Arua Diocese expands pastoral ministry with nine new priests, seven deacons

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The Bishop of Arua Catholic Diocese, Sabino Ocan Odoki, has called on newly ordained priests to serve with humility and urged Christians to support them without diverting them from their calling as servants of God.

Bishop Odoki made the remarks on August 1, 2026, at Arua Cathedral during an ordination ceremony in which nine priests and seven deacons were ordained to serve the Church.

Preaching to a congregation drawn from different parts of Uganda and neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Kenya, Bishop Odoki said humility enables clergy to minister effectively to all people, regardless of their social status.

“Humility makes priests compassionate even if someone is wrong, to minimise harassment through torture, abductions and neglect which are common in the societies. Guide people with truth. Identify with Jesus as much as possible,” Bishop Odoki explained.

He urged Christians to provide financial and material support to clergy, who serve God without a salary, but cautioned priests against allowing gifts from wealthy people to compromise their mission.

“Be cautious with the rich who offer gifts not to point out their weaknesses; our mission is voluntary to serve God, do not be overcome by relativism because truth is truth, bring out your issues by preaching what the Gospel wants,” Odoki said.

Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki blessing the congregation

Ben Atibuni, the LC1 chairperson of Ediofe Mission Cell, attributed the low number of vocations in the Church to the attitudes and mindset of parents and relatives.

“At times children say yes, I want to become a priest, but sometimes it is not easy for parents to allow because of our culture; that is why I am thanking those who have allowed their children to be ordained here. Let us send more people to become priests,” Atibuni stressed.

Ayivu West MP Phiona Onzima called for greater commitment among Christians to support priests, saying material contributions cannot compare with the sacrifice priests make in dedicating their lives to God.

“This sacrifice of yourselves to serve God today shows that you have much faith in your heart. May the Almighty God see you through this journey. We Christians are praying for you because once you become a priest, you have no salary; only God, we are behind you,” Phiona pledged.

A 70-year-old Christian from Ediofe Cathedral Parish, Mariana Avutia, said support for clergy is declining because Christians no longer accord priests the same respect and value as before.

The representative of the newly ordained priests, Fr. Johnson Mutu from Otuambari, pledged that they would remain committed to the values that guided them into the priesthood.

“Last year when we were ordained as deacons, one Christian said, 'Continue doing good things that have brought you to this level', so we the newly ordained will also want to wish the same so that the vocation or call we have embraced with double hands may not be lost on the way,” Mutu stressed.