Lira Catholic Diocese welcomes 11 new priests, eight deacons
Rev. Fr Emmanuel Opio Etam, the vocations director of Lira Diocese, described the occasion as a significant boost to the sacred ministry, saying the 11 newly ordained priests would increase the number of priests from 79 to 90.
The bishop lays his hand on new priests and deacons during the Mass at Lira Cathedral Ordinations Ground on Thursday. (Photos by Joseph Ekol)
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Lira Catholic Diocese has ordained 11 Catholic priests, bringing the total number of priests in the diocese to 90.
Those ordained to the Holy Orders of priesthood include Reverend Deacons Ambrose Omara, Jimmy Dila, Ambrose Adupa, Lawrence Ojok, Emmanuel Okello, Samson Odongo, Dickens Opoo, Cesar Opio and Isaac Opio, all from Lira Diocese.
Others are Rev. Deacons Brian Oboo and David Onyango from Tororo Catholic Diocese.
The new priests were on Thursday, August 6, 2026, ordained by Lira Catholic Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok after their parents willingly presented them during a function held at Lira Cathedral Church ordination grounds.
At the same function, eight seminarians were ordained to the holy orders of deacons.
The new deacons include Denis Hanson Obua, Morris Ogwang, Cesar Tyan, Joseph Etot, Cesar Ajuk, Steven Ocen, Fredik Onyango and Christopher Ogwal.
Some of the parents of the newly ordained deacons and priests at the event.
In attendance were Lango paramount chief Eng. Dr Moses Michael Odongo Okune and disaster preparedness and refugees minister Sam Engola, who is also the MP for Erute South County.
The event also attracted hundreds of Christians, religious leaders from several congregations across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and other countries in East Africa.
The bishop said what the new priests had received was not crowns but the cross, for them to love as Jesus Christ loved. He said their calling was not for comfort but for a mission that should keep them always alert.
“You will be called a father not for honour, but for you to be there to serve humanity. Be priests who unite people to God, teach them forgiveness, encourage them instead of discouraging them, accompany them, stay close to the Bishop and don't fear, and love your fellow priests,” he urged priests.
He further called on the newly ordained priests to be good listeners and avoid creating their own thoughts to preach, but rather teach the words of God and never be diverted by social media influence.
To the families of the ordained priests, the bishop thanked them for sacrificing their sons to the service of the Church, urging them not to abandon them but to continue journeying with them in prayer.
He said that by ordaining them, the candidates had become part of the family of Lira Diocese, ending their family attachments as they would go out to serve and comfort abandoned children, the poor, families affected by broken marriages, forgotten elderly people and the sick.
To motivate the newly ordained and enhance mobility, minister Engola gifted two of the newly ordained priests a vehicle each and promised further support for religious vocations.
Lango paramount chief Eng. Odongo Okune used the event to call for unity among Lango leaders as they work towards strengthening relations with the NRM government, to attract more service delivery and wealth creation opportunities for the region.