President Museveni Urges Clergy to Promote Wealth Creation
President Museveni, represented by Vice President Alupo, called on the clergy to promote hard work, self-reliance, and the government’s wealth creation program at a priestly ordination ceremony in Soroti.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach, and Vice President Jessica in a photo during the ordination of priests at Regina Caeli Cathedral site Aminit in Soroti City on Saturday 13th July, 2024
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon the clergy to educate and encourage the populace to value hard work, self-reliance, and embrace the wealth creation program. In a message delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo, President Museveni stated, “We count on you, Lord Bishop, to sensitize and teach our people the value of hard work, self-reliance, and to embrace the wealth creation program. The Government continues ensuring the maintenance of peace and security throughout the country.”
Vice President Alupo represented the President as the chief guest at the ordination ceremony of six deacons into priesthood and a seminarian into the diaconate at Regina Caeli Cathedral site in Aminit, Soroti city, on Saturday, 13th July 2024.
“I appeal to the new priests to mobilize the diocese to participate in the wealth creation campaign. As you are aware, the Government has rolled out the Parish Development Model (PDM), aimed at improving the quality of life for all Ugandans by eradicating poverty at the household level. Through the PDM, agriculture will be transformed from subsistence to commercial farming,” she said.
President Museveni emphasized that the ordination of the priests is a testament to their devotion to God and the Catholic Church. He commended the bishop for his hard work, commitment, and good leadership, which has transformed Soroti into a model diocese.
He expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church for maintaining a cordial relationship and partnership with the NRM Government in working towards the socio-economic transformation of all Ugandans.
VP Alupo handing over a contribution to Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach
Vice President Alupo congratulated Bukedea district for effectively animating the ceremony and specifically thanked the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, for leading the team. Although 14 Members of Parliament (MPs) attended the ceremony, Alupo revealed that other ministers and dignitaries were unable to attend due to a cabinet retreat in Kyankwazi.
During the same function, Speaker Among, along with her MPs, pledged to support the church in making laws that are beneficial to humanity and respect families and biblical teachings. Among expressed her gratitude to the bishop for his continuous prayers and support since her tenure as Deputy Speaker to her current position as Speaker.
Among shared a personal anecdote, recalling a phone call where the bishop encouraged her to serve the people of the country and be a martyr for the cause, leading to her advocacy for the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. She expressed her appreciation to President Museveni for assenting to the bill, reiterating her loyalty to him as the only President they acknowledge.
Among also thanked the bishop for granting Bukedea Deanery the honor of animating the first priestly and diaconate ordination ceremonies at Regina Caeli Cathedral site.
Presiding over the ordination, Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach urged the newly ordained priests to “save souls” and warned them against adultery, seeking quick riches, and borrowing multiple loans. He emphasized that priesthood requires dedication and is not a light-hearted commitment.
The newly ordained priests are Marcel Ajoket, Cuthbert Eladu, Dominic Oyil, James Osuku, Moses Okai, and Pius Otim. Newly ordained deacon Denis Egili is from St. Kizito’s Parish, Katine. The theme of the ceremony, “Here I am Lord, send me,” was taken from Isaiah 6:8.
Bishop Eciru expressed his gratitude for the attendance of both Among and Alupo at the function for the first time at Regina Caeli Cathedral site. He hoped that the two leaders would continue attending such church functions together for the development of the sub-region.
The diocese announced that three reverend fathers, Paul Ekwenyu, Patrick Edep, and Felix Egonu, would be sent for further capacity building, with Fr. Edep heading to Ireland, Fr. Ekwenyu to Poland, and Fr. Egonu to Rome. Fr. Alex Okiror will be at Nkozi University.
The ordination ceremony attracted thousands of attendees, including Bishop Dominic Eibu of Kotido Catholic Diocese. Eng. Boniface Okanya, chairman of the organizing committee, noted that the ceremony was held at Regina Caeli Cathedral site for the first time to familiarize Christians with the cathedral’s location, which is under construction.
During the fundraiser for the construction of Regina Caeli Cathedral following the ordination, over 200 million shillings were collected in cash and pledges. Vice President Alupo contributed 20 million shillings towards the celebration and announced the President’s pledge to contribute directly to the diocese account. Alupo also pledged her secret cash support and donated 3,000 plastic chairs and several tents to the diocese.
Speaker Among gave special gifts to Bishop Eciru and Bishop Eibu, handed over a new public address system to the diocese for pastoral work, and supported the organizing committee with 36 million shillings. The Bukedea Deanery, led by Among, contributed 100 million shillings towards the cathedral’s construction. Among also purchased a bishop’s portrait for 10 million shillings and a picture of Regina Caeli Cathedral for 5 million shillings.
The new priests were presented with certificates and tools of their vocation.
