In loving memory of Blandina Oboma

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

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

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

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

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