Tororo Archdiocese marks jubilee year with Munyonyo pilgrimage

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Christians from the Archdiocese of Tororo, under their umbrella organisation, the Tororo Archdiocese Development Association of the Laity (TADAL), have commemorated the Catholic Jubilee Year (2025) with a pilgrimage of faith to the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Munyonyo.

The function, held on November 8, 2025, was presided over by the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tororo, the Most Rev. Dr Emmanuel Obbo. Prominent Christians from the region, including Ambassador Bernadette Olowo-Freers, deputy head of public service Dr Theopista Mary Wenene, and National Council for Higher Education executive director Prof. Mary Okwakol, were among those who graced the memorable occasion.

Christians carrying offertory during mass.

National Council for Higher Education Boss Mary Okwakol (right) with other Christians during mass.

As a symbolic act of the pilgrimage, the Tororo pilgrims, led by Archbishop Obbo, walked in procession from the lower end of the shrine to the Minor Basilica. They then passed through the Basilica’s Door of Mercy (the main entrance) before participating in the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass.

In a surprise highlight, Archbishop Obbo wedded two youthful TADAL members, Paul Dickson Elibu and Veronica Asekenye. Dickson is a member of the TADAL choir, while Veronica serves as secretary of the association’s SACCO. The two became the first TADAL couple to wed.

The reigning chairman of TADAL, Dr Henry Nakalet Opolot, said the wedding of Dickson and Veronica was proof that the association was achieving holistic development. He later announced several other couples who would be married before the end of the year.

Archbishop Obbo’s message

Delivering his homily during Mass, Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo asked the Catholic faithful from his archdiocese to strengthen their unity and commitment to the Church. He also urged them to contribute more funds towards the renovation and redevelopment of St Anthony’s Hospital in Tororo.

“St. Anthony’s Hospital is a regional hospital, but it had declined tremendously. Everywhere I went during my pastoral visits, the Christians would petition me to redevelop the facility. So far, we have done good work. Many mothers who want to deliver babies now come to St Anthony’s Hospital. Very soon, we shall open the facility’s OPD. Thank you for your disposition to the archdiocese. The people at home regard you highly. They see you as a parish,” said Archbishop Obbo.

The Archbishop of Tororo Archdiocese, Dr. Emmanuel Obbo (wearing a mitre) shares a photo-moment with the newly wed TADAL couple, Paul Dickson Elibu and Veronica Asekenye, and some of the leaders of TADAL. This was during the Jubilee Year Pilgrimage organised by the members of Tororo Archdiocese Development Association of the Laity at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Munyonyo, in Makindye Division on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Christians from Tororo Archdiocese making the symbolic pilgrimage of faith.

Dr Obbo thanked the Christians and other people of goodwill for their generous financial contributions, which have enabled the hospital’s renovation works to progress steadily.

The Mass was concelebrated by the chaplain of TADAL, Fr Phillip Odii, the pastoral coordinator of Tororo Archdiocese Fr Michael Kibiye, the diocesan chaplain of the Lay Apostolate Fr Gaetano Ochieng, and the liturgical master of ceremonies Fr Brian Kibuku.

Archdiocese to hold synod

Speaking during the same function, the pastoral coordinator, Fr Michael Kibiye, revealed that plans were underway for the archdiocese to hold a synod.

He said the last synod took place in 2000, during the episcopal reign of Archbishop James Odongo (RIP). Questionnaires would be distributed to Christians to seek their views on improving pastoral services in the archdiocese.

“It is now 25 years since we last had a synod. Many things have changed since then. We need to analyse the present situation and see where we are doing well and where we have to do better as we do the mission of Jesus in this digital era,” said Kibiye.