get resources to complete the fencing.
A number of visitors have also come to see for themselves what they can do to support the Diocese that was once a war field. Some of them are already supporting the people here to heal their memories. Under this healing of memories, we have some people trained in Mentoring, and some children of those who have been maimed are getting scholarship to study.
There has been also some appointment and transfer as a way of improving the ministry, details will come in the next report.
Finally the Car given by the President is here to help the Bishop in his pastoral care to the people who are returning to their homes after being in the Internally Displaced camps for many years.

BISHOP'S CHARGE

2009-12-31T17:14:00.001+03:00

THE CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF UGANDA
DIOCESE OF NORTHERN UGANDA

THE CHARGE
OF
THE RT. REV. JOHNSON GAKUMBA
ON THE OCCASION OF HIS CONSECRATION AND
ENTHRONEMENT AS THE SEVENTH BISHOP OF
THE DIOCESE OF NORTHERN UGANDA .

AT ST. PHILIP’S CATHEDRAL, GULU
ON
20TH DECEMBER 2009

1.0 Protocol

• Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda , Yoweri Kaguta and Hon. Mama Janet Museveni.
• Your Grace, the Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Uganda , Henry Luke and Mama Phoebe Orombi.
• Your Excellencies, the Ambassadors and High Commissioners.
• My brother Bishops of the Church of Uganda and your dear wives.
• The Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, John Baptist Odama.
• Hon. Speaker of Parliament of Uganda .
• The Chief Justice of the High Court of Uganda .
• Honorable Ministers and members of Parliament.
• The Paramount Chief of Acholi.
• The RDC’s of Gulu, Amuru, Kitgum, and Pader.
• The LC 5 Chairpersons of Gulu, Amuru, Kitgum and Pader districts.
• Members of the Provincial Assembly.
• The Provincial Secretariat Church of Uganda .
• Uganda Christian University team.
• All development partners from within and abroad.
• All the other Government dignitaries in your various capacities.
• Members of the Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Northern Uganda .
• All Canons, Archdeacons, Clergy and Lay Readers of the Diocese of Northern Uganda .
• All other Religious Leaders present.
• All the Invited Guests.
• All members of the Organizing Committee.
• All of the Mothers Union, youth and Children present here.
• Ladies and Gentlemen.

2.0 Salutation

On behalf of my dear wife, Christine, and the children, the Christians of the Diocese of Northern Uganda and on my own behalf, I do whole heartedly extend our warm welcome to you all in your various capacities to Acholi land and to Gulu in particular.

Some of you could have crossed Karuma bridge for the first time; thank you very much for honoring us. Your presence on this historic day of our Consecration and Enthronement as the Seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda is a clear demonstration of your love for us and the people of Acholi. May God bless you all.

3.0 Situational Analysis of the Diocese

The Diocese comprises of the districts of Amuru and Gulu, and has nine (9) Archdeaconries and twenty - four (24) Parishes. The Diocese is recovering from over 20 years of civil strife that saw over 1.8 million people displaced into IDPs camps for over a decade. We are glad that with the prevailing peace, our people are now beginning to settle back into their villages, for the long stay in the IDP camps negatively impacted their lives, spiritually, psychologically, socially and economically.
• The 20 years war destroyed both lives and properties, displacement of over 1.8 million and resulted into abject poverty, misery and apathy.
• HIV and AIDS has got a very high prevalence and incidences of new infection. Since AIDS was the second largest killer in the IDPs camps, it’s a time bomb among our resettling community.
• Number of orphans and vulnerable children has increased due to both war and AIDS.
• Return with its related challenges e.g. poverty, hunger, diseases, lack of shelter, orphans, disabled, ignorance, widows leading to dependency on handouts
• Land disputes among the communities are undermining the resettlement process and the economic use of the land.
• Educational standard has declined as a result of lack of teachers, poverty, and lack of infrastructure leading to high rate of school drop outs at all levels. The rate of school drop outs is even higher among the girl child and at higher level of education.
• Concentration of social service facilities in the former IDPs camps has negatively impacted on rural resettlement as the population trying to resettle find access to social service facilities difficult.
• The high level of poverty in the area has hindered most people from sending their children for higher education especially to secondary and tertiary institutions. Statistics indicate that about 96% of the rural IDPs were living below the poverty line of US $ 1 a day.
• The traditional Acholi institution, cherished dignity and social fiber have been eroded by the years of conflict.
• The high population of households made up and led by children below 18 years of age has led to the emergence of vulnerable households and the breakdown of family and community support systems and structures that used to provide for children’s education.
• Youth: Illiteracy level was at 73% of the Internally Displaced Persons above the age of 10 cannot read or write or do so with difficulties.
• There are no supportive rural economic infrastructures to attract small-scale investments to create employment for youth. They also lack marketable skills and financial services for self-employment that tends to increase youth vulnerability.
• Confinement to camp life resulted into idleness; population out burst, single headed homesteads by women and children has caused sense of loss of position and power within the family and the society formerly headed by men. There is also high level of alcohol abuse, drug abuse and domestic violence leading to moral decay.
• Children and the women are the worst affected, they bore the brunt of the war to head homes and families.
• Cultural norms have been polluted by extreme philosophies from the camps, bush, town, night commuters and teachings from LRA. which have resulted in great, confusion in the minds of the people about their culture and religion.
• The Church together with the people was displaced, suffered but has ultimately survived with the people.

The Church and the remnants are left in desperate need of settlement, recovery and development. The need to rise up cannot be under estimated or stressed enough. By the grace of God, we will rise and shine again.

4.0 Arise and Shine (Isaiah 60:1ff)

As a Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, we will together with the clergy and the laity pursue this theme “ARISE AND SHINE” (Isaiah 60:1ff) and we shall pay special attention to it in the following areas as we recover and restore the lost glory of our people and Christians of the Diocese of Northern Uganda:

4.1 Missions and Evangelism

• Proclamation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all people in a holistic manner for the well being of the body, mind and soul. We shall uphold the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel…...”
• In 2 Timothy 4:2, St. Paul urges us to preach the message whether the time is good or bad but to convince, reproach, rebuke and encourage. The main focus shall be placed on discipleship, training and nurturing people in the faith using the existing structures and reviving others which include: the Youth, Mothers’ Union, Fathers’ union, Sunday school, Lay evangelists, Church Army Captains, Christian Women’s Fellowships by way of Seminars, Open Air Crusades, Worship, Conventions, Conferences, Bible Study, Fellowships and Retreats.
• We shall strengthen and support intercessory prayer ministry which shall be established in our parishes for purpose of seeking God’s favour on the people and the land, strengthening the Church through spiritual renewal and nurturing people in Christ, 2Chronicles:7:14 says “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land”
• The three fold ministries of preaching, teaching and healing of our Lord Jesus Christ shall be at the centre of the Diocese and we shall share the Gospel in schools, hospitals, prisons, homes and everywhere.
• We shall partner with the Provincial Missions Department, Life Ministry Uganda , Alpha Uganda, African Evangelistic Enterprise, Bible Society of Uganda, Fellowship of Christian Unions-Uganda (FOCUS), Scripture Union - Uganda , Words of HOPE - Uganda Radio Ministry, Compassion International - Uganda , and the neighboring Dioceses of Lango, Kitgum, Nebbi and Madi & West Nile, other ecumenical and para - church organizations.

4.2 Responding to Human Needs through Loving Service

Our Lord Jesus Christ did not only preach but healed the sick and fed the hungry. And in John 10:10, Jesus says “I came so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”

The Church should therefore lead the way in resettlement and rehabilitation of the people now returning back home. We shall do this through the Planning and Development arm of the Diocese.

We shall partner with Government, Non - Governmental Organisations, Acholi in the Diaspora (Kampala, UK, USA, Canada) and other institutions involved in the post war recovery programmes and implementation of Peace Recovery and Development plan (PRDP) of the people of Acholi:
• By improving food security, shelter and empowering the people to work hard and produce enough food for consumption and earning income.
• By supporting vulnerable groups like widows, orphans, elderly, disabled, war victims, formerly abducted children, prisoners and their families and people affected and infected with HIV/AIDS by providing them with basic services that will help them to recover and settle well.
• On health, there are many people who are sick and with physical and psychological traumas and wounds as a result of the war. We shall use our existing church health structures e.g. St. Phillip’s dispensary and other dispensaries and health facilities in the Diocese and improve them for effective health service delivery in collaboration with the Government Ministry of Health.
• On education, we shall take an active role in improving the quality of education by paying special attention to the welfare of teachers and pupils in schools. We shall collaborate with the School Management Committees and Parents Teachers’ Associations in order to improve their capacity to offer quality education and through our Education Department work towards improving performance levels and retention rates, and reducing on drop-out rate especially for the girl-child. This too will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders.

The Diocese will ensure spiritual development of our students by having well trained chaplains in all our schools. Refresher courses will be availed to those already serving as lay or ordained chaplains and school patrons.

We shall promote Adult Literacy for those who did not go to school or dropped out due to war.

And the youth who are unable to go back to school will be provided with skills that will enable them earn a living and support themselves.

4.3 Stewardship of the Earth and Environment

• We are the stewards of our bodies, our minds, our abilities, our time, our possessions, our environment and above all the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. God expects us to be faithful stewards of our lives and all that he has given us since we shall give account of our selves to him, (1 Corinthians 4:2, Romans:14:12)
• The war has affected our environment and ecological systems. In Genesis 2:15, God commands mankind to take care of the earth and its environment. We shall strive to encourage good practice of land use, tree planting, environmental conservation and all the resources that God has entrusted to us. Every Christian, every parish, every baptism and confirmation candidate will be encouraged to plant at least one tree.

4.4 Promoting Peace and Reconciliation

Although the war has ended it has left wounds and many conflicts among the people. As people return home, the issue of land is bringing conflicts, resulting in violence and blood shed. We all need to realize the need for one another, to quote Dr. Desmond Tutu “Differences are not intended to separate, and alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need of one another” LOOK AT RELIGION “Religion is like a knife; you can either use it to cut bread or stick in someone’s back,” Or FAMILY “ You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you as you are to them” OR PEOPLE “A person is a person through other persons. None of us comes into the world fully formed. We would not know how to think, or walk, or speak, or behave as human beings unless we learnt it from other human beings. We need other human beings in order to be human. I am, because other people are. “When we see others as the enemy, we risk becoming what we hate. When we oppress others, we end up oppressing ourselves. All of our humanity is dependent upon recognizing the humanity in others.”

We shall be involved in peace building, conflict resolution, dialogue, mediation, arbitration, conciliation and advocacy in order to have a peaceful and harmonious society. Romans 12:17-18 says “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

4.5 Institutional and Infrastructural Development

As a result of the war, the Diocese suffered and the Church infrastructure collapsed, leaving the Church with no source of income.
• We shall secure and update the Diocesan Inventory and legalize/document all Diocesan assets.
• We shall improve on Church workers welfare and working conditions.
• We shall build decent places of worship. Currently there are only five Church structures in the whole Diocese. Worship is done in classrooms, or under trees or in make shift structures. We shall endeavor to complete the Cathedral Project.
• Manpower development of both the Clergy and the laity will continue to be our priority. Besides Theology, we shall encourage Clergy to train in other fields like Law, Medicine, Business, Agriculture and Engineering.
• Completion of old Diocesan Projects like the Commercial Building on Olya Road and initiating new ones for income generation will be among our priorities.
• Resource Mobilisation and Accountability: There is need for adequate, timely and reliable funding in order to implement Diocesan planned activities. All other inputs required for the implementation of the plan depend on the quantity and timely flow of funds. The Diocese will take a proactive approach to attract funding partners by developing a comprehensive resource mobilisation plan and adapt its reporting mechanism to funding partners reporting requirements.

4.6 Partnership, Networking and Collaboration

• Advocacy to scale up service delivery will receive special attention in all annual advocacy activities. The Diocese will work with all partners to articulate issues likely to hinder the post conflict missionary work, resettlement and recovery. The Diocese will develop advocacy plans that adequately address the advocacy issues identified. Advocacy will be promoted in collaboration with other partners and advocacy workshops will be conducted for staff, partners and other service providers.
• The Diocese will seek every opportunity to network and collaborate with other missionaries in and outside Uganda for short term missionary work in the Diocese in order to effectively respond to the mission gaps created by the over 20 years of war.

5.0 Appeal

• To every Ugandan to unite for purpose, reconcile with one another for long lasting peace and development of our motherland Uganda .
• To the political leaders to be compassionate to all people, shun and reject such evils as nepotism, corruption and embezzlement and become peacemakers.
• To all in the civil and public service, to serve with the spirit of selflessness, servanthood and sincere heart so that Uganda “the Pearl of Africa” may shine and be a free, peaceful and prosperous nation.
• To the clergy, to join me in the extensive work and service to God’s people entrusted to our care. I can not work alone, we need to join hands with one another to enhance the greater vision for the Lord and His Church.

I appeal that we take the Gospel seriously and lead by example as we emulate our Lord Jesus Christ that we may at the end present the Church to Christ without defect, Ephesians 5:26-27.

6.0 Appreciation

I would like to appreciate and thank you all for your contributions and making this seventh consecration in the Diocese of Northern Uganda a success.

I particularly thank you your Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for accepting our invitation by his Grace the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda to be the Chief Guest at this important function in the lives of our people and Diocese in spite of your busy schedules. This is a clear demonstration of your love for God and the people of Acholi region. Thank you for honoring us, your Excellency.

Your Excellency, allow me also thank you for the effort you have put in bringing peace which is now prevailing in Northern Uganda , without which this function would not have taken place. May God bless you.

I would like to thank our Father in God, His Grace Henry Luke Orombi for presiding over this consecration and enthronement service together with all the Bishops present.

Special thanks and appreciation also go to the following:
• The House of Bishops for electing me as the Seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.
• The Diocesan Synod and the Nomination Committee for their selection.
• The Organizing Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. A. A. Ongom for the time, energy and resources you put in organizing this function.
• Mr. George Nyeko for coordinating the fundraising efforts in Kampala .
• The Acholi Parliamentary group for their contributions.
• Everyone who made generous contributions to this noble cause.
• His Grace the retired Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyooyo who requested for me and transfered me to work in Kampala Diocese.
• The Assistant Bishop, Dr. Zac and Mama Theodeore Niringiye, Bishop Elphaz and Mama Eunice Maari (retired), and all the staff of Kampala Diocesan with whom we worked till the time of my election as Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.
• Bishop Joel and Mama Joy Obetia for conducting us through the retreat and for allowing the Lord to use you today to speak to the nation.
• I would like to acknowledge and honour all the previous Bishops of the Diocese of Northern Uganda: Bishop K. Russel, Archbishop Silvanus Wani, Archbishop Janan Luwum, Bishop Benon Ogwal (who ordained me), and Bishop Gideon Allan Oboma (who mentored me).
• I would like to sincerely thank the retired Bishop Nelson Onono - Onweng and his wife Brenda for the hard work of shepherding God’s people during the difficult time of war and for the successful hand over the mantle of leadership of the Diocese. I would continue to treasure your support and any other advice we shall need from time to time.
• Bishop Macleod Baker Ochola II who wedded us.
• Bishop Benjamin and Mama Margaret Ojwang for the practical training I received from you and for the good recommendation.
• Rev. Modicum Okello and his family for your love and for nurturing me in the faith.
• The late Mzee Elario Akena and the Palenga Kana Clan for accepting me in the Clan.
• Rev. Canon Nicholas and Mama Santuriya Odongpiny for supporting me and my family while serving as a young Deacon in Kitgum.
• All the Clergy and Christians of the Dioceses of Northern Uganda and Kitgum for your support.
• All Staff and Students of Archbishop Janani Luwum Theological College (AJLTC) where I studied as one of the pioneer students and later taught, for the support.
• The Late Yosam Lutto and family who accepted to host us in their home when we were displaced by war in 1986.
• Mr. Johnson K. Nyeko and family who have continued to support our ministry.
• The Commissioner General of Prisons and all the Staff and Christians of Luzira Prisons who supported us in our ministry there.
• The Christians of Church of the Resurrection, Bugolobi Church of Uganda where I have been serving up to my election as a Bishop.
• My friends and partners from abroad; Bristol Diocese; Christ Church Overland Park, Kansas USA; Acholi London Christian Fellowship; Prof. Ted Shiner and his Late wife Nicki, who sponsored my Degree Course at Uganda Christian University, Mukono; Dick and Veronica Dewing, Hew and Jeannette Gregory Smith, Martin and Thalia Carr, Ray and the late Margaret Jones, Dr Daniel and Ruth Muthoni Muriithi
• My father, the late Mzee Leuben and Mama Jemima Amooti Kyenkya, my brothers Eng. Charles, Henry and Sunday, and my sisters Margaret, Lucy, Betty, Lydia and Dianah for prayers encouragement and support.
• My in-laws and relatives for the love, prayer and support.
• All the friends and well wishers and all the people of God gathered here today.
• And finally to my dear wife, Christine, who is a friend, helper, companion and mother of the children. Thank you for standing with me.
• To the children Atim Hope, Amony Faith, Lamwaka Charity, Lakica Grace, Agenorwot Patience and Kipak-Rwot Peace. Thank you for not letting us down. Please keep up the spirit. As a family God has called us to this high calling of service to His people, let us continually draw our strength from Him, “For he who calls you is faithful and He will do it” 1Thessalonians 5:24.

7.0 Conclusion

As I conclude, I request you to keep us in your prayers for the task ahead of us is enormous; but together we can build and restore the dignity and spirituality of our people and nation of Uganda .

In Joel 2:25-26 the Lord says “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God who has worked wonders for you; and never again will my people be ashamed.” We shall rise and shine again.
May God grant you safe journey mercies back to your places and give you grace.

Thank you.

God bless you all. Amen.

……………………………………………
THE RT. REV. JOHNSON GAKUMBA
BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF NORTHERN UGANDA , GULU

E. mail address

2009-12-29T17:34:00.002+03:00

Some of you asked me to post my e-mail address.
I have the following addresses

akenawilly@yahoo.co.uk
dnu@utlonline.co.ug

Happy New Year 2010

New Beginning in Northern Uganda

2009-12-21T20:35:00.004+03:00

Johnson now the Bishop of Northern Uganda.

Sunday, 20th December, 2009

By Chris Ocowun and Dennis Ojwee

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni yesterday said reconciliation is only possible if those causing trouble repent.

