By Our Reporter
GULU: The Most Reverend Raphael P’Mony Wakorach has been installed as the second Archbishop of the Gulu Archdiocese, succeeding Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama. The installation ceremony, held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral in Gulu, was conducted by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Rev. Luigi Bianco, and attended by hundreds of Christians, including Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo.
In a message delivered by Alupo, President Yoweri Museveni congratulated the new Archbishop and thanked the Catholic Church for maintaining a cordial relationship with the NRM government. He acknowledged the Church’s efforts in extending social services to the public by utilizing the government’s private sector-friendly policies, exemplified by the construction of numerous schools and hospitals across Uganda.
President Museveni emphasized the Church’s role in promoting hard work and self-reliance among Ugandans. He assured the Christian community that the government would continue to ensure peace and security, as well as the construction of essential social and economic infrastructure to attract local and foreign investments, thereby creating jobs and income opportunities for Ugandans.
Highlighting the significance of leadership, Museveni praised Archbishop Emeritus Odama for his contributions to unity and development in Northern Uganda and his efforts in combating poverty through initiatives like commercial cassava farming. He commended Odama for setting a remarkable example for spiritual leaders by guiding believers towards achieving both heavenly and earthly aspirations.
Pope Nuncio Luigi Bianco invoked blessings upon Archbishop Wakorach’s pastoral ministry, encouraging him to promote justice, peace, reconciliation, and integral human development. Archbishop Emeritus Odama expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for selecting Wakorach and emphasized the theme of “service with humility” as reflected in Wakorach’s episcopal motto.
Early Life and Priesthood of Archbishop Wakorach
Archbishop Wakorach was born on January 21, 1961, in Ojigo village, Arua Diocese, West Nile, Northern Uganda. He studied Philosophy at Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary Alokolum in Gulu from 1983 to 1987 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome in 1987. He later obtained a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Kenya in 1994.
A member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus, also known as the Comboni Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Wakorach was ordained a priest in 1993. In 2021, he was ordained Bishop and appointed Bishop of Nebbi. This year, he was appointed Archbishop of Gulu, a testament to his dedication and service to the Church.
