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Gen Okiding among 18 Christians to be installed as canons in Soroti
Within the Anglican Church, a canon is a senior church leader or respected lay Christian recognised for exceptional service, leadership and commitment to the mission of the Church.
Deputy CDF Gen Sam Okiding sharing with Anglican archdeacon of Serere Canon David Epongu in a recent function in Serere district. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
By: Godfrey Ojore, Journalist @New Vision
SOROTI - On the battlefields of South Sudan and Somalia, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding has commanded troops through some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones. This Sunday, the decorated three-star general will exchange military insignia for a different kind of honour.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces is among 18 distinguished Christians who will be installed as canons of the Anglican Diocese of Soroti during a service at St Peter's Cathedral in Soroti City.
It is a rare recognition reserved for Christians whose commitment to God, the Church and community service has stood the test of time.
For Okiding, the honour is deeply personal.
A native of Bugondo sub-county in Serere district, the senior army officer has survived numerous life-threatening military operations during peacekeeping and combat missions in South Sudan and Somalia. In gratitude for what he describes as God's protection through those perilous years, he built a church in his home area as a lasting testimony of his faith.
Sunday's installation, therefore, marks another chapter in a life that has combined military service with Christian devotion.
The ceremony will see 12 lay Christians and six ordained priests elevated to the rank of canon, one of the highest honours within the Anglican Church.
Among those joining the College of Canons are retired High Court judge Margaret Oguli, World Bank Senior Agricultural Officer Dr Joseph Oryekot Obuo, and retired Commissioner in the Ministry of Water Engineering. Joseph Eyatu, Enterprise Uganda Executive Director, Charles Ocici, Makerere University School of Law's Head of the Department of Commercial Law, Dr Ivan Engoru, diocesan Head of Laity, Samuel Enyutu, Mothers' Union President, Elizabeth Ebasu and former Soroti District LC5 chairman Girigori Mikairi Egunyu.
For many of the recipients, the recognition comes as a humbling surprise.
"It is an honour for the Church to consider me for such a position. May God take all the glory," said Dr Engoru, who also serves as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Soroti.
65 years of ministry
Sunday's installation, therefore, marks another chapter in a life that has combined military service with Christian devotion.
The ceremony will see 12 lay Christians and six ordained priests elevated to the rank of canon, one of the highest honours within the Anglican Church.
Among those joining the College of Canons are retired High Court judge Margaret Oguli, World Bank Senior Agricultural Officer Dr Joseph Oryekot Obuo, and retired Commissioner in the Ministry of Water Engineering. Joseph Eyatu, Enterprise Uganda Executive Director, Charles Ocici, Makerere University School of Law's Head of the Department of Commercial Law, Dr Ivan Engoru, diocesan Head of Laity, Samuel Enyutu, Mothers' Union President, Elizabeth Ebasu and former Soroti District LC5 chairman Girigori Mikairi Egunyu.
For many of the recipients, the recognition comes as a humbling surprise.
"It is an honour for the Church to consider me for such a position. May God take all the glory," said Dr Engoru, who also serves as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Soroti.
65 years of ministry
Within the Anglican Church, a canon is a senior church leader or respected lay Christian recognised for exceptional service, leadership and commitment to the mission of the Church.
While the title carries prestige, it is also a call to provide spiritual counsel, support church governance and serve as a role model to fellow Christians.
Lay canons are selected from distinguished members of the congregation, while clerical canons are drawn from ordained clergy who have demonstrated exemplary ministry.
The installation comes as the Diocese of Soroti celebrates 65 years of ministry.
Established in 1961, the diocese originally covered the vast Teso and Karamoja sub-regions under its pioneer bishop, the late Rt. Rev. Stephen Tomusange.
Over the decades, the Church has expanded significantly, leading to the creation of the dioceses of Moroto, North Karamoja and Kumi.
Today, under the leadership of Bishop Kosea Odongo, the diocese continues to grow both spiritually and institutionally, with Sunday's installation expected to become one of the landmark events in its anniversary celebrations.
As worshippers gather inside the historic St. Peter's Cathedral, the occasion will celebrate more than titles and ceremonial robes.
It will honour lives devoted to faith, public service and community transformation, reminding Christians that true leadership is measured not only by the offices people hold, but by the legacy they leave behind.
While the title carries prestige, it is also a call to provide spiritual counsel, support church governance and serve as a role model to fellow Christians.
Lay canons are selected from distinguished members of the congregation, while clerical canons are drawn from ordained clergy who have demonstrated exemplary ministry.
The installation comes as the Diocese of Soroti celebrates 65 years of ministry.
Established in 1961, the diocese originally covered the vast Teso and Karamoja sub-regions under its pioneer bishop, the late Rt. Rev. Stephen Tomusange.
Over the decades, the Church has expanded significantly, leading to the creation of the dioceses of Moroto, North Karamoja and Kumi.
Today, under the leadership of Bishop Kosea Odongo, the diocese continues to grow both spiritually and institutionally, with Sunday's installation expected to become one of the landmark events in its anniversary celebrations.
As worshippers gather inside the historic St. Peter's Cathedral, the occasion will celebrate more than titles and ceremonial robes.
It will honour lives devoted to faith, public service and community transformation, reminding Christians that true leadership is measured not only by the offices people hold, but by the legacy they leave behind.