“Reconciliation is possible and desirable if the troublemakers repent. Salvation in the church is possible if the trouble makers repent.”

He was responding to calls for reconciliation by Gulu district chairman, Norbert Mao, at the consecration of Rev. Canon Johnson Gakumba as the 7th Anglican bishop of the diocese of Northern Uganda.

Mao had earlier remarked that Museveni and Olara Otunnu found themselves at the same place for the first time in over two decades, the last time being when they held peace talks in 1985.

“In this holy ground today, the President and Otunnu can call themselves brothers. This enthronement has brought together two people, Museveni and Otunnu who were moving in parallel directions,” he said.

Museveni in his response said as much as the church continues to call for reconciliation, it should also ask Kony and his LRA terrorists to repent the crimes they committed against the people of northern Uganda, Congo and Southern Sudan.

He assured the mammoth crowd that Kony had been defeated and the LRA had no capacity to return to Uganda.

“I want to reassure you that the current prevailing peace in northern Uganda is irreversible and Kony will never return to disrupt it.”

He added that since the LRA fled to Garamba National Park in eastern Congo, 309 fighters have been killed, 79 fighters reported, 35 were captured and 566 abductees rescued, together with their 33 children.

“Although Kony, Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen have not yet been killed or captured, they cannot come back again to fight. We shall get them there. Or they should better surrender, like Arop. There will be no danger for them if they surrender,” he said.

Museveni lashed out at some people in northern Uganda who keep referring to the LRA leader as ‘ladit’ (Luo for ‘sir’).

“A top killer like Kony, you call him ladit! Kony is a laneko (killer). Why should you call a terrorist ladit? No, Kony is not ladit because he is a terrorist who has been killing Ugandans for the last 20 years and he has not stopped or repented.”

The President said if anybody wants anything, all ways are spelt out in the Constitution but not through terrorism or threats. He also cautioned that the army has matured today and terrorism is out of the question.

Museveni said Mao, as a young politician, should stop running here and there but instead join him, as his father, and use yat ma tiyo (medicine that works) to find solution to problems.

He advised the people of Gulu to consolidate the current peace and fight theft of NAADS and NUSAF funds by reporting corrupt officials.

“I appeal to you to give information. You will get a lot of service. Gulu district alone gets sh27b annually while Amuru district fetches sh15b. This money can make a big impact in your life,” he said.

Museveni later pledged to help the people of Northern Uganda diocese construct their cathedral. He donated a new Pajero Mitsubishi vehicle worth sh110m to the new bishop for his pastoral duties.

The consecration of the new bishop was presided over by the Anglican Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke-Orombi, and assisted by all 34 Anglican bishops. Also present was the Catholic Archbishop for Gulu, John Baptist Odama.

More than 30 Bishops to attend the Consecration in Gulu

2009-11-24T22:51:00.004+03:00

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

2009-11-06T21:20:00.003+03:00

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.

LEADING THE WAY IN CHURCH TRANSITION

2009-10-21T21:53:00.004+03:00

Bishop Nelson, Bishop Elect Canon Johnson Gakumba and Brenda talking over tea.

Bishop Joel Obatia and Bishop Nelson shares light moment after the opening address at Emmanuel Cathedral Arua Thursday 15, 2009

By Rev. Willy Akena
The Bishop of Madi West Nile, Rt. Rev. Joel Obatia has commended Bishop Nelson for his exemplary leadership during this period of transition. Bishop Joel was on Thursday 15 October addressing members of staff from the Diocese of Northern Uganda who were in Madi West Nile Diocese for a three days retreat. The theme for the retreat is “Best approach to Transition”. The Bishop Elect, Rev. Canon Johnson Gakumba is being introduced to the staff and the activities carried out and plans for the coming years. The staff pledged their commitment to work with their new Bishop just like they did with Bishop Nelson. In his key note address, Bishop Joel said during transition, different reactions is expected, some people will be excited, others disappointed, and others just pull away. Bishop Joel said, “Nelson led the diocese during the most traumatic time” and that the New Bishop is coming at a time when Northern Uganda is entering into a new life. The bishop concluded by saying that the Diocese of Northern Uganda is leading the way in transition and that Madi West Nile should follow. On his part Bishop Nelson appealed to his brother bishops not to forget about the retired bishops. A total of 34 Staff attended this retreat

If he could touch inmates, he can touch the wounded north

2009-09-01T19:15:00.003+03:00

The story below appeared in the Observer of Wednesday 26 August 2009
Just to let you get information about our Bihsop Elect. A must read.

The Bishop Elect will certainly minister to people like this family in the picture

Interview

Written by Michael Mubangizi
Wednesday, 26 August 2009 22:37
If Rev. Canon. Johnson Gakumba had a choice, he would have voted someone else as Bishop of Northern Uganda Diocese, but the House of Bishops, considered the humble Gakumba the right man for the job.

The House of Bishops on August 8, 2009, elected Gakumba Bishop of Northern Uganda. He will be consecrated on December 20, 2009 at St. Philips Cathedral, Gulu replacing Rt. Rev. Nelson Onono Onweng.

Currently a Vicar at the Church of the Resurrection, Bugolobi Church of Uganda, Gakumba told The Observer, “I never expected it; in fact I prayed against it. There are people with Masters and higher qualifications than me,” says Gakumba who has a bachelor’s degree in Theology.

Because of that, Gakumba says he was hesitant to submit his CV and only yielded at the insistence of the Diocesan Secretary of the Northern Uganda Diocese.

“Serving as a Bishop in a place like Northern [Uganda] is not easy but I can’t betray the confidence of the House of Bishops and I am sure by God’s grace I will do the work.”

Gakumba likens his reluctance to be a Bishop to an aversion expressed by people like David, Moses, and Jeremiah who according to the Bible tried to evade God’s calling.

“I think it is human to always give excuses. You remember Jeremiah and Moses said they didn’t know how to speak.”

Although he has served in Kampala diocese for the last seven years, Gakumba says he has since his ordination been a staff of Northern Uganda Diocese where he was installed as a canon. Gakumba is a humble, soft-spoken man. During the interview, I had to be extra attentive not to miss a word because he spoke in low tones.

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Born in 1959 in Masindi, Gakumba lost his father at an early age and was raised by Mr and Mrs Leuben Kyenkya.
“My father died when I was young, I am unable to know how old I was when he died,” says Gakumba, who was hesitant to talk about his early life.

He however recalls that he started smoking at an early age copying Kyenkya (RIP) whom he kept referring to as his father during the interview. “He always sent me to light his cigarettes. That is how I became addicted to smoking to a point where I couldn’t sleep without smoking.”

Gakumba’s education was often disrupted because he lacked school fees. This explains why he has no ordinary level certificate. Because Kyenkya couldn’t afford fees, after his primary education, Gakumba went to Kenya with Kyenkya’s daughter who had offered to educate him there.

But this was never to be as she lost her husband in an accident which ended Gakumba’s academic pursuits.
Gakumba had to look for his school fees and upkeep. “That is how I resorted to all ways of surviving. I did all sorts of jobs including being a shamba boy in Kenya.”

It is this lifestyle that Gakumba says exposed him to, “moving out in discos, drinking, sexual immorality…” However this was short-lived as he got saved in 1979 which he says was a triumph over these vices.

JOINING PRIESTHOOD

He later returned with Rev. Modicum Okello, a priest from Northern Uganda who was a Deacon at St. Christopher Church (Nakuru-Kenya) where Gakumba served as a Sunday school teacher.
It was upon his return in Gulu that he joined priesthood.

He joined Archbishop Janan Luwum Theological College (Gulu) for a provincial certificate in Theology where he wrote an entry examination because he had no O level certificate.
His entry into priesthood was a dream come true.

“I wanted to be a pastor because I thought men of God are holy. I also wanted to put on a collar.” But after his years of priesthood, Gakumba says not all church ministers are holy.
“I have discovered that not all of them are holy. Some of them preach what they don’t practice.”

This has also been educative.
“It has taught me that no human institution is perfect, including the church.”
Gakumba also holds a diploma and degree in Theology.

Gakumba recalls serving as Deputy Principal at St. Janani Luwum Theological College Gulu when he only had a Diploma, to the chagrin of people with more qualifications.

In fact his degree programme was sponsored by some of the white tutors at the college, who were impressed by his work and wanted him to overcome that academic shortcoming.

NO CHILDHOOD DREAM

As kids grow up, they have childhood dreams but this wasn’t the case with Gakumba because of a difficult childhood.
“I was struggling to survive, meeting immediate needs, how could I have long term dreams? I had left that to chance.”

Gakumba however says because of his calm, peaceful, non-confrontational demeanour, people often said he would make a good pastor.
He adds that when he stopped joining colleagues for drinking sprees, some of them remarked rather prophetically, “leave him, he wants to be a bishop.”

Gakumba also talks of a lady who always addressed him as Rt. Rev., a prefix for Bishops, which he now holds.
“I never took them seriously but now I think people can prophesy. So there is power in tongues.”

After his ordination in 1984, he was posted to (All Saints Church Kitgum) as a deacon for one year. He has also served at Christ Church Gulu from where former Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo in May 2002 transferred him to Luzira Prisons as a Chaplain until his transfer to Church of the Resurrection Bugolobi Church of Uganda last year.

“Before my posting, people looked at being transferred to Luzira as a punishment but I left it attractive to serve in Luzira.”
He however admits its problematic preaching to inmates without offending them.

He was however consoled by Bible stories about prisoners, “we are all prisoners of sin that is why Jesus said, He would come to set captives free.”
Noting an unforgiving heart between inmates and people they allegedly wronged, Gakumba started a peace making course which he said yielded forgiveness between inmates and their accusers.

OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES

He says he will take this gospel with him to Northern Uganda where he foresees need for reconciliation.
He also says people need to engage in income generating activities to overcome poverty.
This is part of his challenges, “I will have to look after myself, my clergy and the flock who are poor because they have spent many years in camps.”

But he also sees opportunities in his posting. He says the restoration of peace and the displaced peoples’ return to their homes is an opportunity, “for evangelism and ministry.”

REFLECTIONS

So will he fit in out-going Bishop Onono Onweng’s shoes?
“I will go with my shoes. He has done his best and I will be judged after my tenure.”
Onono has in his numerous roles also been involved in the South Sudan mediated Juba peace talks under the Acholi Religious Leaders’ Peace initiative.

Gakumba says he is not new to the peace process. He says he was part of the religious leaders that formed the “Acholi for Peace and Reconciliation Movement” which transformed into the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace initiative.
Gakumba is married to Christine Oroma, the mother his six children.

Nicholas Kisakye, the Head of the Laity at the Church of the Resurrection Bugolobi Church of Uganda says they will miss Gakumba.
“He has been a wonderful pastor, a team player, a listener and problem solver.”

Kisakye adds that Gakumba identifies people’s gifts and talents and either advise them on how to exercise them or give them opportunity to use them which he says will make him a good Bishop.

Gakumba believes his deprived childhood has been a blessing in disguise.
“It has taught me to have a heart for the needy, orphans and to value people irrespective of their class.”

Looking at his journey from Shamba boy to Bishop, Gakumba is best placed to advise against judging people by their present stature.
mcmubs@observer.ug

Johnson Gakumba rises from orphanhood to bishop

2009-09-01T18:52:00.003+03:00

Picture by Rev.Willy Akena
I found this article in the New Vision of Wednesday, 19th August, 2009 . Thought you might be interested to read
Willy

By Dennis Ojwee

Humility and joyous disposition are the most outstanding characteristics that strike you when you first meet him.

The joyous reception he gives you leaves you with no doubt that he is indeed a man chosen by God to serve his flock.

Rev. Canon Johnson Gakumba, 49, is the bishop-elect of the Diocese of Northern Uganda (DNU), a top priestly position he never dreamed would be his, especially given that he grew up as an orphan.

Born on February 25, 1959 at Kiswata Village, Kihuba Parish in Masindi District, Gakumba was raised by the late Leoben Kyenkya after both his parents died.

Unfortunately, Kyenkya, who also died, will miss his adopted son’s consecration as bishop in December this year.

After his guardian’s demise, Kakumba stayed in Rev. Modicum Okello’s home, both at Mican in Gulu Municipality and later in the UK.

He returned to Uganda from the UK in 1980 and settled in Acholi sub-region, where he learnt to speak Luo fluently. Gakumba considers himself a true Acholi. He began life in priesthood in 1980 at Bobi Parish in Gulu Municipality, before his pastoral assignments at All Saints Church in Kitgum in 1984.

His first wife died in 2000, with whom they had four daughters: Hope Atim, a graduate of Makerere University, employed as a social worker, Faith Amony, Grace Lakica, now in S.4 and Charity Lamwaka. He married his second wife, Christine Oroma-Gakumba, an Acholi from Omoro County, Gulu in December 2001. The couple is blessed with two daughters: Ageno-Rwot and Peace Kipak-Rwot.

“I feel humble upon being elected bishop by the House of Bishops. This is a heavenly call and a big responsibility.

I have to commit myself to serving God and my people diligently with complete dedication, especially since they have suffered for over 23 years because of war,” says Gakumba.

As a young person, being an orphan never derailed him from being a dedicated Christian who kept his faith until he was baptised in 1974 at the age of 15. He was later confirmed as a true Christian believer and Soldier of Christ five years later in 1979.

He got born-again shortly after he had been ordained as a priest at All Saints’ Church in Kitgum Town Parish. Gakumba was the fourth Vicar of Christ Church Town Archdeaconry for two years from 2000 to 2002, where he launched his first development planning project of expanding the church premises.

He also served as the Chaplain of St. Francis Church, Luzira Government Prisons in Kampala Diocese in 2003.

His canonisation took place at St. Philip’s Cathedral in Gulu in 2007. From 2008, he served as Canon and Vicar of the Church of Resurrection-Bugolobi.

Gakumba promises cooperation with all the clergy who will serve under his spiritual leadership.

“I will work with the priests, the laity and all Christians to revive our diocese and restore the hope and faith of our Christians through God’s wisdom and blessings.

Let us, therefore, join hands in achieving this noble cause in order to please God and his people,” Gakumba says.

His consecration is slated for December 20, 2009 at Mican in Gulu Municipality, at which President Yoweri Museveni is expected as the chief guest.

Fact File
- 1997-2000: Bachelor’s degree in divinity at Uganda Christian University-Mukono
- 1991-1993: Diploma in Theology from Bishop Tucker’s Theological College-Mukono
- 1981-1983: Provincial certificate in theology from Archbishop Janani Luwum Theological College-Gulu Diocese
- 1977: Primary Leaving Certificate - Kyeema Primary School

Other responsibilities
- 1996-1997: Deputy Principal of Archbishop Janani Luwum Theological College
- 1995 -1996 college’s principal
- 1994-1997: Head of Lay Readers’
Training Programme in college
- 1984-1985: Assistant Vicar in All Saints Church in Kitgum
- 1983: Ordained priest
- 1980: Lay Reader at Bobi Parish-Gulu

Bishop Elect arrives in Gulu

2009-08-19T21:38:00.000+03:00

Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng whispering to the Bishop Elect Canon Johnson Gakumba during the informal service at Christ Church in Gulu

The Bishop Elect Rev. Canon Johnson Gakumba on arrival in Koro about 8 Kilometers from Gulu Town
THE BISHOP ELECT, CANON Johnson GAKUMBA ARRIVES IN GULU
B
usiness in Gulu town came to a stand still on Saturday 15, August 2009 as the Bishop Elect Rev. Canon Johnson Gakumba arrived in the town. A convoy of about 40 vehicles paralyzed the town, with brass band leading the procession into Gulu town. Jubilant crowd escorted the Bishop Elect along the Kampala- Gulu Highway. The over 8 Kilometers welcome was one of the unique events in the history of this town that had known only war for the past years. Thank God the prevailing peace has given people opportunity to regain their lost glory. The Acholi are well known for their cultural dances and making sweet ululations. While speaking to a mammoth congregation that assembled at St. Philips Cathedral on Sunday 16, August 2009, the Rev. Canon Johnson said he had lots of reservation in sending his curriculum vitae, until the Diocesan Secretary asked him if he wanted to be like Jonah in the Bible who wanted to run away from the mission placement to Nineveh.
Congratulatory Messages: On behalf of the clergy, the Diocesan Staff, Christians in the Diocese of Northern Uganda and on my own behalf, I congratulate you for your successful election of being the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda. Seven is a perfect number according to Jews and your ministry to the people will be a perfect one. Please be strong and of good courage (read Joshua 1:6-7) May God help you as you take up the new task assigned to you by our Almighty God. Yours sincerely in the Lord's service

Rev. Canon Ayela Okot O.L
DIOCESAN SECRETARY

Mothers Union:-Pwoc ma oa ki bot dul pa Mothers Union me Diocese. Bishop ma kiyero manyen, Rev. Canon Johnson Gakumba. Ma ka wang mon me Mothers Union me Kineno man, mukwongo wacwalo pwocwa bot Lubanga muketo polo ki lobo pi tic me aura ma en otiyo pi kineno man me yero in me bedo laneno manyen. Pwoc madit wacwalo boti Rev.Canon Johnson, pi ye lwongo ma Lubanga olwongi iye. Ladit, Lubanga aye ma ocimo in me bedo ma latic pi kineno man. I dongo I Gulu i cako kwan me tic pa Lubanga nio ka idoko ladit kanica. Amiti ami caden I komi, In lakwat maber ma to pi romi mere. I kare ma piny rac I lobo me Acholi in pe iloko ngeyi me ngwec, iye me too I kin romi meri, man onyuto mar, tek cwiny ki diyo cwiny pi lwaki ma I kineno man. Kwiri ni waneno I tic ma itiyo I Kitgum ki Christ Church. Lubanga pe cimo dano ata, ongiyo in matut ci omiyo owok ki bot jo ma gin gubolo nyingi, wapwoyo jo ducu me nomination committee, kacel ki ot pa luneno. Walego Lubanga me gwoki, medo ryeko, ki onyo gum I komi I kare me keti I kom. Deyo obed bot Lubanga. Amen. Vice President Mothers Union. Mrs Mary Ocan.
On my behalf and my family, on behalf of the assistant Vicars, Catechist, Church wardens/side women, parish council, mothers Union, youth, Sunday school teachers and the entire congregation of St. Philips Cathedral, I would like to sincerely congratulate you for being elected the 7th Bishop of this diocese. We welcome you and your family all heartedly. We pray to the Almighty God to protect, keep you and provide you wisdom to lead his people as Joshua did. God is with you. Be determine and courageous (Joshua 1:1-9). Vicar St. Philips Cathedral Rev. James Okoyo.
Dear Bishop Elect,
It was on Saturday August 8, 2009 when the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda elected you to be the seventh Bishop in succession in the Diocese of Northern Uganda.
On behalf of my family, the clergy, the laity, the entire Diocese and my own behalf, I heartedly congratulate you for being called as the chief shepherd.
I trust God the Father of Jesus Christ who by His grace and mercy has called you into church leadership in an area which has a history of revolt against the Government and has been a place of long rebellion will not leave you alone.
It is now approximately 20 years when the people began to return from exile. Your task is to restore the faith and prosperity of the people. The God of compassion will rescue the people from both political and spiritual oppression (Isaiah 14:1-2) and their restoration is like a new Exodus (43: 2, 16-19; 52:10-12)
Therefore the theme of “Highway" for the return of exiles is to be prominent in your leadership (Isaiah 40:3).
Now move on forward with the people like a school of fish in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Yours in His service,
Rt. Rev. Nelson Onono-Onweng
DIOCESAN BISHOP
Message from the Bishop’s Elect. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Thank you for the very ENCOURAGING message from you and the Clergy of DNU .I personally felt am not the best candidate God always uses the weak to a shame the strong. Since it is God who has called me out of the many to be an overseer I want to assure all the clergy and the Christians who still doubt that the Lord who has called us as family, is able and faithful and he will accomplish His mission through us .Our God does not make mistakes. I see myself as a team leader and servant not a LORD.
It is my prayer that the Lord will give us spirit of unity and love. The Bible says in 1 John 4:20 that "if any says he loves God, yet he hates his brother, he is a lier..." we can’t preach love which we don’t practice. As the chief shepherd my desire is that we shall be one. No one should feel excluded in Gods house .There is room in my father’s house.
Yes the tasks ahead are challenging but together working as team we can.
May God bless you and my love to all.
I look forward to coming home soon.
Yours in the Love of Christ
REV CAN JOHNSON GAKUMBA.
VICAR/BISHOP ELECT DNU.

