The Catholic Diocese of Arua is set to launch a multi-million shilling housing project for elderly and sickly priests, aimed at addressing long-standing welfare challenges among clergy in the region. The project, to be officially kicked off on June 27 at Pokea Minor Seminary in Arua City, is expected to be launched in a ceremony presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, following an invitation from Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki.
The initiative comes at a time when Arua Diocese, which serves nearly two million Catholic faithful across West Nile, is grappling with the welfare needs of more than 30 elderly and ailing priests among its over 200 clergy serving in 69 parishes. Currently, the priests have no formal health insurance or dedicated retirement facility, with many depending on parishes, relatives, and well-wishers for support during illness or old age.
The idea for a dedicated home for elderly and sick priests was first conceived two years ago by concerned Christians following the deaths of several priests who were reportedly under the care of relatives at the time of their passing. The situation prompted appeals for small-scale contributions, including a voluntary Shs 1,000 donation from Christians to support the medical needs of sick priests, as the diocese lacked a structured welfare fund.
Subsequently, another proposal emerged for a permanent solution in the form of a residential and medical facility for retired and sick clergy. Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki later directed that the project be locally funded through what became known as the “Jege Jege Project,” under which each Christian contributes at least Shs 100 monthly or more to support its implementation.
Over the past two years, contributions from parishes have reportedly accumulated to about Shs 600 million out of the estimated Shs 1.5 billion required for the project, according to diocesan finance sources. Despite the fundraising progress, many Christians have been anticipating the official commencement of the project, especially amid increasing cases of sick and elderly priests whose care has remained largely informal.
However, according to a letter signed by the Chancellor of Arua Diocese, Rev. Fr. Joel Anguyo, the groundbreaking has now been scheduled for June 27, 2027, with President Museveni confirmed as the Guest of Honour. “All the Christians and well-wishers are kindly asked to contribute generously, including the 69 parishes and sub-parishes of Arua Diocese. The guest of Honor shall be His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda,” the letter reads in part.
During a recent update to Christians, Bishop Odoki confirmed the President’s expected attendance, saying his presence would help boost fundraising efforts for the project. Meanwhile, Tom Aliti, a member of the Central Organizing Committee and MP-elect for Maracha East County, has urged Christians to actively support mobilization efforts, describing the initiative as “faith in action.” Once completed, the facility will not only serve as a residence for elderly and sick priests but will also function as a retirement home for the Bishop-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
