UGANDA: Archbishop Odama Appeals for Unity in Northern Uganda
Most Rev John Baptist Odama of Gulu Archdiocese during the homily at Naguru in Kampala
Fr Isaac Ojok
The Archbishop of Uganda’s Gulu Archdiocese Most Rev. John Baptist Odama has reiterated the call for the people in Northern Uganda to forgive one another in a move for the region to prosper in unity and love.
The Archbishop made the call during his homily on Sunday 4th June 2023, the occasion of the annual provincial Mass at Naguru Catholic Parish, Kampala, for those for the Christians from Gulu ecclesiastical province living in Kampala Metropolitan area.
He went on saying that before independence, the people in Northern Uganda lived happily in unity and love but after the independence in 1962, bad politics divided the people as several incidents led to mistrust and hatred among the brotherly tribes in the region.
To restore harmony, peace and unity among the people, Archbishop Odama has challenged the people from Northern Uganda that they have the obligation to play their role responsibly to nurture love and forgiveness among the people of God in the region.
“We in Gulu province, we must forgive one another because we know our history”, he said in a statement during the homily.
According to Archbishop Odama, exercising love, forgiveness among the people should start from the families and be extended not only in Northern Uganda but in the entire country to ensure love among the citizens, patriotism, reconciliation, forgiveness, unity and peace.
He particularly noted that if taking lead in extending love and forgiveness was done before, Uganda would have been the model country in the rest of the world.
While reflecting on the theme; “Celebrating Our Union with God and Humanity (1 John 1:17)”, Arch bishop Odama said the theme reminds us of the Trinity, the union of God the father, God the Son and God the Holy spirit which is the communion of life with no beginning and the end.
Preaching on the solemnity of the most Holy Trinity, the prelate mentioned that the union of the Trinity should inspire people to live in communion of love and unity among themselves.
He further said, the communion of life brings to mind the new commandment of love given by Jesus when He commanded us to love one another just as He has loved us, the new law that humanity should emulate and exercise among themselves.
Archbishop Odama went on to say that we can only live in unity and love perfectly when we listen to God who speaks to us spontaneously despite our disobedience and other shortcomings.
Despite the disobedience and shortcomings of people, Archbishop Odama emphasized that God is merciful; He forgives sinners and brings back to Him all those who repent. Therefore, it is high time the people of Northern Uganda forgive one another and work for progress and sustainable development.
Gulu ecclesiastical province is made up of four dioceses under what is known as GANAL – an acronym which stands for Gulu, Arua, Nebbi and Lira. Coming together GANAL aims at promoting the practice of working together in unity, love, peace among the diverse cultures within the province so as to achieve some common vision.
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