Northern Uganda gets new Bishop

2009-08-09T22:16:00.002+03:00

The house of bishop elected the Rev. Canon Johnson Gakumba as the new bishop of the diocese of northern Uganda replacing Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng. The consecration and enthronement is set for December 20th 2009 at St. Philips Cathedral Gulu. Rev. Canon Johnson was a Vicar at Bugolobi church of Uganda in Kampala until his election.
Congratulations Canon Johnson

Rev. Willy Akena
DIOCESAN INFORMATION OFFICER
0772667334

In loving memory of Blandina Oboma

2009-07-12T11:26:00.004+03:00

Mrs Blandina Oboma died on 30th June, 2009 at 6:30 am at the age of 69. Burial took place at St.Philips Cathedral Gulu. Below is her Life History. She was suffering from Diabetic and Hypertension.

Life History of Mama Blandina Aceng Oboma
Her Parents
Mama Blandina Acheng Oboma was born on 1st January 1940 to Mr. Bulasio Okello of Atyak Pupwonya Gaya Parubanga.

Her life and Education
1950-1954 (P1-P4) she studied at Keyo Primary School while staying at Mr. and Mrs Ocacimo O Onyac who was the Headmaster of that School. They were well looked after together with other children.

1955-1956 (P5-P6) she moved to Atyak Pupwonya Church of Uganda Primary School and studied P5-P6 and sat the Primary Leaving Examination and passed very well and Mr. Sylvester Ayo Otogo was the Headmaster of that school.
1956-1957 She was admitted to St. Monica’s Girls’ Junior Secondary School where she studied junior secondary one and two.

1958 She studied at St. Hilda’s Teachers College for Women specializing in teaching infants. It was a one year course.
1959 She was posted to teach at Koch Goma Church of Uganda Primary School where she taught for one year. The Headmaster was A.O. Ociti 11. While there, she also taught some adults at Community Development. She taught Reading and Writing, etc.
1960-1961 As she had just been married traditionally to Gideon Allan Oboma, both of them were transferred to Namukora Church of Uganda Primary School. Gideon A. Oboma was appointed the Headmaster of the School.

20th June 1960 They wedded in Holy Marriage Matrimony at Namukora Church, officiated over by Rev. Eromiya D Ogony who was the parish priest of Omiya Anyima Parish which extended as far as Opari in Southern Sudan. Their matron was Miss Filda Adoch who was teaching at Akilok. She was then married to Silvano Oloya the late, who was also a school teacher. The best man was Mr. Wilson Kitara the late who was teaching at Omiya- Anyima Church of Uganda Primary School.

1962-1975 She taught at Atyak Pupwonya Church of Uganda Primary School where both of them were transferred.
1976-1982 Blandina taught at Gulu Primary School.

September 1982 She accompanied her husband and they went to Trinity College, Bristol, England where she studied for a Certificate in Theology.
1983-1984 They moved to Oak Hill Theological College in North London UK. She continued with her studies along side her husband. She studied Church History and other subjects. She also studied Mothers’ Union work.

June 1984 She returned to Uganda leaving her husband Bishop Gideon to continue with his studies at Oak Hill Theological College. She continued to teach in various ways. They started the first tailoring school in Gulu Together with Mrs. Rachael Obol the late.

1985-1987 The daughter of Canon Mac Baker Ochola 11, Joyce Adong died after abduction. Canon and his family were returning from Canada where he has completed his Theological Studies.

4th May another death occurred at the home of Bishop Gideon and his wife Blandina. Three members of their family were killed in cold blood. The three people were their son Barnabus Rwot Okonya who was in senior 3 in Gulu High School, Jacob Ocen and Pauline his wife. They died leaving Miriam a baby girl of only three months old.
May, 1887 The Archbishop at that time Dr. Yona Okoth arranged and airlifted us to Entebbe; first Gideon and some children, then later Blandina and some children of Bishop Canon Mac. Baker Ochola 11 who as the Diocesan Secretary at that time they were returning from Canada.

The Archbishop hosted Bishop Gideon and his family for three months after which they moved to Bishop Tucker Theological College where they were displaced for three years. The Bishop of Mukono diocese then the Rt. Rev. Livingstone M. Nkoyoyo allowed them to perform their pastoral ministry in confirmation services. Nkoyoyo later become Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.

1988 Mama Blandina and Bishop Gideon A Oboma attended the Lamberth Conference at Canterbury University in UK.
15th June, 1990 Mama Blandina and Bishop Gideon with their chidren returned to Gulu to continue with their pastoral ministry to the Diocese of Northern Uganda which was the entire Acholi sub region.

Mama Blandina A Oboma was elected Mothers’ Union President which she did for six years. They really worked very well covering the diocese. Together with the Mother’s Union Worker at that time, they are still remembered for what they did.
1993 They visited United Kingdom for some few months. They then visited the Mary Surmer House, the Headquarters of the Mothers’ Union in London UK.

November, 2008-March 2009 Blandina and Bishop Gideon visited United Kingdom. As the weather was bad Blandina was not quite well and she did not travel much. When they returned her health did not improve much.

On June 27th 2009 she spend a night in Gulu referral Hospital and on 28th June she was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor. There was no improvement on her health.
ON 30th June, 2009 at 6:30 am on St. Peter’s day, Mama Blandina went to her Lord and Saviour. She left behind four biological children, two girls and two boys and indeed many children whom she had been caring for.

She had been a very hard working, dedicated, faithful, loving, caring and friendly lady. She died in Christ and may she rise in glory. May Praise and Glory be to Him. Amen

Capacity Building at the Women Development Centre

2009-06-04T11:13:00.003+03:00

Apiyo Monica (L) and Adong Kevin Odwong are among those who have already reported for 2nd Term 2009
The Diocesan Secretary Rev.Canon Ayela Okot Othniel Labeja shortly after handing over a certificate of attendance to Ajok Joyce (R), Irene Ayo is looking at the certificate and the Chairperson Women Development Centre Mrs. Jennifer Buruto (L)
End of May updates from the Women Development Centre 2009
As part of capacity building at the Women Development Centre (WDC), a four days training on professionalism was conducted at the Diocesan headquarters. The training attracted all the tutors of the WDC. The facilitators Irene Can and Ojok Anthony came from St. Monica Centre in Gulu. The following key areas were covered: - Teacher’s Professional Code of Conduct and Criteria, Scheme of Work, Lesson plan and Assessment
While closing the training, the Diocesan Secretary Rev. Canon Ayela called upon the teachers to exhibit the highest level of professionalism in order to have a positive impact on the learners. “Teachers who practice what they teach gain respect from the students” The Rev Canon said. He cited an example of a teacher who used to command lots of respect, lost it miserably after his trouser felt off in front of the pupils due to drankardness. The affected teacher requested for transfer immediately, because of the embarrassment he was having.

There is plan to organize another training for the tutors in other areas. In another related development, second term opens Monday 25, May 2009 with low turn up in most school in the district. At the WDC, by Friday 30, May 2009 only 30 students had reported. When asked why some of the students have not yet come, one of the student, Apiyo Sunday said, “The current rain is affecting the turn up, with some student very busy in their gardens, preparing fields, planting, while others weeding”. Another student said the low turn up is due to inability to raise some of the requirement for personal effect.

Information reaching us is that Akello Vicky is not able to report early because she is nursing her child who got burnt during the holidays. The Head girl, Grace Anek lost a relative and still with the bereaved family. We still expect more students to report.

Graduation at Women Development Centre

2009-05-06T16:26:00.004+03:00

The Mothers Union Worker, Mrs Christine Abia hands over a new sewing machine to Akello Scovia upon completion of her course at WDC.

Like the disciples of Jesus Christ, the 12 students of the WDC hold their certificates

This is where we start from”, Apiyo Kevin excites Bishop Nelson with her display of her first product as year one at the WDC (dress made out of used cement bags) Brenda Onono and Mrs. Piramoi (Centre) taking their turn too.
Welcome to the latest update from the Women Development Centre (WDC) April/May 2009
By Rev. Willy Akena
“I AM EXCITED TODAY” “NOW I WILL BE ABLE TO LOOK AFTER MY SON”. SCOVIA ONE OF THE STUDENT WHO COMPLETED HER COURSE WAS HEARD SAYING AFTER RECEIVING THE SEWING MACHINE. SCOVIA COMPLETED HER ONE YEAR COURSE AT THE WDC. SHE WAS FORCED TO LEAVE SCHOOL IN PRIMARY SEVEN, AFTER A BOY MADE HER PREGNANT AND LEFT HER, A CHILD MOTHER

Updates from Women Development Centre

2009-04-07T16:58:00.008+03:00

The students enjoying their Lunch

On of the many meeting that took place at the centre

Staff and some students of the WDC pose for a photograph in front of the classroom. Front line from left: - Rev. Willy Akena(Co-ordinator), Christine Odyek(Matron), Margaret Odong Care Taker of Children), Hellen Omon(Tutor), Apiyo Lucy(Principal), Joyce Ajok(Tutor), Oryema Justine Odo (Tutor Designing)
Welcome to the Latest updates from Women Development Centre. April 2009
Christian greetings from the Women Development Centre!! First term for the new students is soon coming to an end. We thank all those who supported us during the initial period of opening of the centre. A number of activities were carried out namely; board meetings, interview and recruitment of new staff and Purchase of equipment for the new students.
With the help of God we have been able to maintain all the 63 Students who have joined the centre for the 2009 course. We have 12 students who are left with only two weeks to complete their course.
We also received a good second hand Motorcycle DT 125 UAC 477Y from the Diocese. A brand new one can cost about eight million Uganda shillings. Many thanks to the Diocesan authority and all those who supported us.Prayer items this month. 1. Pray that we may be able to get toys for the children of these mothers.
2. Pray that we may be able to get stipend for some of our staff.
God bless you and continue to pray with us.

Smile and Laughter in Northern Uganda

2009-02-27T18:54:00.009+03:00

By Rev.Willy Akena
There is Acoli saying, Gin caka pe moko odeyo, meaning what you are given each day has no impact. Yes, skill training is good but has little impact if you have no tools. It is like getting food stuff for a meal each day. But when you have a tool like sewing machine, your training would have some impact that is why Ajok Beatrice one of the victims of the Lord’s Resistance War says now she has a reason to smile after it was announced to her that she will benefit from a sewing machine fund. The fund is a direct involvement of Elsebeth Højgaard from Denmark who has a passion for the former war victims.
The news we have is that the students at the Women Development Centre will all receive a sewing machine upon completion of their training.
While speaking to the beneficiaries Elsebeth said her people in Kingos Church had contributed what they could so that others benefit. She challenged the former students to do like wise. “In the same way we want you to contribute what you have so that others will also benefit”. The idea is for the Old Students of WDC to contribute something small towards the cost of the sewing machines. What you will pay will go back to the sewing machine funds, and will be spent for purchase of sewing machines only. The contribution from Kingos Church pays for 75% of the total cost and the students are to pay 25%. This is a kind of Micro Finance Scheme, where you do not just receive something for free but you contribute and thus own it.
Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng appealed to the beneficiaries to make proper use of the machines. It is absurd to note that as a result of the peace prevailing in Northern Uganda some people have resorted to sleeping without doing serious work to support themselves. The Bishop cautioned the young ones to avoid having too many children as it leads to chronic poverty.

During the visit to the Women Development Centre, Elsebeth divided her time between interacting with the students and attending board meetings.

This year we have a total of 62 new students at the Centre. They are mainly child mothers, formerly abducted children some orphans and girls who are unable to continue with formal education because of lack of money to pay school fees.

The center is grateful to Elsebeth Højgaard, Kingos Church in Denmark, Danish Uganda Friendship Association (DUFA), the Mothers Union, Diocese of Northern Uganda of the Province of Church of Uganda and DANIDA for their support.

The WDC appeals to well-wishers to come in and support feeding of the students and payment of some of the staff who are not catered for in the DANIDA funding.

Let the child mothers together with their children benefit with your support to feed them. Remember, one by one makes a bundle. Thank you for your consideration to support us.

WOMEN DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, DIOCESE OF NORTHERN UGANDA, P.O BOX 232 GULU UGANDA, TEL: + 256 (0) 772 667 334, E-mail. dnu@utlonline.co.ug/akenawilly@yahoo.co.uk
Blogs: www.dioceseofnorthernuganda.blogspot.com

Northern Uganda leading from behind

2009-01-27T08:48:00.008+03:00

A team from Bristol visited Gulu recently. The visit came at a time when Bishop Nelson is saying bye bye to the Christians of the Diocese. The Rev'd Canon Stuart Taylor who has a heart for the people of Amuru accompany Bishop Nelson to Amuru Parish in the New District of Amuru. 147 Christians were confirmed and Canon Stuart baptized seven (7) children. Rev'd Philip Rowe, Rev's Chris Dobson and Walter Dirks joined Canon Stuart in Gulu for two days. They visited returned sites, camps and world vision. Amuru district emerged as the last in the recently released Primary Leaving Examinations. Out of the 92 District in the country Amuru led from behind. A sensible person may ask why? The obvious reason is the long war that has seriously affected this place. Other related reasons could be: - poor personnel, lack of interest by teachers, pupils and parents. Infrastructure is an obvious blame. Unless something is done now, the trend may not change easily. For the whole district to get only one first grade is a nightmare.

Harvest or something else

2009-01-27T08:38:00.002+03:00

Yesterday marked 23 years of Museveni's rule as our President. One of the key issue in his address was Northern Uganda. There is relative peace and people are returning to their homes. We pray the trend continues.
Below is an extract from the New Vision-government owned paper.
Willy

NEWS | January 26, 2009
UPDF parades rescued abductees
GRACE MATSIKO
Kampala

With Achayo, a three-month-old baby suckling from her breasts, Ms Jacqueline Apio, 21, is sandwiched between two UPDF soldiers and a young Sudanese girl.

Ms Apio looks pensive and uncertain about what the future and the four parentless girls who are under her care. Like Anek, who is one-and-half-years-old and Akello, one-year-old, Achayo lost both her parents on Friday last week. Her parents were part of a group of Lord’s Resistance Army rebel fighters who were killed on Friday by the UPDF in an area between Duru and Suke, in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo.

An abductee, only freed by the army last week, Ms Apio has taken the mantle of raising four children on her own. Despite the insurmountable challenge, apart from breast feeding her own daughter, Achiro, aged 1, Ms Apio is sharing her breast milk with Achayo.

Excited by camera flashes from a battery of journalists, Achayo stopped suckling from Ms Apio’s breast, licked her fingers and gazed at the reporters called to the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) headquarters in Kampala yesterday to witness the arrival of former LRA abductees, before she recoiled in her strange mother’s breasts.

One of the adopted children, Anek, is visibly distraught. She sustained a bullet wound on her left leg and is being treated by the army doctors, officials said. “Our soldier wanted to save Anek. He ordered her father to surrender but he refused. He held her with one hand while another held a gun. He wanted to shoot but the soldier shot him and the bullet that killed the father got her on the leg,” said Capt. Deo Akiiki, the publicist of the UPDF’s latest military offensive against the LRA, dubbed “Operation Lightning Thunder”.

Ms Apio, the four adopted children and the young Sudanese girl were flown from Dungu, the UPDF tactical headquarters in DRC to Kampala to be reunited with their next of kin, according to CMI chief Brig. James Mugira. “This is the horrific situation our people are exposed to by Joseph Kony,” said Brig. Mugira, as Achayo and Achiro competed for Ms Apio’s attention.

Apio said when the UPDF attacked their hideout, the rebel fighters ran away in disarray, leaving women and children helplessly behind. Speaking through an army interpreter because she could only speak Luo, Apio said she was abducted by LRA from Opit in Gulu in 2002. In the bush, she was forced to marry Lt. Okello Palutaka, who was among the 10 rebel fighters killed on Friday.

The army also paraded two LRA fighters, Sgt. Peter Okot and Sgt James Onen, who were abducted by the rebels in 1997 and 1995, aged 12 and 10, respectively. “We used the first month for planting and now we are harvesting,” Brig. Mugira, accompanied by the army and defence spokesman, Maj. Felix Kulayigye said.

He said among the captured equipment, rescued fighters and those taken prisoners, the UPDF is able to tell the financiers and collaborators of the LRA, even if he insisted he was not at liberty to disclose that information to the press.

