By JULIET LUKWAGO

POPE Benedict XVI has appointed Sanctus Lino Wanok as new Bishop of Nebbi diocese. The 54 - year - old was installed on April 30 at Nebbi Diocese Cathedral by the Bishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Rt. Rev John Baptist Odama. He replaces the now retired Bishop, Martin Luluga, 78.

­­­­­Humble beginnings
Born on April 7, 1957, to Valeriano Machamkadno and Maltina Oneka of Warr Catholic Parish in Nebbi district, Wanok is the third born of nine children.

Wanok’s call to priesthood was inspired by his humble family. “My parents were very religious. “I admired it so much that I soon became an altar boy. As an altar boy, I kept saying that I would one day become a priest,” he says with a smile. Even though his parents were not educated, they strived to read and write.

“My father learnt to read and write without having gone to school. Before he died, he read the Bible from the first book to the end,” he adds.



The journey to priesthood
When he left Atyak Primary School where he undertook his early education, Wanok joined Pokea Junior Seminary in 1973, where he studied from primary six to senior four.

He sat East Africa Certificate Examinations in 1978. The following year, he joined Alokulum Major Seminary in Gulu. After his pastoral year in 1983, he attended Ggaba National Major Seminary for three years, graduating with a diploma in philosophy.

In 1985, Wanok became a priest. He was ordained by Bishop Tarantino in Arua Diocese with the late Fr. Santus Ocanda who was killed by rebels after three years in priesthood.

Wanok recalls his priestly journey like it just happened yesterday. “My first appointment was at Nyapea parish, where I served for one and half years.
In 1988, he was moved to Katigondo Major Seminary having been appointed by the episcopal conference, after three years, he went to Urban University in Rome for further studies.

“I undertook doctoral studies in Biblical theology,” Wanok says.
On his return, he was appointed to Gaba National Seminary as a lecturer. From 1996, Wanok served in Gaba until 2005 when he was appointed vicar general of Nebbi diocese.

“I had to obey my Bishop’s call,” he recalls humbly. He was subsequently appointed a monsignor and parish-priest of Paidah parish in Nebbi.

Challenging times
While he is happy about his appointment, Wanok acknowledges the challenges ahead of him.

“Thank God, I have people to look up to, Bishops Luluga and John Baptist Odama have done a great job.”
Bishop Wanok realises that his appointment requires him to serve the people.

“We need to work for unity, to alleviate poverty and promote education,” he says.

Wanok says they shall join hands with other Christians to forge a way forward, to find solutions to poor health, poverty and lack of education.

“We shall work with the Government
to solve these problems. With help of Government programmes like the National Agricultural Advisory Services, we will continue to develop agriculture.

“We cannot preach to the congregation on empty stomachs, ” he says.

Wanok promises to boost development and stay away from partisan politics.

“Our job is to preach the word of God. My role as bishop will include ensuring that the principles of the Catholic doctrine are observed in the diocese ,” he adds.

It is this humility and sense of focus that has led him to one of the highest ranks in the Catholic Church.

FACT FILE

Born: April 7, 1957

Parents: Valeriano Machamkadno, a peasant and Maltina Oneka of Warr Catholic Parish.

Family: The third born in a family of nine, four girls and five boys.

Education: He went Pokea Junior Seminary in 1973.

In 1979, he joined National Major Seminary, Alokulum in Gulu.

Wanok went to Ggaba National Seminary in 1983 where got a diploma in Philosophy under Makerere University.

He has a doctorate in Biblical theology from Urbani University in Rome.

Duty
Ordained as a priest in 1985, by Bishop Talantino in Arua diocese

His first appointment was at Nyapea Parish, where he served for one and a half years.

Ordained priest in 1985, by Bishop Talantino in Arua Diocese.