Kumi Anglican Diocese turns 25 years of faith into a story of healing
The atmosphere was one of joy, worship and renewed purpose as believers gathered to thank God for sustaining the church through one of the most difficult periods in its history.
Happy choir of St Philip Cathedral performing during the event. (Photos by Godfrey Ojore)
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For years, Kumi Anglican Diocese was known less for its ministry than for the bitter conflict that threatened to tear it apart. Court battles, violent confrontations, divided congregations and wounded clergy painted a painful picture of a church struggling to find its footing.
But on Sunday (July 25), that painful chapter gave way to a moment of thanksgiving, hope and reconciliation.
Thousands of Christians filled St Philip’s Cathedral, the seat of Kumi Anglican Diocese, to celebrate the diocese’s Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years since its creation. The atmosphere was one of joy, worship and renewed purpose as believers gathered to thank God for sustaining the church through one of the most difficult periods in its history.
Bishop Michael Okwii Esakhan of Kumi diocese
The celebrations attracted three bishops from the Church of Uganda: North Karamoja Bishop Simon Aisu, Karamoja Bishop Joseph Chorey and Kitgum Bishop Wilson Kitara, alongside political, cultural and religious leaders.
Colourful performances by students from church-founded schools, vibrant choir presentations and traditional dances transformed the cathedral grounds into a festival of faith, reflecting not only the growth of the diocese but also its renewed unity.
A painful chapter
The anniversary carried deeper meaning because it came after years of turmoil that nearly crippled the diocese.
The conflict began in 2019 when the Church of Uganda House of Bishops revoked the election of Rev. Charles Okunya as Bishop of Kumi over integrity concerns.
The decision sparked sharp divisions within the church. Rev. Okunya later broke away with a section of Christians to establish the Reformed Anglican Church, creating parallel places of worship and splitting long-standing congregations.
The dispute was marked by chaotic and sometimes violent confrontations, with some clergy sustaining injuries. Church programmes stalled as leadership wrangles overshadowed ministry.
"The Lord has done great things"
Standing before thousands of worshippers during the thanksgiving service, Bishop Esakhan reflected on the difficult journey the diocese has travelled.
"We can declare today with the Psalmist that the Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
He said the hardships had strengthened rather than weakened the church’s faith, adding that the difficult experiences had prepared the diocese for greater achievements in the years ahead.
However, he reminded Christians that genuine healing could only come through repentance and reconciliation.
Students of Ngora High performing a cultural dance.
"If you contributed to division, repent and become an instrument of reconciliation and peace-building."
The bishop challenged Christians to embrace the Silver Jubilee theme of "Revamping, Rebuilding and Rebranding Kumi Diocese," urging believers to focus on rebuilding both the church’s spiritual and institutional foundations.
Leadership praised
Lay Canon Martin Okiria Obore described the past five years as one of the most turbulent periods in the diocese’s history but credited Bishop Esakhan’s leadership for restoring calm and confidence.
"Looking into the mirror today, we see God's grace, strength and hope," he said.
For many Christians, the Jubilee was less about celebrating 25 years on paper and more about celebrating survival.
Rose Abala, one of the Mothers Union members, said the signs of recovery are increasingly visible.
She noted that more couples are solemnising their marriages in church, while membership in the Mothers’ Union continues to grow.
"Among the ministries that have faithfully served the church throughout these years is the Mothers' Union, whose contribution to evangelism, family life, women's empowerment and community transformation has been remarkable," she said.
Her remarks reflected a church gradually rebuilding families and restoring confidence among believers.
Unity above all
Preaching during the thanksgiving service, Kitgum Diocese Bishop Wilson Kitara applauded Christians in Kumi for choosing unity after years of conflict.
"We thank God for how far He has brought us and also prepare ourselves to face the challenges ahead," Bishop Kitara said.
His message reminded the congregation that while the conflict may be over, preserving unity requires constant commitment.
Looking to the future
As Kumi Diocese begins its next 25-year journey, Bishop Esakhan said his vision extends beyond his own episcopate.
He wants future generations to inherit a church defined not by conflict but by faithfulness.
"The next generation will inherit a diocese that loved Christ more than power and position wrangles, unity more than division, integrity more than selfish gain and corruption, and mission more than comfort."
His words captured the transformation many worshippers believe has begun: a journey from conflict to communion, from division to healing.
The Silver Jubilee was therefore more than an anniversary. It was a public declaration that Kumi Anglican Diocese has chosen reconciliation over resentment and mission over conflict.
For a church once threatened by internal battles, the celebration marked not simply the end of a painful chapter, but the beginning of a hopeful new one.