LRA displace 70,000 in DR Congo

2008-12-05T15:39:00.002+03:00

Kony chatting with Rwot Acana as rebels watch in their jungle hideout
GENEVA, Switzerland - The World Food Programme said on Wednesday it is extending its humanitarian operations across the eastern DR Congo, including areas hit by a conflict involving LRA rebels.

“WFP is concerned about a humanitarian crisis unfolding in Orientale Province, in the far north-east of the DRC (around Dungu), where rebels from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have been attacking civilians and forcing thousands to flee their villages,” the organisation said in a statement.

“WFP is preparing to assist about 70,000 people who have been forced from their homes and live in fear of their children being abducted by the LRA,” it said.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced in the two decades of fighting between the LRA and the Ugandan Government.

The area around Dungu is extremely difficult to reach because of both insecurity and impassable roads, so the WFP said it was opening a strategic air bridge between Dungu and Entebbe in Uganda which it would also make available to other aid agencies.
“There is also a possibility of using air drops to provide much-needed food assistance,” the agency said.

Across the whole of the eastern DRC, including Nord-Kivu province which has seen heavy fighting between government troops and rebels led by ex-general Laurent Nkunda, the WFP said it has delivered food to about 564,000 people in November.

LRA leader Joseph Kony failed to turn up on Saturday to sign an overdue peace agreement aimed at ending the two-decade-long civil war in the north.
A signing ceremony was to be held in Ri-Kwangba, a jungle town in southern Sudan, for the LRA leader to ink the deal finalised in April and already signed by the Government.

Civil and religious leaders travelled to Ri-Kwangba hoping Kony would turn up to sign the peace agreement.

Orombi concludes Northern tour

2008-12-04T08:56:00.004+03:00

Bwola dancers at Bungatira in Ajulu Archdeaconry
Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi holding one of the many gifts during his pastoral visit to the Diocese

Anglican Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi has decried the rampant land wrangle in Northern Uganda. He said the problem is worst in Amuru district where he visited for three days. Delivering a sermon at Christ Church on Sunday, Archbishop Orombi appealed to the public to help political leaders find amicable solution to the land wrangles. He also caution the Acholi against selling the land saying the land has been given to them by God for them and future generations to live in. He said many people had learnt that the Acholi land is fertile and therefore need a piece of it. He warned the rich not to provoke the situation by wanting to buy big chunk of land. Archbishop Orombi concluded his pastoral tour of the Diocese of Northern Uganda on Sunday 30, December 2008

Meanwhile Archbishop Orombi has tasked the Northern Diocese Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng to explain why he was never received with royal bwola dance during his visit except in Bungatira.
Archbishop Orombi said Acholi have the best traditional dance and music in Uganda and was surprised to note that he was not welcome by Bwola dance during his visit. Bishop Nelson referred the question to Archdeacons of Keyo Rev. J.P Nyeko and Rev. Oyet William Willies who explained that it is pagan way to use local dance and songs.
Archbishop Orombi who is a guitarist himself appealed to the clergy to unbind the Christians to let them use sanctified local songs and dances to worship the Lord.

Clerics in New Uniform

2008-11-20T08:35:00.003+03:00

The General Secretary Bible Society of Uganda Mr. Henry Kalule hands over a clerical shirt to Rev. Jane Toodera

Henry Kasule, Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng and Rev. Joyce Lakot, members of the Bible Society and Clergy of the Diocese of Northern Uganda pose for a general photo after receiving the clerical shirts

As preparation for the visit of the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda gains momentum, the clergy of the Diocese of northern Uganda got a morale lifting when a delegation from the Bible Society of Uganda donated Clerical Shirt to all of them; both retired and in active service.
The General Secretary Bible Society of Uganda Mr. Henry Kalule who led the team said “We as members of the Bible Society decided to offer the little we could to support our brothers and sisters in this diocese”
The clergy appreciated the gift and pledge their commitment in spreading the good news of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. They thanked Bible Society for demonstrating practically the Good Samaritan today. They also said the clerical shirts would make them appear very smart in front of the Archbishop who is scheduled to visit from November 24-30, 2008

IDP close

2008-11-11T17:44:00.002+03:00

Following the relative peace that has been enjoyed by the people in northern Uganda for the last two years, a good number are returning to their original homes. According to a survey carried out by the District recently over 80% have returned to their home in Gulu District. It has also been found out that those who are not able to support themselves are still in the camps the category includes; orphans, widows, disable as well as old people.
In another related development, some of those who were in the Lord's Resistance Army are finding life difficult, some of them cannot go back home for fear that the community may not accept them. Part of the reason for this negative feeling is based on some accusation of being involved in abduction in own village during the war. One of those I spoke to told me “our land has been taken away by some people I fear to argue with them"

Reports from Kitgum say, District authorities last week launched the phase-out of the internally displaced people’s (IDP) camps. This was to facilitate people’s return to their original homes. Speaking at the launch at Labongo Amida IDP camp in Chua County, the deputy resident district commissioner, Sylvester Opira, said the phase-out followed assessment and recommendations by the district disaster management committee. “In Amida camp, over 80% of the population has already left the camps near their home villages. The remaining 20% comprises the elderly, disabled and children,” Opira said

ICC inquires on Congo’s Kony pursuit

2008-10-24T09:04:00.000+03:00

New Vision Thursday, 23rd October, 2008

By John Odyek

THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has asked for the steps the DR Congo has taken in pursuing the indicted leaders of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

In 2005, the ICC sought for the arrest of the LRA’s top leaders who were hiding in the DR Congo’s Garamba National Park.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ICC stated that it needed the information by November 17.

Kony and his top commanders have been indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“On September 27 2005 the requests for (the) arrest and surrender of Joseph Kony, Vincent Otti, Okot Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen, were submitted to the DR Congo, following information from Uganda that the LRA had been based in that country for more than three years, specifically in Garamba National Park,” the statement read.

The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber II noted that Article 87 (7) of the Rome Statute, provides that when a state party fails to comply with a request to cooperate, the Court may make a finding to that effect and refer the matter to the Assembly of States Parties.

“The Chamber ordered the Registrar to promptly transmit the request to the Government of the Congo,” the statement read.

Uganda referred the situation to the court on January 29 2004. The ICC prosecutor opened an investigation on 29 July 2004.

A Conservative-led resolution calling for Uganda to resume its efforts to bring Kony to the ICC was passed on Tuesday by the Members of the European Parliament at a sitting in France.

The resolution, authored by a member of UK’s Conservatives and a Member of the European Parliament, Nirj Deva, is critical of Uganda’s halting of efforts to capture Kony.

The warlord is accused of 33 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes. “Peace and reconciliation cannot be achieved for the LRA’s victims until Kony stands in the dock and answers the allegations.

The Ugandan government and other governments in the region, especially the DR Congo must step up efforts to capture Kony and deliver him to the ICC, which will decide whether it is appropriate for him to stand trial in Uganda,” Deva said.

The UN estimates that the LRA has kidnapped 20,000 children in the past two decades, turning the boys into soldiers and the girls into sex slaves.

In April, Kony did not appear to sign the final peace deal in South Sudan.

Wanted gang leader surrenders

2008-10-02T16:27:00.002+03:00

Simon Wokorach the self-styled leader of the Tumbafu (Group of the stupid) unit that has allegedly been leading strikes in schools, terrorising teachers, raping schoolgirls and threatening the returned communities, surrendered to the Gulu district authorities through the Rev.Willy Akena on Wednesday 24, September 2008.
Wokorach, who has been on the list of the wanted persons by the security in Northern Uganda, came out of his hideout at the Sudan-Uganda border where he had taken refuge. Wokorach dropped out of school in 2005 due to lack of school fees and resorted to these dirty activities. He has been granted scholarship by Invisible Children for his education up to University. We have so many young people like Wokorach who drop out of school due to inability to raise fees and other scholastic requrements.

NETSFORLIFE LAUNCHED

2008-08-14T09:17:00.003+03:00

strong>Marching during the launch of the NETSFORLIFE

Rev. Solomon Okeny climb the motorcycle as Norbert Mao (R) looks on

The Diocese of Northern Uganda together with Standard Chartered Bank on 9th August 2008 launched the NETFOR LIFE at Kaunda ground Gulu.
The Gulu Local Council Chairman V Norbert Mao while officiating at the launch thanked the Church for spearheading provision of social services in addition to preaching the word of God. Mao Said “A good number of schools and health centres in the district are church founded”. He applauded the church for being agents of giving instead of always receiving, saying there is more blessing in giving than receiving.

Mao appealed to other Bank to emulate Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) by giving back to the community. Mao illustrated the importance of giving by saying in the Middle East there are two water bodies: - the sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, both seas receive water from the same source-river Jordan but only Sea of Galilee gives out and that is why it remains fresh unlike dead sea that only receives but does not give out thus remain dead. Therefore it’s more blessing to give than receive. He therefore said Standard Chartered Bank will grow because of giving back to the community. He called upon other banks to emulate SCB

The Representative of the Chief Executive Officer Standard Chartered Bank said there are 300 million cases of malaria in the world, 90% of deaths from malaria, every 30 seconds, an African child dies of this disease, it costs Africa more than USD 12 billion a year in terms of lost GDP and currently there are no vaccines for malaria and none are expected in the foreseeable future.

The CEO representative said that based on these facts , at its board meeting on 22nd November, 2005 the community Partnership for Africa (CPA) Board approved an Africa region community partnership project supporting the distribution of 1 million specially treated bed nets for the next 3 years in 17 African countries, Uganda being one of them. He furthered said Standard Chartered Bank’s (Group) is committed towards the project to provide funding of USD 1 million towards the project over a period of 3 years (2006-8) or around USD 350,000 each year and leading the marketing and communication work stream.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, Nelson Onono-Onweng said the Diocese is aware of the danger of malaria, HIV/AIDS, and life threatening Hepatitis E that has claimed the lives of so many people in Northern Uganda and committed in implementing life saving programs like malaria prevention by using all possible means to educate the community on the prevention of the communicable diseases using non cost means. The Bishop said one of the roles of the church is to heal her people both spiritually and physically.

Standard Chartered Bank pledges their support in the implementation of NETSFORLIFE.
A total of 6500 pieces of mosquito nets, 10 bicycles and a motorcycle were handed over to the Diocese of Northern Uganda.

The target group for the nets will be: - children under 5 years of age, pregnant women and the elderly and chronically sick (people living with AIDS)

Government forgives top Kony rebel

2008-08-06T16:17:00.003+03:00

Dr.James Obita

Government forgives top Kony rebel
Tuesday, 5th August, 2008

Dr. James Alfred Obita
By Milton Olupot and Charles Ariko

THE former leader of the LRA peace team in Juba, Dr. James Alfred Obita, was yesterday granted amnesty after 22 years of fighting the Government.

Obita said he returned because he believed in what the Juba peace agreement had achieved.

“After the peace talks, I thought I would set an example. My returning is not a betrayal (of the LRA cause). It is time to come back home,” he said.

Together with five others, two men and three women of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Obita received his amnesty certificate from the chairman of the Amnesty Commission, Justice Peter Onega, at the commission headquarters in Kampala.

The former ADF fighters included Silver Mumbere, Fatuma Nakajubi, Hanifa Nalukwago, Sularia Nakimera and Abdlazak Bassajja. They looked well nourished and smartly dressed.

Obita raised the number of LRA rebels who have benefited from the amnesty to 12,841, since the establishment of the Amnesty Commission in 2000. A total of 22,921 fighters from various rebel groups have benefited from the amnesty.

“My word to you is that you are welcome back to Uganda. Help us convince the others to come back home. The choice you have made is a correct one. Wherever you go, home will always be the best,” Onega told the six former rebels.

Onega, flanked by commissioners Ganyana Miiro, Thomas Kisembo and Grace Ociiti, explained that the amnesty exonerates them from any crimes they committed during the rebellion.

“I have always said this country is ours and everybody has a right to live here. If we have any problems, we can solve them here. I can assure you that after the grant of amnesty, you will be free people. Feel free and you are welcome to start life afresh,” he said.

A beaming Obita, clad in a grey, striped suit, commended the commission and pledged to work with Onega to help woo LRA fighters out of the jungles and end the 22-year-long war that has ravaged the north and eastern parts of the country.

“I will use my presence here to convince those still in the bush to return home. I will be the commission’s ambassador,” he said.

He added that the commission should be strengthened and facilitated to look after returnees.

The six received packages, including a mattress, jerrycan, two saucepans, a plastic cup and plate, a hoe, packets of beans and maize seeds and sh263,000 each.

Obita said President Yoweri Museveni had directed the internal affairs permanent secretary to help him recover $2m (about sh3.5b) that he lost when the Government froze his Uganda Commercial Bank account in 1987.

Obita said he was convinced that the Juba agreement was good and achieved what the guns could not achieve. He blamed some Ugandans both at home and in the Diaspora for misleading the LRA leader, Joseph Kony, not to sign the final peace agreement.

Obita said he wanted “to sort” himself out shortly before he could travel to his home district of Kitgum.

Commenting on the LRA former commanders, who returned through the DR Congo and are reportedly still held by security agencies, Onega said after receiving amnesty, there was no justification for detaining the former rebels.

“We were surprised when we received the information that some of these ex-rebels were being kept by security agencies. If you receive amnesty, that means you are free. If there are any other charges then they should be taken to court. Let this not confuse the public that when you get amnesty, you get detained.”

Who is Obita?
- Obita has been with the LRA for the last 22 years.
- He worked for the external wing of the LRA, based in Nairobi and London.
- Was the LRA spokesperson in the mid-nineties and later secretary for external affairs and mobilisation.
- In 1988, he fell out with LRA chief Joseph Kony, who accused him of trying to make money out of the LRA cause.
- Was re-appointed as technical adviser to the LRA peace team in Juba in 2006.
- Obita replaced David Matsanga as chairman of the LRA team in Juba on April 10 2008.
- He applied for amnesty in July 2008.

LRA top official seeks amnesty

2008-07-31T16:36:00.000+03:00

Wednesday, 30th July, 2008

By Fortunate Ahimbisibwe

JAMES Obita, the former leader of the LRA delegation to the Juba peace talks, has applied for amnesty with the Uganda Amnesty Commission.

Obita, who was sacked as head of delegation by LRA leader Joseph Kony last month, confirmed that his amnesty application had been accepted.

“I have been told go to the Amnesty Commission and receive a certificate. I am so happy to be back home as a citizen,” he told The New Vision on phone yesterday.

His decision, he explained, was to demonstrate goodwill on the part of LRA members who were still in Garamba.
“This is not betrayal to the LRA. I still support the LRA and I will encourage them to sign the peace agreement and others to seek amnesty.”

The move, he hoped, would convince others who were still in the bush. “My decision will re-assure the LRA that amnesty is real and anyone can benefit,” Obita said.

“Some of the combatants had been misled to think that they will be arrested or tortured once they get amnesty. But when I informed them that I had been granted amnesty, there was a lot of hope and excitement.”

Obita, a businessman and lecturer in industrial chemistry, was optimistic that a final peace agreement would be signed by Kony.

“In my belief, the Juba peace process has ended successfully and it is just a matter of signing the agreement,” he stated.

“The issues that are still pending will be resolved once the LRA has understood some aspects of the agreement. That is why I decided that, after 22 years, I should come back home and stop fighting.”

For over 10 years, Obita has been working for the external wing of the LRA, based in Nairobi and London.
He was the LRA spokesman in the mid-nineties and later became the secretary for external affairs and mobilisation.

In 1998, he fell out with Kony, who accused him of trying to make money out of the LRA cause.

He was brought back in December 2006, when he was appointed technical adviser to the LRA peace team.

Obita replaced David Matsanga as head of the LRA delegation on April 10, the day Kony failed to show up to sign the comprehensive peace agreement. However, Matsanga was reappointed on June 6.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the LRA leadership, scheduled to take place yesterday and today, flopped because Kony’s demands for food, water and medicines had not been met, according to a letter from Matsanga to the chief mediator, South Sudan vice-president Riek Machar.

“The LRA high command directed me to point out to the world that without food supplies to the assembly area, the meeting in Ri-Kwangba on July 30 and 31 will not take place,” the letter, dated July 25, read.

Matsanga further called upon the international donors to continue funding the Juba secretariat, warning that failure to do so would jeopardise the peace process.

“The Juba peace process is under siege and there is a danger of it collapsing due to the lack of funding from the donor community,” he wrote.

He called upon the US and EU countries, especially Norway, Britain and Denmark, to review their policy on the Juba peace process.

The donors stopped funding the process following Kony’s refusal to sign the agreement. There was also growing concern about the lack of transparency in the spending of the Juba peace initiative funds, estimated at $15m.

Food supplies by Caritas were stopped recently after it became clear that the fighters were not assembling in Ri-Kwangba, as was required.

Instead, the food was collected and carried to Kony’s hide-out in eastern Congo, with some reports saying it was being sold.

Matsanga’s letter echoes an earlier appeal for more funds by the mediator, Riek Machar, which was sent to the UN Security Council through special envoy Joaquim Chissano.

In a 12-page letter, dated June 16, Machar pleaded with the international community to provide appropriate funding for him and his secretariat to “ensure a stronger and more effective response in implementation”.

Govt rules out compensation for the north

2008-07-15T11:02:00.001+03:00

New Vision
Monday, 14th July, 2008

By Josephine Maseruka

THE Government will not compensate the people in northern Uganda for property destroyed during the 22-year LRA war. The property includes houses and degraded land.

“It is sheer madness to think that we shall compensate people for such claims,” the disaster preparedness minister, Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, told Parliament on Thursday.

Okello Okello (UPC) had asked whether there were any plans to compensate those whose land had been degraded due to the establishment of internally displaced people’s camps and army detachments.

Kabwegyere was appearing before the committee on presidential affairs together with Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi and other ministers in the premier’s office to defend their policy statement.

Kabwegyere argued that the displaced had to be resettled somewhere because “we could not have put them in the sky.”

But Okello Okello claimed that the army bombed areas to threaten the people out of their residences, forcing them to flee to the camps.

However, disaster preparedness state minister Musa Ecweru said the camps were built where the army could provide adequate security and the people went there voluntarily.

“We never woke up one day and decided to set up camps. I hate such lies and that is why I left the UPC.”
Okello Okello retorted: “The UPC never put people in camps. Camps are an innovation of the NRM. Now since you left, can you return our card?”

