Catholic Bishops from Northern Uganda are gathered in Lira Diocese, this week, to mark the 20th anniversary of “Prayer and Peace Week,” a pastoral initiative launched in 2006 to address post-conflict challenges following the insurgency in the region, which was led by Joseph Kony and the infamous LRA rebels.
Fr Isaac Ojok – Lira City
Among those present in Lira, are Archbishop Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, MCCJ, of Gulu Archdiocese; Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama; Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok of Lira Diocese; Bishop Sabino Ochan Odoki of Arua Diocese; Bishop Constantine Rupiny of Nebbi Diocese; Bishop Dominic Eibu of Kotido Diocese; and Bishop Emeritus Joseph Franzelli of Lira Diocese.
Promoting reconciliation
The commemorative celebrations, held from 3 May to 8 May 2026, are organised annually under the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province. This week-long event promotes healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace following the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict. The theme for this year is: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).
Participants from the dioceses of Gulu, Arua, Nebbi, Lira, and Kotido—including clergy, religious leaders, civil authorities, and lay faithful—have participated in a peace march through Lira City, symbolising unity and a shared commitment to reconciliation.
Forgiveness and dialogue
During the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, emphasised that peace is a gift within every person and called on the faithful to embrace healing, forgiveness, and dialogue.
“Peace thrives where people are heard, and it grows where dignity is respected,” he said. He urged communities to overcome division, hatred, and mistrust, while also calling for integrity in leadership and encouraging the rejection of tribalism, corruption, and exploitation.
In a joint message, the bishops urged communities to remain committed to promoting peace, drawing inspiration from Saint Paul in the Acts of the Apostles, who remained steadfast in his mission despite persecution.
Emulating Archbishop Emeritus Odama
Bishop Dominic Eibu, MCCJ, of Kotido Diocese, praised Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama’s efforts in promoting peace in Northern Uganda. He recalled the Archbishop’s dedication to dialogue, including courageously reaching out to leaders of the Lord’s Resistance Army. He encouraged the faithful to emulate such commitment.
Bishop Eibu urged Christians to actively seek peace and to share personal testimonies that can inspire others to heal and live in peace. He called on participants to carry the message of peace back to their communities.
“When we go back home, let us return with actions that will leave a positive impact in our lives and communities,” he said.
He further commended the people of Lira Diocese for their warm hospitality to visitors from other dioceses in the Ecclesiastical Province.
The Enduring suffering caused by LRA
The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), an insurgency led by Joseph Kony, peaked in the late 1980s before spreading across the Central African region. Kony and the LRA waged a devastating rebel conflict in Northern Uganda. Although the group still exists, it no longer poses a major threat to Uganda; it survives as a weakened guerrilla force in Central African countries neighbouring Uganda.
At the height of its guerrilla warfare, the LRA caused immense humanitarian suffering that continues to affect the people of Northern Uganda to this day. Many are still healing from the trauma of those years. For this reason, the “Prayer and Peace Week” holds significant importance for this part of Uganda.
Joseph Kony is believed to be still be alive and at large. He has evaded capture for over two decades.
