Arua Bishop Sabino Odoki Celebrates 20 Years of Episcopal Service

Catholic leaders, government officials, and dignitaries gathered at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Ediofe, Arua City, to celebrate two decades of episcopal service by Arua Catholic Bishop Sabino Odoki. The milestone event brought together religious figures from various denominations to honor the bishop’s steadfast commitment to regional unity and community development in Northern Uganda.

Personal testimonies highlighted the lasting impact of Bishop Odoki’s ministry. Gulu District LC5 Chairperson Justin Obol Simpleman shared how the bishop took him in after he lost his parents at a young age, ultimately guiding him on a path that led to public office. Meanwhile, Arua City Mayor Lawrence Alionzi Dangote urged the Church to leverage its influential voice to help eradicate poverty and illiteracy in the sub-region.

The celebration featured high-profile representation, including the new Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Tomasz Grysa, who delivered blessings and greetings from the Vatican. President Yoweri Museveni was represented by Second Deputy Prime Minister Crispus Kiyonga, who delivered a congratulatory message emphasizing wealth creation, commercial agriculture, and economic transformation in line with government initiatives.

Concluding the milestone event, Bishop Odoki expressed his gratitude to the attendees and appealed for continued backing toward church-led development projects, notably the ongoing construction of an elders’ home within the Arua Diocese. Traditional Bwola dancers from Gulu provided vibrant performances to honor the cleric’s long-standing service.

For further details, read the original report on Nile Post.