Information minister Kirunda Kivejinja said under the compensation law, one is paid the value of what they lost. He added that the burden of payment must be shared by the LRA rebels and the Government.

Kabwegyere said the camps and army units were set up in open spaces.
In a recent study on land in the north, 73% of 1,119 respondents backed compensation.

Another war in Northern Uganda

2008-07-15T10:16:00.002+03:00

As the LRA war gains momentum to end, we are yet faced with another war and this time it is no longer using expensive weapons but the simple so called love or lust. Although recent figures indicates that in the northern region the HIV prevalence rate is 8.3 % while the county figures is at 6.4 % , HIV is posing serious threat to human life in Northern Uganda. Recently Northern Uganda Malaria AIDS and Tuberculosis (NUMAT) in partnership with World Vision organized a sensitization workshop for clergy of the Diocese of Northern Uganda. During the workshop participants were asked to change their attitudes towards HIV and AIDS and avoid stigmatizing those who are found to be HIV positive. For some years now the Abstinence, Be faithful and Condom (ABC) strategy have been applied with some commendable results. But the Church’s position is that Condom can not be advocated for, may be the church should rethink. Another strategy adapted is Safer practices, Access to treatment, Voluntary counseling and testing and Empowerment (SAVE). The biggest challenge in Northern Uganda is access to treatment, even those who are living with AIDS finds it extremely difficult to first of all afford the antiretroviral drugs. According to Dr. Alex Coutinho who was one of the facilitator, the key drivers of HIV epidemic in Uganda 2007 are:-

• Narrow messaging
• Ignorance of HIV status
• Multiple concurrent partnerships
• Discordant relationships
• Lack of circumcision
• Urbanization
• Conflict
• Gender disparities in “bedroom empowerment”

When it comes to prevention, the vulnerable are key BUT important groups to target include:
MEN – who control most prevention decisions, HIV+ - to practice POSITIVE PREVENTION, GLOBAL LEADERS – to keep investing in current and future prevention approaches.
PUBLIC – to keep advocating for more prevention investments.
The next step after this workshop is for World Vision to sign Memorandum of Understanding with the Diocese of Northern Uganda, thereafter work together in this struggle. Your contribution is most welcome.

Celebration of ten years in Ministry

2008-05-20T15:35:00.006+03:00

Bishop John Charles Odurkami of Lango Diocese, Bishop Nelson and family cut a cake to mark 10 years in ministry

“Time has come for Bishop Nelson to leave the Cathedral and go home to look after animals ” This was said by the Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere during the celebration of a Decade of Episcopal Ministry by Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng on Monday May 12, 2008 at St. Philip’s Cathedral.

The minister called upon the Acholi to follow the example of Bishop Nelson who is always calling people to go home. The Minster said time had come for Bishop Nelson to leave the Cathedral and go home to grow crops.
Bishop John Charles Odurkami of Lango Diocese, Bishop Nelson and family cut a cake to mark 10 years in ministry “Bishop Nelson will be out of the Cathedral where he has been for 10 years to the village where he can grow food and live a normal life”. Kabwegyere said
The minister said Bishop Nelson himself will be an example to all. He has been calling people to go home now not only metaphysically but physically.

Bishop John Charles Odurkami of Lango Diocese who was the main celebrant said a bishop cannot work alone. Incase of errors all the clergy and Christians must be held accountable and accept.
Bishop Charles cautions the clergy of the Diocese of Northern Uganda from campaigning to become the next Bishop.

Bishop Nelson commended all who supported him during his tenure of office.

Future of Children

2008-04-22T17:13:00.003+03:00

Two heads are better than one: The Municipal Education Officer Mr. Omona Darlington Akongo (L) exchange ideas with Elsebeth Højgaard during the graduation ceremony. Photo By Willy Akena

Women Development Centre Graduants welcome the Guest of Honour. Photo by Rev.Willy Akena

Ululations filled the air in the Diocesan Headquarters as 73 graduants from Women Development Centre complete a one year course in tailoring. While officiating the function the visiting Danish national Ms Elsebeth Højgaard applauded the girls for enduring. “I want to thank you for the warm welcome, wonderful performance and for making it to your graduation”. Elsebeth said.
Two heads are better than one: The Municipal Education Officer Mr. Omona Darlington Akongo (L) exchange ideas with Elsebeth Højgaard during the graduation ceremony.Elsebeth congratulated the girls for their determination despite the many challenges that they faced before and during their training. She said in her country- Denmark people are not suffering like those in Northern Uganda because of a very strong social system in place. Elsebeth was blissful to note that although people here are suffering the spirit of togetherness is very strong unlike in her country where so many people are lonely. Elsebeth concluded by urging the girls to make proper use of the friends that they developed while at school and be creative in order to have a future.
Representing the Municipal Education Officer was Mr. Darlington who challenged the Mothers’ Union to explore more opportunities for the girls instead of the traditional tailoring course being offered. Darlington said “I appeal to the Mothers’ Union to look beyond the Tailoring training being offered” “Time has come for us to diversify the training obtainable to include: - Computer skills, Human Rights, Peace Education, and Business skills among others.
One of the Girls who graduated could not hide her joy, she said “Today I have started the road to self reliance I can now see a future for my children”
The four best students were given sewing machines for kick starting their professional life.
The girls were issued certificate.

Kony delays to sign the deal

2008-04-11T13:14:00.003+03:00

As we move towards the end of the peace talk, the road needs patience, let us learn from the two big wings in the picture, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda(L) and Riek Machar(R).

By Milton Olupot
in Ri-Kwangba, Sudan

LRA chief Joseph Kony yesterday refused to sign the final peace agreement, demanding clarification of two issues in the document.

Kony wants more explanation on mato-oput (Acholi traditional justice) and the operation of the special division of the High Court that is to prosecute rebel fighters, chief mediator Dr. Riek Machar told journalists at the Congo-Sudan border town of Ri-Kwangba, the venue for the signing.

“It looks like we are not going to have a signature today,” Machar announced late in the afternoon as dignitaries waited in the bush for Kony’s arrival.

Speaking through his main man Nyekorach Matsanga, Kony said he could sign the document today or tomorrow once he is clear on the two issues. Kony, who was said to be in the vicinity, had travelled from the Central African Republic where he recently relocated.

Machar immediately dispatched Acholi traditional and religious leaders along with Matsanga to meet Kony in the Ri-Kwangba bushes and brief him.

The two sides have already agreed that “minor crimes” committed by rebels during the war be tried under mato-oput and “serious crimes” by the special High Court division.

“If Kony requires an explanation, that’s absolutely legitimate. We are happy he is willing to continue dialogue and seek clarification because it’s a matter that deals with his fate,” said the chief government negotiator, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.

No one should be blamed for Kony’s delay to sign the peace agreement, he noted, because both sides had played their part.

“It’s our target to get total peace. The peace process is advancing.”
Rugunda’s deputy at the talks, international relations minister Okello Oryem said by braving the forested region from the CAR, Kony had demonstrated his commitment to peace.

A white tent with plastic chairs and tables will serve as the venue for signing ceremony when, or if, Kony shows up today.

Diplomats, opposition leader in Parliament Prof. Ogenga Latigo, Acholi parliamentary group chairman Okello Okello and several Acholi, Lango and Teso MPs were among the assembled guests.

When Machar announced Kony’s decision, a huge dull cloud hung over the remote Ri-Kwangba village where security was tight.

LRA fighters stood guard with their AK 47 assault rifles. The Sudan Liberation Movement Army soldiers took care of the guests.

Kony, Okot Odhiambo and Domonic Ogwen are indicted at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Signing the peace agreement could save them from the trial.

The Government promised to ask the ICC to drop the case and allow mat oput and the local courts try the rebels. But, the ICC insists the warrants are valid.

Kony upsets Acholi leaders

2008-04-04T10:49:00.002+03:00

Children beleived to be with Kony up to now. FIle Photo

ACHOLI leaders have asked LRA leader Joseph Kony not make it a habit to continue giving excuses to postpone the signing of the final peace agreement.

“We have to exercise patience but Kony should also stop postponing the signing,” Gulu LC5 chairman Norbert Mao said on Wednesday.

“Many of us were disappointed with the abrupt message of extension up to April 14 because this is the second time they are delaying the process.”

Since Kony was the one who requested for the peace talks, Mao added, he must demonstrate that he was serious by personally signing the final peace agreement.

The chief LRA negotiator in the Juba talks, David Matsanga, on Tuesday said Kony would not be able to make it from Garamba forests to Ri-Kwangba, where he was due to sign on April 3. He suggested April 10 as the day Kony could sign.

“We agreed to keep our fingers crossed and avoid speculation about the failure by Kony to sign the final peace agreement on April 3 as planned,” noted Kenneth Oketta, the prime minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi.

“And this should not create a lot of anxiety among the people. Let’s avoid speculation which may derail the whole peace process and wait until it has been confirmed that Kony will not sign because so far, five agreements have been signed and this is the only one left,” he added.

Samuel Oduny, an elder in Gulu, observed that Kony was unpredictable, adding that it was not the first time he was “playing games.”

“Right from 1994 to date, Kony has not shown seriousness in peace talks. I have no hope for these talks. If he signs, well and good but I doubt,” he stated.

But the Gulu resident district commissioner, Col. Walter Ochora, explained that he got communication from the Central African Republic (where Kony is reportedly living) that the rebel leader was moving towards Ri-Kwangba, to append his signature on the peace agreement.

According to the RDC, the only rebel commander who had reached Ri-Kwangba was Abudema, adding that there had been poor coordination between Kony and members of the peace team on the date of signing.

Kony, Ochora advised, should have told Matsanga the exact date when he would be ready to sign “other than keeping people on their toes.”

But the district youth chairman, Christopher Omara, appealed to Kony to release all the children, expectant and breast-feeding mothers to show his committment to the realisation of peace.
By Chris Ochowum

Northern leaders for Juba meet

2008-03-25T16:11:00.003+03:00

Bishop Nelson probably points towards home, Kony is expected to come out after the signing of the final agreement. File photo taken by Rev.Willy Akena

Leaders from northern Uganda are due to travel to Juba for the signing of the final peace agreement between the Lords Resistance Army and the Government.

However the signing slated for Friday has been thrown in doubt with the LRA insisting they will not sign the agreement unless indictments against its leader Joseph Kony and his commanders are dropped.

The International Criminal Court issued the warrants in 2005 against the top 5 LRA commanders for crimes against humanity in one of Africa's longest conflicts.

Finger Print Syndrome

2008-03-25T12:49:00.002+03:00

Coupled with so many other factors, the war in the Northern region of Uganda has led to much destruction in the lives of the natives.
In my sojourns in the camps in northern Uganda as opposed to other parts of the country, the vast majority of people cannot read or write. Even children of school going age cannot speak English, leave alone read simple sentences. Even children in high schools are almost illiterate, except for the boasting that they are in High school!!!
This poses a great concern for the future of the Acoli. What will happen when tomorrow when the educated are no more? How can the Acoli compete squarely in the job market when more that 75% of them are not getting proper education? Has UPE really met its goals in the last 10 years? How about USE now? What will happen?
Children complete primary school and cannot construct even a simple sentence in English? What is happening to the education sector in this region? I will not mention the results of PLE, “O” Level and the most resent “A” Level in this region. Every thing is pathetic.
It is even worse with the women in the rural Acoli sub region. We yell of empowerment and gender sensitivity yet out of 10 women less than five can write their names. And the rest, they must be helped to sign!!! Finger prints in the 21st century, my foot!!!
It’s not enough to cry out loud. What are we doing about the finger print syndrome that has invaded our society?

Prayer breakfast at the bishop’s house

O ye foolish Galatians (Amuru Leaders)! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified Galatians 3:1 was a quotation that the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, the Rt. Rev. Nelson Onono-Onweng made on Thursday 28 Feb 2008 morning during a prayer breakfast at his residence.

Amuru District Leaders were advised to bury their political differences and begin to serve their people. After one and a half years in leadership, they have spent time fighting each other over non substantial issues. It was time they begun working at making straight paths, filling every valley, leveling the mountains and hill, crooked roads be made straight, rough ways smooth, so that the people see the salvation of God.

Bishop Nelson urged them to listen to the crying voice “the voice of the displaced people who are returning home, can they be given a chance to return in peace, but the people will not have peace if there is no peace among their leaders at the District”.
Mr. Omac, the LCV Chairman acknowledged that as leaders, they had spent time fighting each other in the council instead of serving the felt needs of people and on behalf of his other fellow leaders, he apologized for all that had gone wrong. He promised that they would begin to work in unity.

Bishop Nelson given send off

2008-02-27T11:43:00.002+03:00

Mwaka George of Radio Mega hands over the gift to Bishop Nelson and Brenda Onono. Photo by Rev.Willy Akena

Bishop Nelson given send off

The displaced Christian of Nwoya Parish on Sunday February 24, 2008 gave Bishop Nelson a good send off gift of one cow at the cost of 300,000 and two sacks of groundnuts.

Nwoya is the third parish that Bishop Nelson has already visited on his diocese wide tour, the other being Bungatira his home village, where he received 260,000, a goat and one sack of groundnuts and Patiko Ajulu gave him one cow.

In his message the Bishop called upon the Christian to grow; physically, spiritually, socially and economically. Quoting from the Gospel of Luke 2: 52, “And Jesus grew in wisdom, and stature, and in favour with God and men.”

The Bishop called upon the people to leave the camps now and go back to their villages in order to farm the land and therefore come out of poverty.
On the LRA war the bishop said the war is over and that people should no longer have fear of LRA coming back to perturb them.

On the land issue the Bishop said, people should not be hot and bothered about the land being taken over by Madhvani but instead descend to work.

He also called upon the people to go back to where they came from before the camp life so as to minimize the land conflict that is so rampant.

West Ankole Women electrify Gulu.

2008-02-08T13:03:00.000+03:00

At least 51 members of the Mothers’ Union from the Diocese of West Ankole are in the diocese of Northern Uganda for a four days solidarity visit. The team is led by the Wife of the Bishop of West Ankole Mrs. Ellyvaida Nshemeire Katonene. The team was welcomed by excited members of the Mothers Union from the Diocese of Northern Uganda and Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng.

The team is expected to visit camps of the Displaced People in Northern Uganda and have time to pray with their counterpart in various churches on Sunday before they travel back on Monday.

In her message to the women in Northern Uganda, the Mothers Union President of West Ankole Mrs. Ellyvaida said, “I want to encourage them to work as one body and if they are together they will forget the past and look for the future. God is with them.”

The team brought a number of items that includes more than 10 sacks of old clothes, millet and maize flour.

The situation in Gulu at the moment is of relative peace due to the ongoing peace talk in Juba and a good number of the displaced persons are leaving the camps for their original villages after 21 years. The need to resettle them is huge, we appeal to well-wishers to come in and give a helping hand.

Cleric appeal to Kony

2008-01-02T15:55:00.000+03:00

Religious leaders march through Gulu town before praying at Kaunda Grounds
By Dennis Ojwee

ACHOLI religious leaders have asked the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) chief, Joseph Kony, to stop fighting and resume peace negotiations in Juba. The call was made by the Gulu district Khadi, Sheikh Musa Khalil, during the end-of-year peace prayers at Kaunda Grounds.

Referring to last week’s reports that the LRA attacked a Catholic mission in the DR Congo, Khalil asked Kony to restrain his men from targeting civilians.

Other religious leaders present were the Anglican bishop of northern Uganda, the Rt. Rev. Nelson Onono-Onweng, retired Kitgum diocese bishop McLeod Baker Ochola, the vicar-general of Gulu Catholic archdiocese, Monsignor Matthew Odong and Orach from the Orthodox Church.

They also prayed for restoration of peace in Kenya following election violence and in Pakistan where the opposition party leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated recently. Ochola prayed that Bhutto’s killers be brought to book.

DNU Staff to Nebbi

2008-01-02T15:38:00.000+03:00

Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng led a group of his staff to Nebbi Diocese for a end of year retreat. The team was warmly received by the Bishop of Nebbi Diocese Alfonse Wathokudi and his staff at the Diocese on 27 December 2007. The retreat took them to the famous prayer mountain.
The team of the retreat was Tranformation and the staff looked at their overall activites and how it can tranform the lives of the people in Northern Uganda, especially now that the process of return to original village is underway.

Support the Ministry of the Diocese of N.Uganda

2007-12-11T10:33:00.000+03:00

Many of you have asked for ways to financially support the ministry of the Diocese of Northern Uganda. Below is the information needed to make a bank transfer or deposit to our account. Be sure to save your receipt for tax purposes.

A/C Title: Diocese of Northern Uganda Designated
A/C #: 0140086710001
Bank: Stanbic
Branch: Gulu

If you find something here in error, please notify us so we can fix it!

Many thanks,
God Bless!

How Vincent Otti was Killed

2007-12-10T12:06:00.000+03:00

Vincent Otti leads a delagation of the LRA 2006

By Henry Mukasa
and Els De Temmerman

“WHAT crime have I committed? Are you really going to kill me? All along, I have been so good to you. Why can’t you tell me my mistake? May God help you.” These were the last words of the LRA’s former second-in-command, Vincent Otti, when he was facing the firing squad outside Joseph Kony’s defence in Garamba National Park on October 2.

As his executioner, Buk Abudema, ordered: “Fire!”, Otti bowed his head and started praying. In a bizarre twist of fate, the man who had commanded numerous executions himself, the most notorious being the Atiak killing in 1995 in which over 200 people were shot dead, found himself uttering the same words as many of his victims.

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Vision, Sunday Otto, one of the commanders who was present during the execution and has since defected, revealed that Otti was killed by eight bullets which were fired by Capt. Ogwal. “Then Capt. Okumu Dombolo emptied his magazine into the already dead body.”

Q: You told the press upon your return 10 days ago that Vincent Otti was dead. Did you witness his death? A: I can confirm that Vincent Otti was killed on October 2 at 10:00am at a place called Anida, 300m from Kony’s defence. He was killed together with Lt. Col. Ben Accelam and Capt. Alfred Otim. Some people are trying to confuse the public, claiming that Otti is alive. But I have evidence because I came from there.

