Bees disrupt ordination of priests, deacons in Arua
Bishop Odoki had ordained nine Priests and Seven Deacons in Arua Catholic Diocese when the bees disrupted his speech, forcing the Bishop to say, “Somebody has sent bees to us.”
Rev. Fr Picho Epiphany brushes away a swarm of bees with his bare hands after they disrupted Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki's speech during the ordination of priests and deacons on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Robert Ariaka)
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The Bishop of Arua Catholic Diocese, Sabina Ocan Odoki, was disrupted by bees while giving a speech during the ordination of Priests and Deacons on Saturday at Ediofe Cathedral.
Bishop Odoki had ordained nine Priests and Seven Deacons in Arua Catholic Diocese when the bees disrupted his speech, forcing the Bishop to say, “Somebody has sent bees to us.”
Odoki had just said that more priests and deacons would be joining to serve in the diocese and in other parts of the world, when bees suddenly appeared.
Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki of Arua Catholic Diocese brushes away bees with his speech papers after a swarm disrupted the ordination of priests and deacons on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Robert Ariaka)
Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki of Arua Catholic Diocese and Rev. Fr Picho Epiphany share a laugh after a swarm of bees briefly disrupted the bishop's speech during the ordination ceremony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. (Photo by Robert Ariaka)
Recognising the political leaders present at the ceremony, Bishop Odoki said; “Thank you for representing all your fellow political leaders. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for supporting us.” Among those present was Terego Woman Member of Parliament (MP) Rose Obigah, who is also the vice chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus.
The prelate asked Christians to continue with this effort of raising money to support the project. “We need at least sh3b, but we have just reached sh300m. That is only 10 percent,” Bishop Odoki disclosed to the congregation.
The Christians on monthly basis contribute what is called Jege-Jege money with a minimum amount of sh100, which supports the diocese development projects.
The Bishop disclosed that the report from Rome on the monthly contribution of Christians called Jege-Jege has a good response. “I want to tell you that in our report that we sent to Rome, the response was very good. The Prefect for Evangelisation, His Eminence Antonio Tangre, appreciated very much our Jege-Jege collection which is bearing fruit."
The Bishop commended all Christians who have made contributions through the Jege-Jege collection. “Small or big, may God bless you abundantly. So, with this, I would like to wish you a wonderful day,” Bishop Odoki said as he was forced to conclude his speech prematurely due to the growing number of bees.