The new Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese Rt Rev. Raphael P’Mony Wokorach is set to be installed on July 12, 2024.

In the letter seen by Radio Rupiny, Papal Nuncio to Uganda Archbishop Luigi Bianco has set July 12 as the date for installing Rev. Wokorach who was appointed the new Archbishop of Gulu on March 22, 2024, to replace Rt. Rev. Dr John Baptist Odama who retired.

Odama who remains the apostolic administrator of Gulu Archdiocese until the new archbishop assumes the canonical position, has served as the Archbishop of Gulu since January 2, 1999. Wokorach became the second bishop from Nebbi Diocese to be appointed archbishop, after Odama in 1999.

According to the letter, both rites — installation and imposition of the pallium on the new Archbishop — will take place at Gulu Cathedral in Bardege-Layibi Division in Gulu city in the Eucharistic celebration starting at 10:00 am.

The Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese, Dr John Baptist Odama, said no Archbishop can exercise his metropolitan jurisdiction until he has received the pallium from the Pope.

The pallium, a liturgical vestment, is a white woollen band with pendants in front and back worn over the chasuble by the pope and archbishops in the Roman Catholic Church as a symbol of full episcopal authority.

It is made of a circular strip of white lamb’s wool about five cm (two inches) wide and is placed over the shoulders. Two vertical bands, extending from the circular strip in the front and back, give the pallium a Y-shaped appearance. Six crosses, one each on the chest and back and on each shoulder and band, adorn the vestment.

According to the Roman Catholic Canon Law the installation of the new bishop should not exceed two months however, the Papal Nuncio to Uganda added one month due to the busy preparation to animate the Uganda Martyrs’ Day by Nebbi Diocese and Peace Week preparation by Gulu Archdiocese.

Preparation to welcome the new Archbishop will kick off in May 2024 since Gulu Archdiocese is hosting Christians from Arua, Nebbi and Lango Dioceses from April 22-26, 2024.

All the archbishops and bishops are expected to attend the installation ceremony on July 12 with the Papal Nuncio Bianco as the main celebrant. 

Who is Wokorach?

He was born on January 21, 1961, to the late Paul Ocama O mony and Ventorina Auma of Wadelai in Ragem village, Ewuata in Arua district.

Wokorach took his first religious profession on April 29, 1989, and the perpetual vows on October 12, 1992. 

He was ordained a priest on September 25, 1993, at Wadelai Parish Nebbi Diocese by the Bishop of Nebbi by then, Martin Luluga.

He is under the Congregation of Combonian Missionary of the Heart of Jesus and has served in different capacities in many countries as a Comboni priest.