Q: What happened exactly?
A: It all started on September 25. That day, Kony and Otti met the Acholi paramount chief and delegates of the LRA team, including Martin Ojul, at Ri-Kwangba. I returned to our base in Garamba with Kony’s group. Otti came back later. We reached the main defence, called Boo, where the rebels have a large garden, on September 30. The next day, we moved to Kony’s defence, three miles away. On the way, Kony called Otti on his satellite phone. He told him to leave Ri-Kwangba and assemble at the main defence in Boo with all his officers and fighters. On October 1, Kony started to mobilise some troops, whom he put on stand-by. Three groups were prepared: Hapu, Independent and Kony’s security. I was attached as intelligence officer to Independent. The soldiers were armed with B10 bombs, KPM and assault rifles and taken to the compound of Otto Agweng, Kony’s chief security officer.

That day, Kony called for a meeting with the officers who were with him. Kwoyelo arrived and was immediately put under arrest. Adjumani was asked to tie Kwoyelo up. He tied him in a terrible way — kandoya (three-piece)-style. The next moment, Adjumani himself was put at gunpoint. He looked very surprised. As he was ordered to sit down, he pulled his gun out and started firing at random. This prompted Maj. Arop and Capt. Ogwal, to fire back. He died instantly. A sergeant, called Ojok, also died in the fire-exchange, while another soldier, Ocuc, got wounded.

Q: Why was Adjumani killed?
A: He was close to Otti. Kony wanted him arrested because he feared he would leak the plan to Otti. But he resisted arrest. That is why he was killed.

Q: When did Otti arrive?
A: He arrived around 9:00am that day. He called Kony, informing him that they had reached Boo. Kony told him to assemble all the commanders and come for a meeting at his base the next morning. He called me for a meeting shortly afterwards. “You know what is happening within the LRA,” he said. “What I am going to do should not scare you.” He told me that the LRA was divided and that most of the troops were more loyal to Otti than to him. He complained that his orders were no longer being followed. He had ordered his fighters to go and abduct but they refused because Otti had argued that this would spoil the talks. He had proposed to move to the Central African Republic but Otti had refused.

“Who is the leader when I issue orders and people don’t follow them, but instead listen to Otti?” he wondered. He said he was very confident in what the spirit had told him, that he knew the Government was planning to kill him and they were using the peace talks to have him arrested and killed. “They deceive you and try to convince you to come out and then they kill you,” he said. “Anybody who believes in peace talks will die in the same way as John Garang, who was killed by the UN.” He then confined to me that he was going to arrest Otti.

Q: What advice did you give him? advised Kony against a constant reshuffle of the peace team and unnecessary dismissal of members. I told him if he did not trust the delegates, he should select some of his commanders to join the team. I also advised him against killing Otti. But he said he was the father of the movement. Without him, the movement would not exist, whereas it could do without the others.

When I returned home, I knew something terrible was going to happen. Later that day, Kony issued an order that nobody moves anywhere, not even to fetch water or food. Anybody found moving would be shot on sight. Troops were deployed on the path leading to Otti’s place. Kony wanted to ensure that there was no leakage.

Q: What happened the next morning?
A: At 7:00am, Kony called his four brigadiers — Ocan Bunia, Nicksman Opuk, Dominic Ongwen and Buk Abudema, as well his chief security. He briefed them: “When Otti comes, you must make sure you arrest him,” he instructed them. Kony then evacuated his family to another defence, about three miles away. He himself went to hide in a simsim garden.

Otti entered Kony’s compound at 9:30am. As was the practice when he was meeting the chairman, he left his escorts behind and entered unarmed. He was saluted by Abudema.

“Where is our father?” he asked. “He is bathing,” Abudema replied. To which Otti said: “Let me then first go and change.” He moved to his restroom in the same compound, from where he called Kony.

“A bird died in my house. What could that mean?” he asked the chairman. “Don't worry,” Kony replied. “That shows that we have already defeated the Government.”

Otti took the report on the September 25 meeting out of his bag and walked back to Kony’s house. He was awaited by Odhiambo, who had accompanied him from Boo, Abudema, Ocan Bunia and Agweng.

Abudema drew his pistol, pointed it at Otti and said: “You are under arrest.” The others, too, drew their pistols and aimed at Otti. Simultaneously, all the soldiers who had been deployed came out and pointed their guns at Otti. Otti was seated on a chair. Opuk moved over and removed his wristwatch and his shirt, which he used to tie him up. Abudema ordered him to sit on the floor. His shoes were taken off. He was then carried into Kony’s hut, where he was made to sit on the floor. His captors got a rope and tied him thoroughly. They tore a part of his shirt and used it to blindfold him.

Q: How did Otti react?
A: He was pleading with them: “What wrong have I done to you? If I have done something bad, why can’t the chairman tell me? Have you forgotten all the good things I did for you?” They sent Capt. Otto Ladere to go and call Ben Accelam, who was sitting under a tree at the house of Dominic Ongwen. As Accelam entered Kony’s compound, he, too was put at gunpoint and tied up. He was then taken into another hut in the same compound. The third person called in was Alfred Otim. He, too, was arrested, beaten and tied. His arrestors hurled insults at him.

“You, people from Atiak, you always tell everybody that you are bright. Today we shall see where your intelligence will take you.” At that point, Kony called Abudema on satellite phone. “Are these people all there? Have you arrested them?” he asked.

Abudema confirmed that the arrests had been made. Kony then asked to talk to Odhiambo. He told him he did not want to hear Otti’s name again. “They should all be killed. And you must do it without delay. If not, you will be the next victims,” he told him. As Odhiambo got the instructions, he relayed them to Abudema as Kony listened. The cloth was removed from Otti’s eyes. The three were taken out of Kony’s compound, some 300m behind the defence. Otti was stood against a tree. Acellam and Otim were taken to a different position, 50m away. Capt. Ogwal and Capt. Okumu Dombolo, each holding a PKM, took up position in front of Otti, while Angwen and 2nd Lt. Tabu Omoro faced the other two. Odhiambo pretended to sympathise with Otti. “What has Otti done? Why don’t you also kill me?” he asked.

Q: What did Otti say?
A: He kept on begging and pleading: “What crime have I committed? Are you really going to kill me? All along, I have been so good to you and the movement. Why can’t you tell me what I did wrong? May God help you!”

When Abudema ordered: “Fire!” Otti bowed his head and started praying. Ogwal fired first. He killed him with eight bullets. Then Okumu emptied his magazine into the already dead body. Agweng started firing at the other side, after which Tabu joined in, killing Accelam and Otim. Their trousers were removed and they remained in their underpants. Kony returned from the garden later. He asked whether the job had been done. Otti’s escorts were disarmed. Kony then summoned everybody from the rank of second lieutenant for a meeting at 2:00pm.

“From today on, the indiscipline in the LRA should end,” he told us. “If I hear anybody talking about the killing of Otti and the others, that person will also be killed.” He said his rank of general was not given to him for praying but for killing. “There is no general in the world who did not kill. He then announced he was going to change all the systems in the LRA. He also instructed us not to bury Otti and the others for three days.

Q: Were they ever buried?
A: They were buried on the evening of October 4. Lt. Col. Abucingo was ordered to carry out the task, together with some kadogo (child soldiers). They were placed in one grave. One of the standby brigades was sent to Otti’s house to remove all his property.

Otti’s seven wives were taken by force and distributed to the other commanders the same day. Of the four adult wives, one was given to Abudema, one to Odhiambo, one to Okuti and one to Kony’s brother, Maj. Olanya. The three underage girls were handed over to Kony.

Q: Who else was arrested in this operation?
A: Apart from Kwoyelo, four other officers were arrested: Maj. Okot Atiak, Capt. Ojara Pope, Lt. Kidega Pak-Pala and Ben Accelam’s brother, Capt. Vincent Okema. They were still under arrest when we fled on November 7.

Q: What is Caesar Accelam’s fate?
A: Caesar Accelam was arrested in June and released on the day Otti was killed.

Q: You and Richard Odong-kau had come out earlier and received amnesty. Why did you go back? A: We did not return to fight, but to persuade the LRA fighters to come out following Otti’s call to prepare for peace talks. When we came out the first time, Otti got in touch with us. He wanted to talk to Rwot Acana and Bishop Odama to initiate peace talks with the Government. He also wanted to find out what the Amnesty Act was about. We contacted the Rwot and Bishop Odama, who put us in touch with the chairman of the Amnesty Commission.

We were also connected to Riek Machar, who sent us to Kony with a letter. This led to the first meeting between Machar and Otti in April 2006 and the second with Kony in May. After that meeting, Kony said: “Remain here and tell us what is going on.” We were co-ordinating the peace talks. From the beginning of the talks, Otti had said he was willing to bring all the fighters home.

Q: Will Kony ever sign a peace deal?
A: Signing from where? Otti was the one who persuaded him to go to Ri-Kwangba. He was also the one who pushed him to meet UN special envoy Joachim Chissano. At every assembly, Kony feared he would be killed. He would sit in every meeting with his pistol cocked.

Q: What is the future of the peace talks?
A: I am very skeptical. There are many events happening. Ban Ki-Moon (UN Secretary General) is calling for the arrest of Kony. And Otti is dead. He was the man behind the peace talks. He was the one who persuaded Kony.

Q: What is the situation like in the LRA camp after Otti’s death?
A: People are fearful, demoralised and disturbed. They had hope in Otti. They believed Otti would take them back home.

Published on: Sunday, 9th December, 2007

See full interview here

Some 50 metres away, two other commanders accused of being close to Otti were executed simultaneously. Lt. Col. Agweng, Kony’s chief of security, fired the bullets that killed Ben Accelam and Alfred ‘Record’ Otim.

“Their trousers were removed and they were left in their underpants,” Otto narrated.

Kony was not present during the execution. He had vacated his family to another place and was hiding in a nearby simsim garden. When he returned, he called all his officers and instructed them not to bury the bodies for three days. He also warned that anybody who talked about Otti’s death would be killed.

The same day, according to the LRA defector, Kony sent one of his standby brigades to Otti’s house to remove all his property. “Otti’s seven wives were taken by force and immediately distributed to the other commanders.” The adult wives were given as a reward to those who had been involved in the execution plan, while the three underage girls were handed over to Kony.

Otti was eventually buried on the evening of October 4 by some kadogos (child soldiers), thousands of whom he had abducted over the years.

See full interview here

Published on: Sunday, 9th December, 2007

United Kingdom moved said Queen

2007-11-23T08:37:00.000+03:00

Queen of England Elizabeth II
The Queen's speech
Your Excellency President Museveni and Mrs Museveni, Right Honourable Speaker, Honourable Members of Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen
Prince Philip and I have many fond memories of our last visit together to Uganda. In the years since, your country has made considerable advances in spite of periods of adversity.

I expect that what has helped sustain modern Uganda is the attribute that was so evident in 1954, and again today, in the generous manner we have been welcomed: the great warmth and friendliness of its people. We are delighted to be here once more.

It gives me great pleasure to address this House today in recognition of the importance of parliamentary democracy to the Commonwealth as a whole. For Uganda, the deliberations and decisions of this House, together with your respect for the rule of law, have had and will continue to have an essential bearing on the country's success in addressing many serious challenges.
The United Kingdom is actively committed to supporting Uganda's efforts to deepen its democracy.

Many in the United Kingdom have been moved by the plight of the people of northern Uganda who have been suffering from the devastating conflict there.
The Ugandan Government's efforts to resolve this conflict peacefully are therefore especially welcome. Uganda's regional role is also widely appreciated.

In particular, the contribution made to peacekeeping operations in Somalia has been a tribute to the courage and professionalism of Uganda's armed forces.

I am also pleased that the educational and cultural ties between our two countries are now stronger than ever before. Through its collaborative school projects, the British Council is bringing together more than one million children across Africa and the United Kingdom.

Indeed, I very much look forward to visiting later this week one of the Ugandan schools participating in the 'Connecting Classrooms' programme which does so much to increase our knowledge and understanding of each other's societies among young people.

In the years since Prince Philip and I were last here, one change in particular has come to scar Uganda and, indeed, much of Africa. The scourge of HIV infection and AIDS has touched the lives of so many of Uganda's people. It is difficult sometimes, when the sorrow associated with this disease is so profound, to avoid a sense of despair.

And yet there are growing numbers of people and organisations whose work gives cause for real hope. Today I visited the Mildmay Centre which sets a remarkable example in the provision of care and relief for those who are ill as well as in educating people about how to protect themselves and their families.

The role of centres such as this, which the Government of Uganda has done so much to encourage, will be central to achieving our common aim of controlling this cruel disease.

The continued and enlightened support of all those in authority, including this House, will play an essential part in supporting these efforts.
One hundred years ago, Sir Winston Churchill, who much later became my first Prime Minister, made a celebrated visit to Uganda which he was moved to describe as 'the Pearl of Africa'.

In common with other visitors to this country over the years, he had been struck by how Uganda has been truly gifted by nature.
Sir Winston had visited Munyonyo, then just 'a jetty and a few sheds', where, most fittingly, the present British Prime Minister will join his fellow Commonwealth Heads of Government this weekend.
Whether the individual links are long-standing or more recent, the United Kingdom remains a committed friend of Uganda.

Prince Philip and I have reason to recall our own associations over the years with the greatest affection and extend to you all our good wishes for the years to come.

Journey of Healing

2007-11-14T18:24:00.000+03:00

Fr. Michael Lapsley, depicting the artificial hands while talking to the Mothers Union. Photo by Rev.Willy Akena 14/11/2007

By Rev.Willy Akena
The Director Institute for Healing of Memories Fr Michael Lapsley is in Gulu to meet with the victims of the LRA War. A victim of the Apartheid himself, Fr Michael lost his hands and eye in a letter bomb in South Africa. Below is his address to the Mothers Union of the Diocese of Northern Uganda who are attending a training on Micro Finance, organized by the Office of the Provincial Mothers Union Worker Rev. Canon Hellen Oneka. Fr Michael is due to meet with those whose limbs were cut or maimed in Northern Uganda and share with them his experience and explore ways of forgiveness and reconciliation. His visit to Northern Uganda has been initiated by the Diocese of Northern Uganda under the department of Peace and Development Headed by Rev. Patrick Lumumba.
Fr. Michael appealed to the people in Northern Uganda to forgive and reconcile in order to travel the journey of healing.

I am delighted to be here with you.
I greet you in the name of Jesus who is our saviour. May be because you want hear the message twice; I am delighted to have this opportunity with my brother Ntsikelelo Mateta. I am particularly delighted to be here in northern part of Uganda because I know that it is part of Uganda that has known war and pain.
We know that we had war for the last 20 years and we know that there has been a great cost, many people like me have lost limbs, we know that there are not only physical wounds of the body but wounds of the spirit, whenever we experience suffering we ask ourselves were is God?. There is a song that black people in S African sang for many decades, SENZENI NA? The song meaning is what we have done, why are we suffering and in South Africa people say is it because of the colour of our skin. Whenever as human being we suffer we try to make sense, why do we suffer, sometimes there are no easy answers, sometime we say it must be God’s will, but am not sure about that, some time we blame God for the things that we as human beings do to others so for the things we have done to others, like a man who is drank dives a car and hit a child and a child dies, that is not God’s will, but because the man was drank, some people pick a gun and go for war that is not God’s will, in my case it was the last white government in South Africa that sent a letter bomb, so because of the bomb I lost my hands and my eye,
Sometime when I meet people today they say, that was God’s will; its not true God does not sent letter bombs to people. I was sent letter bomb by human beings not by God.
But where is God, God did not tell me that is a letter bomb do not open it. But to me God kept his promise, the great promise in the bible that I am with you always even to the end of the age. So when I was bombed I felt the presence of God with me, Af
I know God is wi
After I was bomb I had a choice, Am I going to have hatred and bitterness all my life or am I going to travel a journey of healing, am I going to spend my life looking for those who sent the letter bomb to me, am looking for a way of revenge, am I going to spend my time looking for those who sent the letter bomb. One of the great men of SA said
“Those who think of themselves as victims eventually becomes the victimizers of others”
If we have poison inside our heart it has to go somewhere.
But in my case many people prayed for me, loved and supported me Christians but also people of other faiths as well, people sent me letters of hope and encouragement from all over the world that is how God helped me to travel the journey of healing.

I realized that if I was full of hatred then I would be a victim for ever, they have failed to kill the body but I would have killed the soul.
I thought if I were to be angry all the time then I will be in pain
I also had to make a choice, will I travel a journey of healing or not, so God has called me to a new journey, I was part of the journey to help free South Africa from Apartheid people who struggle to release our people. Today I am traveling my new journey, what is my new journey, it’s to listen to the pain of others, listen to people and travel the journey of healing.

Sometime as Christians we say I lay my hands on you and you are healed.
There are still many steps to take. Sometime we think healing is like taking tablets and everything will be okay. But people who have been hurt deeply the journey of healing takes sometime, the mothers union have an important role to play, part of the role is to travel your own journey of healing, but offer yourselves to listen to the pain of others not just once but again and again, sometimes as Christians we talk too much and we don not listen enough, we have to learn to preach less and listen more, listen not only with our ears but also with our hearts.
So I must thank you for what you are already doing, healing is part of God’s work; God invites us to work with him in the healing process. Thanks for listening to me. Amen

Women at risk as they return home

2007-11-13T12:41:00.000+03:00

Two will become one: This woman needs the husband to support her in the return process. Photo by Rev.Willy Akena

Now that peace is around the corner, women are more willing to venture into the bushes than men. In Alero IDP camp in Amuru district, women have taken the initiative to return to homesteads as reported by Julius Odokonyero, a primary school teacher in the area. Accordingly, they have cleared homesteads, and are participating actively in digging, collecting firewood and many other domestic chores. Interestingly, many of them have now formed village groups to help them accomplish their tasks collectively.
Their vision is to see that the work they do carries a bigger impact than individual participation. Unlike the women, men are instead busy drinking in the camp, with some starting their drinking sprees from as early as 8:00am!
According to Odokonyero, men should realise that the onus of success in family and community existence lies on them as well as on women. It is therefore important that men help women in accomplishing the return process as things go back to normalcy.

