Gulu celebrates 100 years

A big celebration in Gulu as the first Secondary School for both boys and girls celebrated 100 year of her existence. The Presidents of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni gave cash contributions of 30 million towards the centenary project. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hon. Jacob Oulanyah represented the president during the function. Gulu High School was established in 1914, it grew from a small school with few students to the current enrollment of 1000 students. GHS has produced many men and women of high standing in the world. Dr. Apollo Milton Obote (RIP), Dr. Olara Otunu, Professor Odonga, Professor Okot B' Bitek (RIP), Professor Nyeko Pen Mogi,, Dr. Martin Aliker, Hon. Odonga Otto, Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi,  Saint Archbishop Janani Luwum, Bishop Nelson Onono Onweng, Bishop Gideon Allan Oboma, Mego Labeka Auma Okwong the list is endless. Someone said “As we look towards the future, of GHS we must never forget the Almighty God in whose hands the school rests. In a corrupt world, let the motto of the School BE HONEST, motivates us in all that we do".

Bishop Johnson Gakumba who has been the brain behind this celebration said " In her journey through 100 years, GHS experienced many exciting and challenging times.....the key lesson we draw from the testimony of the 100 years of GHS is that challenges , if well managed help institution grow stronger, bigger and better"

Bishop Benoni said “Gulu High School has played its role powerfully in the life of the Nation and still has chances for to do more.” He also thanked Bishop Johnson for this wonderful celebration.” Bishop Benoni prayed for God’s blessing to all present students to stand tall on the shoulders of those who went before them.

Celebration at Agung Parish

The tallest couple of the year

On Monday, August 11th, was the anniversary of the arrival of the first missionaries to the Acholi people in 1903.  They arrived and knelt to pray at Agung.  We gathered there to remember them and give thanks to God for bringing Christianity to northern Uganda.  We also saw 25 people confirmed and there was a mass wedding where 20 couples were married.  A witch doctor gave a moving testimony and many gave their lives to Christ. An appeal was made to the community of Agung to respect the church land.

Cutting the cake

Mentoring of Students under Peter's Fund

A group photo of some of the Beneficiaries of the Peter's Fund

As a way of mentoring the students under the Scholarship called  Peter's Fund, a total of 26 students are being supported. On Saturday the Mothers Union had a meeting with the students and their parents or guardians under this scholarship. Some of the  issues discussed included:- Academic performance, discipline, relationship with the parents, guardians and sponsor.

Rev Norah Akidi Omona had this to say "Mothers Union Diocese of northern Uganda would like to sincerely thank the Christians of Bristol diocese for supporting 26 students in northern Uganda, whose hope for studies was shattered as a result of the long conflict in the northern part of Uganda. With the support from Bristol their fees is being paid and if they come back for holidays they are given mentor ship sessions to encourage them to be focused committed and above all to develop their spiritual life. This scholarship enables students to be paid from senior one –senior six. Our utmost gratitude goes to our coordinator Mrs. Alison Rowe, Christians of St Peter’s Henleaze and the entire Christian community of Bristol Diocese not for getting our Lord Bishop. God bless you abundantly."

South Korea in Koro

We thank our friends from South Korea for the mission work they are undertaking here in DNU. They have just spent a week with us. Last year in 2013, a woman named Akanyocan Sharon was taken to South Korea for an operation which was successful. The team had time to visit Sharon in the village of Olony in Anaka, Nwoya District. They also visited Gulu University, Pakwelo Parish and Koro church. In Koro, they supported putting glass in the windows of the church building, and conducted series of activities with Christians of Koro.

From Graduation to the Village

 One unique thing with the Women Development Centre is the visit to the former Students (Alumni) in their respective communities. This week we visited at least four groups located in Nwoya, Bungatira, Awere and Lalogi. The journey has not been all that easy, some places have no roads and we had to drive in the bush- literally with a guide on a motorcycle tying to point out black sports with trees stems that may cause puncture of the tire.  From our visit, it is clear that Women are a big driving force in community transformation, how I wish we had enough resources to continue empowering these women groups. Now that DUFA is weaning WDC by the end of this month, we appeal to like minded organization to consider working with us. We need support in a number of areas; including fuel for movement, maintenance cost for the school van and facilitation to the staff as they teach at the centre, and move out to the communities, and airtime for internet among others. Some of our former students certainly remain in town and small centres, but some go up to remote places without electricity, no clean water, no roads …….

According to the women in the communities they need support in the areas of capital for starting and maintaining business, agricultural support, land right, developing their constitution and many others.