Pray for Museveni, Alupo tells Christians

________________

Vice President Jessica Alupo has urged Christians of Tororo Ecclesiastical Province and all Ugandans to pray for President Yoweri Museveni to be able to continue his visionary leadership and take the country to even greater heights.

She mentioned the road constructions in eastern and northern Uganda as some of the projects that the President is implementing to enhance his national transformation agenda.

She made the remarks during the Tororo Ecclesiastical Province reunion day and pilgrimage at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo, in Wakiso district on June 8, 2025.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo (right), Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba (second-left) and other Christians, praying during the pontifical mass for TEPAL annual day and pilgrimage at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo, in Wakiso district on Sunday, June 8, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Vice-President Jessica Alupo (right) leading the offertory procession during the pontifical mass for TEPAL annual day and pilgrimage at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo, in Wakiso district on Sunday, June 8, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

A spectacle of Ambassador Bernadette Olowo-Freers (left) and other Christians during the pontifical mass for TEPAL annual reunion day and pilgrimage at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo in Wakiso district on Sunday, June 8, 2025. (Photo by Mathia Mazinga)

Alupo commended the Christians of the ecclesiastical province for their commitment to unity and development. She praised them with even greater admiration for their vibrant culture of solidarity, which they have nurtured through their diocesan associations. She encouraged them to be even more zealous in their pursuit of spiritual and social transformation.

Blossoming sense of unity

Tororo archbishop Dr Emmanuel Obbo also expressed joy at the blossoming sense of unity among the Christians of Tororo Ecclesiastical Province. He said the signs of the times compel all human beings to walk and work together, regardless of their tribe, social or ethnic affiliation.

The mass was presided over by Soroti bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach, who asked the Christians to always call upon the Holy Spirit, who gives wisdom, courage and peace, and the empowerment to love and unite.

Archbishop Obbo (left), Bishop Eciru (second-left). Bishop Guzzetti (fourth-left) and Bishop Eibu) during mass. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Tororo Ecclesiastical Province head of the Laity Ssalongo Robert Khamiza and the head of Soroti Catholic Diocese Laity Association (SCALA) also emphasised the need for unity and solidarity to enhance holistic development of the members.

Tororo Ecclesiastical Province comprises the Catholic diocese in eastern Uganda, including Tororo Archdiocese, Moroto Diocese, Kotido Diocese, Jinja diocese and Soroti diocese.

The mass was concelebrated by Kotido bishop Dominic Eibu, Moroto bishop Damiano Guzzetti, Fr Richard Kayaga (who represented Bishop Charles Wamika of Jinja Diocese), Fr Phillip Odii, and some other Catholic clerics.

Among the pilgrims were the elite of the region, including Justine Kasule Lumumba (the minister General Duties, Office of the Prime-minister), Jane Frances Akiteng, deputy head of Public Service Theopista Mary Wenene, Dr Robert Oluka, Ambassador Bernadette Olowo-Freers, Snr Counsel Charles Owor, Prof Pius Okongo, and Dr Charles Olaro (the director general of health services).

Others were James Ebitu, Salaam Musumba and Dr Henry Nakalet Opolot. Ecclesial development partners such Centenary Bank executive director Joseph Balikuddembe, also graced the function.

During the function, the Christians collected about shillings 4.6 million for the construction of Regina Caeli Soroti Cathedral.

Children in a liturgical dance action during mass. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The choir leading the singing during mass. (Photo by Matias Mazinga)

Christians rejoice over appointment

TEPAL day at Namugongo has always been celebrated with joy. None the less, this year’s function was filled with even greater excitement owing to the recent election of the Rev. Msgr Simon Peter Engurait (a typical son of Soroti) as the Bishop-elect of the American Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

L-R: Dr Henry Nakalet, Ssalongo Khamiza, Bishop Damiano Giulio Guzzetti, Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo, Vice-President Jessica Alupo, Bishop Joseph Eciru, Bishop Dominic Eibu, Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba and other dignitaries cutting cake in celebration of TEPAL Day and pilgrimage at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo, in Wakiso district on Sunday, June 8, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

No one ended their speech without talking about Angurait and how his episcopal appointment in the US had dignified, glorified and rejuvenated Soroti and eastern Uganda.

Ssalongo Khamiza said Engurait’s elevation to the episcopate was a proof that eastern Uganda was the source of wise men and women. Bishop Eciru also caused excitement when referred to Teso region as Thessalonica.