Excitement as LRA consults in Northern Uganda

2007-11-08T12:02:00.000+03:00

Martin Ojul labour to clarify the fate of Otti left is Todwong Richard the President's Advisor on Northern Uganda Photo and story by Rev.Willy Akena

“The temperature in Gulu is cool and comfortable” said Dr. Onek Leo the representative of the Chief mediator. This was in response to a question raised by Dr. Riek Machar to check the security of the cessation of hostility agreement team who are in Uganda together with the LRA delegation for the LRA/M consultation. The one day consultation that was held at St. Monica Tailoring School in Gulu attracted more than 160 people including Religious Leaders, Political, Women, youth, and victims. The delegation was impressed by the level of commitment shown by the people of Gulu which is a clear sign of desire for peace. The ambassadors of the five countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, South Africa, Mozambique and Sudan promised to redouble their efforts to encourage the LRA and government of Uganda to work even harder
The presidential Advisor for Northern Uganda Mr. Richard Todwong said the government of Uganda is committed in the peace talks and that its clearly seen in the meeting with the President of Uganda, discussion of the ICC and the security of the LRA delegation.
Dr. James Obita one of the LRA delegation said they discussed suspension of arrest warrant for the LRA warrant to be suspended for 12 months so that the LRA can sign the peace agreement.

In another related development, the people of Acholi are asking Martin Ojul the head of the LRA delegation to clarify the fate of Oti Vincent the LRA 2nd in command who is widely believed to have been killed by his boss Joseph. Kony. The people think Otti’s death may jeopardize the peace talks.

LRA NOW IN GULU TOWN

2007-10-31T17:03:00.000+03:00

Bishop Nelson meeting LRA in the jungle of Atiak, close to the border with Sudan last year. Now plan is underway to meet in Gulu this weekend DNU file photo

As we come to the end of the month, news of the presence of LRA delegation has been greeted with lots of enthusiasm. According to Adek Yusuf who called himself an LRA who lives within the community, the delegation will hold a consultation conference in Gulu at Hotel Pearl Afrique on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th November. From the LRA the following will participate:-Adek Yusuf Okwonga, Okot Santa, Martin Ojul (chairman), Ayina Odongo(lawyer), Obita Matshanga and Peter Ongom. The following have also been invited from Gulu, Pader, Kitgum and Amuru;-Government leaders, Religious leaders, Local Council, Elders/Opinion leaders, Camp leaders, Youth/male and female,
Victims, Resident District Commissioner (RDC), and Civil Society for Peace/NGOs working in Northern Uganda. Monitoring Team from Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, DRC Congo, Sudan and Uganda will also participate as well as observers. The main purpose of the consultation is to get people’s views on Agenda number three that is Reconciliation and Accountability. Adek refuted media reports of conflict within the LRA leadership, instead he said LRA camp has been attacked by cholera and that Oti Vincent is one of the 70 or so LRA who were severely affected, Adek comforted the community that Oti is recovering and soon may speak on Radio Mega or other media.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

2007-10-24T09:38:00.000+03:00

Bwola dancers celebrate the construction of the Health Centre that will help about 17,000 people who have been leaving without health services Photo by Rev.Willy Akena

A 50 Million Health Centre was commissioned by Mr. Michael Nyenhif the President of Medical Assistance Programme (MAP) the health centre II is located at Oberabic in Acwera Parish in Amuru district. Bishop Nelson who shared his experience of traveling to this remote area in 2005 and found no health services prompting him to lobby for one. The Bishop further said, Together we can change the world to be a better place to live in, “together we can make a difference” The President of MAP international expressed his appreciation to the Diocese of Northern Uganda, the Government official as well as the community for their support in realizing the dream of a health centre. The Assistant Chief Administrative Assistant of Amuru District Mr. Oloya Awaro appealed to the man who donated the land on which the health centre is now built to honour his donation. Mr Oloya appealed to other community members to emulate the young man in giving land for development. Most of the speakers called upon the community of Acwera to own the health centre and guard it jealously
The Amuru District Director of Health Services pledged that the local government will also support the health centre. Malaria is the most common killer disease in this area and we appeal for provision of bed nets, drugs and help to repair and renovate other health centres

A Caring Church

2007-10-04T14:37:00.000+03:00

Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng explains his point to Helen. Photo by Rev.Willy Akena

Helen Stawski International Development Programme Officer - Lambeth Palace is here in the Diocese of northern Uganda together with Vat Kmachiko from World Vision East Africa Peace Building Unit. The two will carry out intensive research on peace building initiative of the church. Bishop Nelson who was interviewed by Helen doubts the caring ministry of the World Wide Anglican Church. He said “For twenty years the church in northern Uganda has been bleeding but I have not seen serious response from the communion”.
While giving update on the situation, Bishop Nelson said for one year now people are enjoying peace. The Bishop commended President Museveni for accepting to talk peace with Joseph Kony.
In order for the Anglican Church to be a caring Church the Bishops proposed having a global NGO or commissions in the areas of Relief and Development, Education, HIV/AIDS and Peace if it’s to become a caring church that can respond to situation of needs
We welcome Helen and hope the result of her work will bring hope to the people who are now in the process of returning home from the camps. Pray also for the floods that has severely affected movement as well as crops in the Northern Uganda.

Acholi Community raised machines

2007-09-21T18:03:00.000+03:00

Photo by Rev.Willy Akena in Oxford

Thalia Carr the wife to Martin Carr of Oxford stood forward and spoke in a mixture of English and Lwo saying ‘Ci wan ma watye kanyi pe watwero jogo cente mo me wilo caran” meaning are we too poor to raise money for sewing machines. Provoked by the Thalia's appeal and family contribution of money that can buy one sewing machine,the Acholi community in London and Oxford who were attending a fellowship meeting in Oxford being chaired by Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng raised 188 Pounds. The money was handed over to Brenda Onono to bring to the Women Development Centre for buying sewing machine for the girls who were abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army and are now being trained at the Diocesan training centre. After their training the girls often come out without a sewing machine to start a leaving. Giving a sewing machine to one of these girls would make them able to support themselves. Currently we have 30 girls at the centre and the money raised can buy three sewing machines. Are you willing to support one? Let us know.

Meeting in Oxford

2007-09-06T17:10:00.000+03:00

Today Bishop Nelson met the Bishop of Oxford Rt.Rev. John Pritchard at the Diocesan Office. The Dicocesan Communication officer interviewed Bishop Nelson about his work in Northern Uganda and the prospect for peace in this war ravaged part of the world.

Earlier on Bishop Nelson held a meeting with Church Mission Society(CMS) Regional Co-ordinator Mr.Tim Sanders at their New Office complex in Oxford. The two discussed a number of issues including;-communication, training and peace in the region. On Sunday Bishop Nelson will speak at St.Margaret Church in Oxford.
The Diocesan liaison officer in the UK Mr.Martin Carr is making all these work in a miraculous way and we thank God for his sacrifice.

Rev.Willy Akena in Oxford

Women can make a difference –says Bishop

2007-09-01T18:14:00.000+03:00

The Bishop of Northern Uganda, the Rt. Rev Nelson Onono-Onweng, drew a large crowd and great respect for his activities as a founding chairman of the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative, meeting the rebels, including Kony, by night out in the bush. As a mark of solidarity with the thousands of children who flee to the cities for safety each night, he spent four nights sleeping unprotected on the open tarmac. The action resulted in the building of shelters for them.
Bishop looked to women to make a difference, citing the women of Japan after Hiroshima. I am now looking at women as the agents of peace. Those fighting are children born of a woman, so the women can talk to them.
On arms, he protested: “In Uganda, we don’t make arms, but small arms are everywhere. Where are they coming from? Why should they be there for us to kill ourselves?”
This was during the Greenbelt festival that attracted about twenty thousand people from across the world. This year theme is Heaven in the Ordinary.
During the week, Rev. Willy Akena accompanied by Revd Canon Stuart Taylor met with the Archbishop of Canterbury International Secretary David Peck at the Lambeth Palace, where they discussed support to the Diocese of Northern Uganda and the peace process.
Bishop Nelson who is currently in the UK for a three weeks official visit together with his wife Brenda and Rev.Willy Akena will this Sunday 2nd September speak at St. Andrew’s Church Cobham, St. Peter Henleaze and St. Philip and St. James in Bath. Thereafter the entourage will leave for Oxford where among others the Bishop will meet Acholi Community in the Diaspora, Church Mission Society, and Mothers Union.
As appeared in the Church Times, London 31st August 2007, additional reporting by Rev.Willy Akena in UK

Help Jennifer

2007-07-31T12:41:00.000+03:00

Acan Jennifer is among the students learning tailoring skills at the Diocesan Women Development Centre to help her look after her child Lakica Brenda (on her back) born in LRA captivity.
Giving her a sewing machine costing 50 pounds sterling will kick start her to be self reliant.
For more informatin contact us at Diocese of Northern Uganda P.O. Box 232 Gulu Uganda
E.mail. dnu@utlonline.co.ug
Tel. + 256 772 667 334 / +256 78249052

Tips on development

2007-07-23T14:07:00.000+03:00

Our Diocesan Technical Staff Obutu Daniel expresses a point using the MS-Democracy poster Photo by Rev.Willy Akena
“If you have a one year plan, grow rice, if you have a ten year plan; plant trees but if you have one hundred year plan, pay your children in school” goes a Chinese proverb.
At a training that was held from 15-16 June 2007, Mr. Daniel Obutu urged the participants to take that proverb seriously and implement it now that people are going back home. The Acoli need to be more visionary and move away from small subsistence farming in to commercial farming and learn to plan for long term activities. Mr. Uma Charles the District Disaster Management Committee Chairman took the catechists through a mind boggling exercise on the return process.
The bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, the Rt. Rev. Nelson Onono-Onweng in his charge to the catechists urged them to be like the cutting edge of a spear for the church. He said the strength of the church of God lies with them because they (Catechists) are constantly with the people, interacting with them. He called upon the church leaders to teach the truth, counsel the traumatized, work hard to combat and defeat the evil in society like adultery, poverty and his agents of evil. He also asked them to begin moving away from small subsistence farming (food for today) and embrace commercial farming that will elevated them out of the biting poverty these people as sunk in and also change their thinking of being poor

Lead the way

2007-07-23T11:48:00.000+03:00

The first five Archdeacons now on motorcycles. Photo by Rev.Willy Akena
The office of the Archbishop Church of Uganda, with support from friends, donated five motorcycles to the diocese of northern Uganda to facilitate the archdeacons in reaching out to the Christians who are now returning to their villages. We still need four more motorcycles to cover all the archdeacons. Are you willing to help? Let us know. After the archdeacons we will pray for the 24 priests.

Come Now , let us Leave

2007-07-23T11:37:00.000+03:00

Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, Minister of Relief and Disaster Preparedness share notes with Rt. Rev. Nelson Onono-Onweng at the SYNOD: Photo by Rev. Willy Akena

Diocese of northern Uganda
JUNE 2007 NEWSLETTER

COME NOW, LET US LEAVE!!!!

By Lukwiya Pamela
Prof. Kabwegyere’s call to the Church to lead the way home
“Arise let us leave” is the theme of this meeting which is taken from John 14:31. This call is to our people in the camps: Come, leave for home, leave the camp life, and leave a life lining up for relief: leave a life of congestion: leave a life of misery for a life of self actualization: of self determination: leave a life of fear for a life of freedom. Live a normal life where happiness and development can be enjoyed.

It is a call to end an end to a chapter this is full of imponderables of many unknowns, it’s a chapter that describes blames and counter blames; full of questions; what went wrong!
I am here in search for disciples to carry out the following mission. A mission of hope that tomorrow must be better than today, a message of reconciliation that enmity and anger are ungodly; a message of peace since peace is needed by a chicken to lay an egg how about a human being? Peace is a universal good which all of us must possess; that it is a crop which all of us must grow; that is a harvest all of us must enjoy. I need disciples to plant seeds of food we eat for body nourishment, just as church leaders are expected to carry a message for spiritual nourishment. Our combined efforts will produce a complete person- body and spirit, together.
Arise let us leave this place with the mission of change wherever we go.

A chronology of events

2007-07-14T17:07:00.000+03:00

Picture by Rev.Willy Akena inside Southern Sudan.
The road to peace is not smooth, Its full of pot holes like the one in the picture:Some people had to travel on this Diana Truck to meet Kony in the Jungle as a confidence building measure in July 2006,including of course Rev.Willy Akena

The New Vision Saturday 14, July 2007

Today marks one year since the Uganda Government and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) peace talks started in Juba. Henry Mukasa compiled the chronology of the talks aimed at ending the 20-year conflict that has ravaged northern Uganda.

July 2006
July 14: Peace talks between Uganda Government and the LRA opened by South Sudan President Gen. Salva Kiir in Juba. “I know there is a lot of bitterness. My appeal to you is to come to table with open minds. Let the world see you and hear you do the right thing,” Kiir urged.

July 15: The Government team disputed LRA accusations of persecuting people in northern Uganda, cattle rustling and insecurity. The head of the Uganda delegation Dr.. Ruhkana Rugunda described the accusations as “undue, unwarranted and unfair.” “The LRA tried to cleanse itself of the atrocities committed over the years. The Government doesn’t want to open old wounds but give a soft landing to the LRA,” he said.

July 16: The Government called on the LRA to ceasefire, abandon the rebellion and accept the amnesty.

July 19: LRA demand for an immediate ceasefire is rejected.

July 20: The chief mediator, Dr.. Riek Machar met LRA delegates in a closed meeting together with Acholi leaders led by Rwot Achana to discuss the suffering of the people of northern Uganda.

July 21: LRA and the Government delegations traded accusations of committing atrocities. The Government team pointed out that the LRA team comprised persons who chopped and cooked people during the Patong massacre. The LRA delegation shot back claiming that the Government team had a colonel who abducted a detainee from a prison in Gulu, shot him and chopped off his head.

July 22: LRA demanded for federalism and self-determination for the North and East and also wanted the constitution amended to provide for federal states.

July 24: Peace talks adjourned for 10 days to allow each delegation to consult their leaders.

July 29: LRA commanders led by deputy commander Vincent Otti and elders from northern Uganda and South Sudan met at the DR Congo — Sudan boarder.

July 31: In a press conference at Ri-kwangba, LRA leader Joseph Kony denied having links with FDC President Col. Kizza Besigye and contriving plans to overthrow the Uganda Government by force.

The Government chief negotiator, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and the president of South Sudan, Gen. Salva Kiir, announce the start of peace talks at a press conference in Juba on July 3, 2006

August
August 1: Kony reiterated his will to end the war through the Juba talks at a meeting of political, religious and civic leaders from the war-affected areas, held in Garamba forest.

August 3: Machar called upon the Government and the LRA to declare a ceasefire before talks resumed. Uganda defence officials replied that there was no fire to cease since the rebels had fled the country and were almost defeated.

August 9: The LRA walked out of the talks protesting the Government's refusal to declare cessation of hostilities.

August 11: LRA returned to the talks. Both delegations presented position papers on disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration separately. The Government team demanded LRA fighters assemble in designate area for a ceasefire to be granted.

August 13: LRA's third in command Raska Lukwiya was killed by a UPDF mobile squad in Kitgum District.

August 14: Saddened by Lukwiya's death LRA delegation chairman Martin Ojulu lamented, “What are peace talks for then?”

August 15: The LRA team granted three days to mourn Lukwiya.

August 17: The LRA's demand for South Africa to co-mediate the talks is rejected.

August 22: Rugunda assured LRA second in command, Vincent Otti on phone, of Government's commitment to the peace talks

August 24: LRA demanded cabinet posts and 30% representation on commissions, statutory bodies and presidential appointments as a condition for ending the war.

August 26: The Uganda Government and LRA signed the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CHA). The rebels are given one month to assemble at Owiny-ki-Bul and Ri-kwangba. A monitoring team with representatives from SPLA, UPDF and LRA is suggested. Delegates break for consultations. Museveni ordered cessation of hostilities and named Col. Tumusiime Nyakaitana and Maj. Charles Okiror as UPDF representatives to the monitoring team. Kiir names Maj. Gen. Wilson Deng as the chairman of the team.

September
September 4: Delegates re-assembled in Juba for the third round of talks.

September 6: LRA revealed their reluctance to assemble at Owiny-ki-bul and Ri-Kwangba as demanded by the CHA. The rebels said the two areas were not acceptable. Otti said LRA fighters would not assemble until the International Criminal Court drops arrest warrants against four top rebel commanders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

September 7: Talks resumed and parties reviewed the performance of the CHA. The rebels dismissed the

september 12 deadline to assemble, which was drawing close.

September 23: LRA threatened to quit peace talks alleging massive deployment of UPDF in South Sudan. Nevertheless LRA names Col. Michael Anywar, Lt. Col. Ray Achama and Maj. Dennis Okirot as its representatives to the monitoring team.

September 26: LRA suspended participation in the peace talks protesting alleged deployment of the UPDF in South Sudan and DRC.

September 28: Kiir met the Government and LRA teams to get the talks back on track.

September 29: LRA accepted to return to the table after Machar that SPLA ensure that security in Owiny-ki-Bul.

October
October 8: A report of the Cessation of Hostilities Monitoring Team accused both the LRA and the Government of violating the agreement. The report was made after a visit to the two assembling points for LRA fighters in southern Sudan.

October 21: President Museveni arrived in Juba for talks with Kiir. He also addressed LRA delegates but they, led by deputy head of delegation, Josephine Apira, rejected his handshake.

November
November 1: Government and the LRA signed an addendum to CHA which gave the rebels one month to re-assemble and restricted unauthorised visitors to assembly areas.

November 3: LRA asked for a break to allow its team tours the northern Uganda for “consultations and confidence building.” The Government rejected the demand as untimely describing it as a vain attempt to conduct a referendum.

November 5: The Government team was incensed by LRA's procrastination. LRA's absence at meetings prompted the Government delegation spokesman, Capt. Paddy Ankunda to comment, “We are not happy with the way the LRA is treating us. They seem to be buying time for reasons that are suspect. Their behaviour seems to confirm our fears that they are using peace talks to re-organise.”

November 11: UN Coordinator for Emergency Relief, Jan Egeland met LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony and his deputy Vincent Otti in Ri-kwangba. Egeland hoped to secure the release of women and children.

November 18: LRA deputy leader, Vincent Otti told The New Vision in an interview in Garamba that he regretted the incident in which the LRA delegates in Juba shunned Museveni's handshake. “Diplomatically, I would have shaken his hand. A handshake does nothing. What they did was not good. They should have greeted him,” he said. On his part Kony said Museveni is a good man for facilitating his wives and relatives to travel to Garamba and meet him. Two lawyers Nobert Mao and Owiny Dollo explained to the indicted LRA commanders the provisions of the ICC Rome statute. LRA resolved to send representatives to Uganda to meet Museveni as part of confidence-building.

