By Richard Onapatum
Lweza – In a significant development for the Church of Uganda, the House of Bishops, convening at Lweza Training and Conference Centre on July 4, 2024, has elected Rev. Ven. Michael Chorey as the 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Karamoja. Rev. Ven. Chorey will be consecrated and enthroned on August 25, 2024, at St. Philip’s Cathedral, Moroto, succeeding Rt. Rev. Joseph Abura, who has served as Bishop since May 27, 2007, and as the Dean of the Province of the Church of Uganda.
Rev. Ven. Michael Chorey was born on April 10, 1970, in Dingdinga village, present-day Katabok Sub-county in Amudat District. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior on May 12, 1986, during a fellowship organized by the School Chaplain, who was also a Church teacher. The transformative message was based on Romans 6:23: “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Ordained as a Deacon on July 13, 2003, and priested on December 18, 2005, Rev. Ven. Chorey began his Church ministry as a Lay Reader from 1995 to 2000. He has been serving as the Archdeacon of Pokot Archdeaconry since April 1, 2012, and is also the Parish Priest for Christ Church Amudat Parish.
Rev. Ven. Chorey is married to Rev. Canon Jane Chorey, and together they have planted 24 churches now under Pokot Archdeaconry. He holds a Master of Arts in Theology and Development and a Bachelor of Divinity from Uganda Christian University. Currently, he is in the final stages of completing his Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Development at the same university.
In addition to his academic achievements, Rev. Ven. Chorey has undergone various trainings, including monitoring and evaluation for HIV/AIDS, basic Training of Trainers (TOT) for advocacy, peace, and small arms monitoring. He has also attended a leadership training program at the Anglican Leadership Institute in South Carolina, USA.
Rev. Ven. Chorey’s contributions extend beyond church ministry. He has translated manuals for Alternative Basic Education for Karamoja (ABEC), and the Parliamentary Act of 2010 prohibiting female genital mutilation, and has worked on numerous documents aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, drugs, and neglected diseases.
The Diocese of Karamoja looks forward to Rev. Ven. Michael Chorey’s leadership, anticipating his continued dedication to spiritual growth and community development.