As the Lango Diocese prepares to mark 50 years of existence, retired clergy and pioneer church leaders are reflecting on decades of sacrifice, ministry, and resilience that shaped the growth of the Anglican Church in Northern Uganda. Many of the pioneers, now in their 90s, say they vividly recall the early days of the diocese, when they served in remote and underdeveloped parishes with limited resources, often relying on bicycles and motorcycles to reach scattered congregations.
They describe a period marked by poor road networks, limited infrastructure, and, at times, insecurity, but say their commitment to spreading the gospel remained unwavering. Rev. Morris Ngune recounted how he continued ministering during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, despite the dangers.
He said he was first posted to what is now Oyam District, then Oyam Sub-county, at Acaba Parish, where insecurity forced clergy to move frequently and at times sleep in the bush. “If I were a weak person, I could not have finished it. At the finishing point, Bishop called me here that Morris, come and help me, and that was also during the Corona time. So, we maneuvered like that, and I managed to finish at Boroboro,” he said. “In 2020, I told Bishop, it is enough, let me go home.” As the diocese gathers ahead of its Golden Jubilee, the reunion has been described by retired clergy as a moment of reflection on history, sacrifice, and faith. Rtd. Rev. James Awany said the gathering reflects the journey of the Church over five decades.
He said it is encouraging to see the fruits of their early ministry. “It is wonderful to see that the seeds we planted many years ago have continued to grow. The Church today is much stronger than when we started,” he said. Rev. Dorothy Ajok-Awany described the retreat as a sign of appreciation for retired servants of God.
She said such gatherings help reconnect retired clergy to ongoing church life and strengthen their sense of belonging. “It also makes… catered for well,” she said. The retreat, held under the theme “Remembering Our Leaders Who Spoke the Word of God to Us,” aims to honour retired clergy while encouraging them to continue supporting the growth of the Church. Diocesan Bishop Prof. Alfred Olwa said the pioneers played a critical role in building both the Church and the communities they served.
“This gathering is our way of saying thank you. Their contribution cannot be measured only by churches built, but by lives transformed through their ministry,” he said. He added that the inspiration for the retreat came from the message in the book of Hebrews. Retired Bishop Dr. Charles Bernard Obaikol of Soroti Diocese also praised the initiative, calling it a rare opportunity for retired clergy to feel valued. He urged them to remain rooted in doctrine and continue guiding the faithful even after retirement.
The pioneers gathered at Sira Dongo Mission of Hope in Boroboro for Holy Communion, marking not only a milestone for the diocese but also a celebration of the legacy of its founding servants. Lira City Mayor and Diocesan Laity Chairperson Sam Atul urged the retired clergy to continue praying for the Church and supporting its leadership. As Lango Diocese moves toward its Golden Jubilee, the testimonies of these pioneer clergy stand as a reminder that the Church’s present strength is built on decades of sacrifice, endurance and faith-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