December
December 14: Delegates reconvened. The Government delegation was upbeat but the LRA insisted it would not talk until the UPDF pulls out of southern Sudan.

December 16: Another supplement to the CHA was signed extending the cessation of hostilities agreement by two months, up to the end of February 2007.

December 20: LRA was put under pressure to sign a deal on comprehensive solutions as a Christmas gift for northern Uganda. LRA maintained its demand for a minister for the North in the office of the president.

January 2007
January 8: Southern Sudan's President Omar el-Bashir threatened to use force to chase the LRA out of south Sudan in the wake of ambushes staged by the rebels along main roads linking Uganda to Juba.

February
February 4: “If Kenya can't host the talks we can go to another country. We are not going back to Juba. That is finished,” Otti insisted.

February 26: The CHA deadline to assemble in gazetted areas expired without LRA honouring it.

March
March 4: LRA delegates failed to show up at the Acholi peace conference held in Juba to revive the peace talks.

March 11: Rugunda met LRA commanders Kony and Otti in the first-ever direct talks between the rebels and the Government. Organised by former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, the meeting aimed at reviving the stalled Juba talks.

March 16: The LRA delegation promised to return to the talks on condition that the South Sudan government guarantees their security.

March 26 Talks failed a day after restarting in Juba as the LRA accused the UPDF of attacking their positions.

April
April 16: After meeting Chissano in the remote, secluded and forested village of Ri-Kwangba, the LRA rebels agreed to resume talks in Juba on April 26.

April 26: Talks resumed. Chissano warned the LRA that time was running out for them to reach an agreement with the Government.

April 28: Chissano spent hours shuttling between the LRA and Government camps to resuscitate the peace talks. The LRA team wrote a protest letter to the mediator, Machar, accusing the UPDF of attacking their positions in southern Sudan.

May
May 2: The Government and LRA signed a pact “comprehensive solutions to the causes of the war” outlining remedies to the causes of the war.

June 2007
June 5: The chief mediator, Machar, officially communicated the route LRA fighters still east of the Nile must use to assemble at Rikwangba.

June 13: The Government and LRA signed an agreement, the principles of accountability, stipulating the framework through which perpetrators of crimes during war will account and reconcile with the victims. They agreed that both protagonists “have cause to account and to accept to submit to the processes and procedures of accountability.”

June 27: Kony recalled three close relatives; Pastor Obina, Kidega Onen and Mission Okello from the peace delegation.

June 29: The agreement on reconciliation was signed. It provides for alternative traditional justice that could insulate four LRA commanders against the International Criminal Court prosecution. It binds the Government to strike the LRA off the terrorist list as soon as the rebels renounce rebellion, sign a ceasefire pact and submit its members to the process DDR.

One year of Peace Talks

2007-07-14T13:18:00.000+03:00

July 14, 2006 marked the beginning of a serious peace talks between the government of President Museveni and the LRA chief Joseph Kony. Today is exactly on year, people have enjoyed uninterrupted peace and as a result the common talks about return. The president of Southern Sudan Gen.Salva Kiir said “I know there is a lot of bitterness. My appeal to you to come to table with open minds. Let the world see you and hear you do the right thing,"

One year down the road, the major question is the ICC. While many people in the north think the ICC is a stumbling block to the peace process, the ICC prosecutor Louis Ocampo thinks that is what Kony wants people to believe. And the prosecutor thinks Kony will get a fair trial in the court.
A visit to northern Uganda now shows a peaceful society but still trapped in the camps, with just about 2% in their villages.

True Accoutability

2007-07-03T13:43:00.001+03:00

New Vision photo of Dr.S.P Kagoda, the acting leader of the government delegation (right) exchanging copies of the agreement with LRA team leader Martin Ojul(left) and Dr. Riek Machar(centre) after it was signed at Juba Rha Hotel.
The government of Uganda is to adapt an appropriate policy framework for implementation of the terms of the agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation now that the agreement has been signed.
To the victims of the 20 years war, true accountability entails giving honest answers to the many questions that they have. As it's understood here, Mato Oput ceremony is performed after two parties have given full accountability of the crimes committed. We therefore expect the UPDF and LRA to honestly accounts for the crimes committed in this part of Uganda.
In the agreement we note that the parties shall promote national legal arrangements, consisting of formal and non formal institutions and measures for ensuring justice and reconciliation with respect to the conflict. The parties believe that a comprehensive, independent and impartial analysis of the history and manifestation of the conflict especially human rights violations and crimes committed during the cause of the conflict, is an essential ingredient for attaining reconciliation at all levels.
We continue to hold those in the talks in prayers.

Memorable pictures of the visit

2007-06-25T18:32:00.000+03:00

Just look at these faces seen during the visit to Amuru camp.

Pictures by Rev.Willy Akena

Danes flock Northern Uganda

2007-06-25T17:55:00.000+03:00

The past few days has seen a good number of Danes in Northern Uganda for a visit to the camps. Early this year a group of students from a journalism school in Denmark were in Gulu. Last week we had Jeppe Krogager, Ms Sanne Nyland Christensen and Jens Jonathan Steen. This group went to Amuru camp in Amuru District. Today Monday, we are grateful to host yet another Danish journalist in the person of Katrine Birkedal Christensen. Katrine visited Pabbo camp, which now has a population of 40, 290 left in the main camp, the rest have gone to eleven smaller camps nearer to their villages. Now the main camp is less crowded in terms of people, but the huts are still intact. That means should any thing happen, they can run back to the main camp again.

Camps or home

2007-06-25T17:32:00.000+03:00

A recent visit to some of the camps in Northern Uganda shows a good number still undecided on whether to go home or remain in the camps. A cross section of the camp resident said they have already visited their original villages and some have planted crops in their own field. The following however are the real need now:
Help in setting out shelter, basic household utensils, agricultural tools like hoes and ploughs and seeds to enable them begin cultivating their land. If you know of organisation that can support some of these areas please let us know. What is worrying is the state of the children; some parents leave the children in the main camps for days with no proper arrangement on their welfare. Some of the children therefore are tempted to eat whatever is edible like these in the pictures.

New Bishop for the Diocese in 2009

2007-06-06T19:05:00.000+03:00

Today, Wednesday June 6, 2007 Professor Tarsis Kabwegyere officially opens the Diocesan Synod. Bishop Nelson delivered his charge and members have broken into houses of Laity and Clergy to discuss the professor’s address, Bishop’s Charge and the report from the Diocesan Council.
Tomorrow, Thursday June 7, members will continue the discussion of the papers and thereafter come back in the plenary for presentation.
Bishop Nelson said his retirement is in 2009, mandatory he is to retire at the age of 65 and that should have been on January 21, 2010. But according to his charge 2008 he will visit the Christian to say bye and 2009 Election of the New Bishop and consecration as well.
More to come

Rev.Willy Akena

SYNOD MEETING

2007-06-05T16:41:00.001+03:00

June 5, 2007

PRESS RELEASE

The Diocese of Northern Uganda is due to hold its General Meeting commonly called the SYNOD from Wednesday June 5,-Friday June 8 2007 at the Diocesan Headquarters, in Gulu.
Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng, who is the Chairman of the Synod, is expected to announce his retirement plan and other critical issues affecting the church like same sex marriage, Adultery, empowerment of the Clergy, church land, return process and development of the Diocese.
Members that include Women and Youth representatives and all parish priests will start arriving today and the meeting starts tomorrow Wednesday June 6, 2007 at the Diocesan headquarters at Mican.
The Guest of Honour will be Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, the Minister of Relief and Disaster Preparedness.
We call for your prayer so that the Lord guides this meeting

Rev. Willy Akena
Diocesan Information Officer/Bishop’s Chaplain
0772 667 334

List of atrocities in Northern Uganda coming soon

2007-06-05T12:39:00.000+03:00

Dominic Ongwen(LRA)one of the interdicted commander,Lucky Kidega (UPDF)commander, Walter Ochora (Resident District Commissioner Gulu and Bishop Nelson Onono-Onweng during one of the meeting with the rebels in the Bush last year. Photo by Rev.Willy Akena

We are happy that the peace talk in Juba is on track. Given this trend we hope a settlement will be reached. Now the two parties are discussing agenda number 3 which talks about Reconciliation and Accountability. This is the most difficult agenda because it involves discussing the Acholi Traditional System of Mato Oput, Amnesty Law and of course the ICC among others. As it stands now the ICC seems to be carrying more weight and a centre of controversy. The LRA delegation are demanding cancellation of the ICC indictment before signing of this Agenda while the government position is that the Agreement has to be signed first then the ICC.
People in the camps are optimistic that peace will return to Northern Uganda. Although majority are still in the camps, while visiting their original homes and involved in small scale agricultural activities.
In another related development the Acholi Parliamentary Group is to release a dossier on the atrocities committed by the LRA and the Government since 1986. According to the New Vision story of Tuesday 5, 2007 Hon. Reagan Okumu said the dossier were compiled by both local and international organizations.

At home once again

2007-05-29T16:26:00.000+03:00

Sunday May 27, 2007 came as a surprise to me; I decided to make a ride on my motorcycle to visit our original village. Because of the war, we deserted our homes almost fifteen years ago. The ride of 45 kilometers according to the reading on my motorbike, the journey took me one hour, it is a fairly good murram road with some pot-holes here and there. As I was riding I could see gardens of groundnuts, cassava and other crops along the road side.
I arrived at Corner Nwoya camp near my home village at 11:00am this camp is one of the newly created camps, called it satellite camp if you like. Although seems to be a bit planned, but the sight of children standing naked and not hiding their poverty, both youth and adult staring at passers-by cannot be avoided.

Instead of meeting my father, who is a retired school teacher, I decided to go straight to my first primary school where I expected to get Christian praying. This school, Nwoya P.7 was displaced and had just reopened this year on the original site. I was welcome by at least fifteen people who had come to pray. The place still looks deserted. The catechists were ready to start the service and of course I joined them in a 40 minutes service. After the service I then decided to a ten fifteen minutes walk to our ancestral home.I managed to get there and recognize some of the trees planted by my father like eucalyptus that have now grown very big and tall. being a seacon for mango,I ate one mango fruit as a sign that at least I have visited the place, and it reminded me of my childhood days. One striking thing was the borehole(see the picture above) that has been constructed by the Sub-county local government at the site of our ancestral well lacally called Wang-Aric.At the moment very few people use the water, but given peace many are going to benifit from this clean water. What I failed to see was the grave of my grandmother who died before the war, and of my uncle who was killed during the war. Maybe next time I visit I have to ask my father to direct me. After this I went to the camp where I met my father and some of my relatives. We had good time and good discussions. My father said he is not yet ready to go and stay at home because of unpredictable security situation, given the fragile peace talk in Sudan.

By Rev.Willy Akena

Pictures above: on the left is a group photo of those who attended the service in this once deserted place and in the background is the classroom where I sat for my Primary Leaveing Examinations before the war.
On the right is of Rev.Willy Akena standing at the borehole(taken by my wife Poline)

What is happening in Gulu

2007-05-17T16:22:00.000+03:00

Today as I was coming from the office the Resident District Commissioner Gulu, I passed via the market street in Gulu town. I was attracted to a small group of people gathered around a man who claim to be Jesus; this man is actually called Oryem Bosco. The sight of Bosco who is lame, poorly dressed, putting on shoe on one leg, on his head is hut made out of motor-car tyre that has been properly made and a cross on top. Bosco has the Rosary and a white handkerchief. According to him the world is soon coming to an end and that he has been sent by God to reveal his plan for mankind. He says he is as wise as a computer and any questions posed to him he is able to give an answer.
This kind of strange figures reminds me of how Joseph Kony, Alice Lakwena (RIP) and Sevirino Lukoya rose up and confused a number of people.
I only pray that after Joseph Kony war has ended no such people should come again to deceive others.
The Bible is very clear on such people; As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately." Tell us," they said, "when this will happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age" Jesus answered: "watch out that no one deceives you" Matthew 24: 3-4

Kony given Ultimatum

2007-05-11T16:23:00.000+03:00

News of the one week ultimatum by the President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni and his counterpart Salva Kiir of Southern Sudan open yet another wound in Northern Uganda.
According to our Local Radio Mega FM, the LRA have been given only seven days to assemble in Ri-kwangba near the Sudan-Congo boarder. The Monitor of Friday, May 11, 2007 confirmed the development. According to the monitor LRA rebels have protested the assembly ultimatum. The Monitor quoted the LRA peace delegation secretary for information and publicity Godfrey Ayoo, saying “That kind of thing (ultimatum) looks to be rigid for parties that are trying to gain confidence from one another,” and further said “It wont make sense to say we must assemble in one week when we have lost four weeks without the agreement being implemented”
The International relations Minster Okello Oryem who happens to come from the war affected region, said on behalf of the government that the government of Uganda and the mediator will not expect anybody in Owiny –ki -Bul calling himself LRA because it will be outside the assembly area. The UPDF and SPLA will take action on anybody in those areas after the seven days because they will be causing insecurity.
For the people in Northern Uganda who have suffered all these 20 years, think this is recurrent of what happened in 1994 when the LRA were given 7 days to assemble.
Picture is of LRA child soldiers who are to carry foodstuff for the LRA commanders. Taken on September 11, 2006 by Rev. Willy Akena

Troubled but not destroyed

2007-05-02T17:41:00.000+03:00

The Bishop of West Ankole diocese the Rt. Rev. Jona Katoneene had a mixed reaction while on a visit to the Diocese of Northern Uganda. The Bishop came for the wedding of George and Joyce who are both staff in his Diocese. The wedding took place on Saturday 28,April 2007 at Christ Church in Gulu. Rt.Rev. Jona appealed to the couple to always forgive one another and have love as the key to their marriage.

In another related development the Bishop and his family almost shed tears upon seeing the suffering in a displaced camp at Koro Abili on Kampala road. Bishop Jona described it as “A transforming experience" and that he has not remained the same after this visit. He however confessed that he was deeply troubled by the human suffering that has been going on for 20 years. He said his daughter Rachel is 20 years and that had she been born in Northern Uganda she would have undergone all this experience. His appeal is for more people to come to northern Uganda and see for themselves. On relationship the Bishop said his visit to Northern Uganda has open door for deeper relationship.
Bishop Jona appreciated the resilience of women especially in supporting their families.
Although the developemt in Juba is positive but majority of people in the Internally Displaced Camps are still stuck in the camps.

Report by Rev.Willy Akena

The best boy survives on left over

2007-05-01T12:28:00.000+03:00

Kidega Dennis Okech was born in 1993 to Mr. Okech Charles and Amono Rose. Dennis is the third born out of eight children. Three boys and five girls. Dennis emerged as the best student in the Primary Leaving Examination of 2006 in his school, Pece Prison Primary school and admitted at Sir.Samuel Baker Secondary School in Gulu. Dennis attributed his success to hard work and support from his teachers. During the third term he felt sick but because the parents could not afford to meet the medical bill he was treated from home, thus took him long to recover. The problem was cough. After the exams he resorted to making bricks with the hope that the result would favour him and he could use the money from the sale of bricks to meet some of the requirements. Although it was not enough, but he started classes and as a result of non completion of fees, the result was dinial of access to the dinning hall by the school administration. Dennis told me that he used to go in the dinning hall after the other students have eaten and search for the left over, since he had no meal card.
At one point he was sent home to look for the balance, but the father gave him 1,000 (one thousand shillings) so that he can instead buy food from outside the school compound.
Dennis’ father Mr.Okech Charles worked as Prison warder and security guard but for one year now he has no job and in his early fifties. While the mother is a house wife.
When I talked to the father on Monday April 30th 2007, Okech said “I would like my son to study but I cannot afford the school requirements” “This boy (Dennis) is unique in character, he is the one who make my compound clean and wants to make sure things are done properly. The mother Rose Amono was not at home, but fortunately I met her on my way back. Rose told me that she wanted to handover the boy to us because she does not have ways of raising the fees.
When I asked Dennis what he would like to become after his studies he said “I would like to become a Medical Doctor so that I can help people” and I think he can make it given chance, Dennis got Distinction in Science.

According to letter to Parents Dennis Second term fees is 144, 850 (one hundred forty four thousand eight hundred fifty shillings) the other expenses including scholastic materials may go up to 50,000 (fifty thousands shillings) so about $ 115 US dollar Dennis can meet the second term requirements

You can contact me on + 256 772 667 334 or send e-mail to akenawilly@yahoo.co.uk or dnu@utlonline.co.ug

Young ambassadors for Northern Uganda

2007-04-20T10:14:00.000+03:00

The news of resumption of talks bring another window of hope for the people
of Northern Uganda. My own opinion is that the talk is taking too long and
if not carefully handled it can take years and years. I think there is some
economic gains in this talks. I recall that one of the reasons that led to
the break in the talk was allowances, the LRA delegation complained that
they are being paid too little compared to the government delegation. It may
bounce back to a statement by Professor Dan Nabudere who said " Poverty
cannot be overcome by those who benefit from it" From this statement I am
tempted to say that the war in Northern Uganda cannot be overcome by people
who benefit from it.

Recently I went to Amuru Camp with a group of Students from Denmark for a visit in the New district curved out of Gulu about a
year ago. These students have surely become our new ambassadors, and I know they will share their experiences with their fellow students as well as lecturers.
Amuru camp has a population of 51,330 according to a figure given by the LC111
and he told me that people are able to visit their original villages, do a
bit of digging and come back to sleep in the camps. That they are not sure
of their security. Of course there are some new camps created, these one are
nearer to people’s original villages, so the issue of walking long distances
has reduced a bit. But the distrust of the LRA and UPDF is another issue which has to be addressed. Why, Civilian cannot fully trust the UPDF, not least because any military action taken by UPDF against the LRA generally involves killing their abducted children. Still the fact that the UPDF where treating anyone outside of an IDP camp as collaborator may still be ringing into the minds of people such that life outside an IDP camp may not be very easy at the moment. Worst still is the fact that incase the peace talks fails, the innocent children will be abducted and again conscripted into the LRA while others are killed. So who wants this to happen to him or her?
I even saw many children just redundant in the camps and always following
Visitors whenever they go. On the situation generally its calm and traffic
moves even at night without problem. Buses from Gulu to Kampala can even
leave at 2:00 am and arrive in Kampala by 6:00 am.
Rev.Willy Akena