19 November 2016

As part of the celebration to mark 7years of Episcopal ministry of Bishop Johnson Gakumba, today we had the fundraising marathon which ended at the Jubilee house under construction on Queens avenue in Gulu Town. Over 160 people participated and we give glory to God for their generous contribution of their time, energy and resources. Many blessing to all who participated. Tomorrow we shall have marching from Christ Church to St.Philips Cathedral where a big celebration will take place, including opening the New block of St.Philip Health Centre.










29 September 2016

DNU 2016 Magazine


Celebrating Seven Years of Ministry of the Rt. Rev. Johnson Gakumba

Click on the link below to view our 2016 DNU Magazine.  It features many of the highlights of the last seven years and all that the Lord has accomplished in our Diocese. 


 

"Thus far the Lord has helped us."  1 Samuel 7:12

26 August 2016

The Long awaited baby is now delivered



Rev. Lumumba Patrick -The Diocesan Secretary, officiated in the handing over of graduation kits to 40 tailoring graduates and 25 Hairdressing graduates of Women Development Centre on 26th August 2016. Rev. Patrick narrated the story of a man who ran to him telling that his wife was in labour and needed money to pay the hospital bill. After taking the women to the hospital, the labour pains disappeared and the women went home without delivering the baby. After some weeks at home, she started experiencing labour pains again and this time round the husband came and said “this time it is real…she even left home without some of the important things she needed to take to the hospital with her”.
This story is similar to what happened with our students of 2015. They were supposed to get their graduation kits on their graduation day which took place on 23rd April 2016, but the items were not ready until 25th August 2016…like the pregnant woman…our students had been waiting for the real baby to be born…they day they would receive their graduation kits. That man and woman were happy that the long awaited baby had finally arrive. Equally our students are happy that they now have the equipment they need to begin using the skills they learned as students.
Each student was presented with a start-up kit containing either a brand new sewing machines machine for tailoring or items for the hairdressing students to start a salon including a mirror, two plastic chairs, shampoo, etc. We very much hope these girls and young women will be able to start up a small business that can support them and their children.
Some of them could not hide their joy! Acaa Irene Acire had this to say, “Now I have hope of supporting myself and my children, I will no longer be a beggar ….”
We at the Women’s Development Centre extend our deepest appreciation to Rev. Elizabeth Bumpas for working hard to raise more than 10 million shillings through selling bags made from the Production Unit of the centre to friends and well-wishers in the USA and other countries.  We are also grateful to another donor named Elsebeth Hojgaard and her team in Denmark for raising at least 7.1 million shillings towards the graduation kits.  Our friends in Denmark have been supporting us since 2009. Pray with us for the 63 current students who will complete their training in November of this year.  Their graduation will take place in April 2017. They also need the start- up kits in order to be able to put into practice the skills they are acquiring.
The Diocesan Secretary Rev. Patrick Lumumba, who officiated in the handing over, appealed to the graduates to make proper use of the tools given to them and not to be lazy. He advised the hairdressing students to use their equipment in the operation of their business and not keep it for their personal benefit.  “Do not leave the mirror in your house for you to look at yourself and your husband…use it for what it is meant to be used for…making money with which to support the family, buy food and paying school fees of children.”   Rev. Lumumba said.







18 July 2016

Home at last- Ugandans from Southern Sudan.




The Southern Sudan conflict that erupted again recently has left many Ugandans stranded and with little hope of survival.
The Uganda government managed to bring to safely thousands of its citizens yesterday Friday July 16, 2016 from the Capital Juba to Elegu in Northern Uganda but many are still left in Southern Sudan.
I witnessed the arrival of the convoy at Elegu border town. Bishop Johnson together with Dr. Katie Rhodes mobilized medical kits, 77 Cartons of water (1,848 bottles) and packets of biscuits which fed close to 2,000 people yesterday evening. The Diocesan Secretary Rev. Lumumba Patrick, together with other staff responded very fast as well. The Chairman LCV Gulu Hon Martin Ojara Mapenduzi gave an ambulance from the District. The Bishop himself was part of distributing team.
Dr. Katie and her team from St. Philips Health Centre II (Church of Uganda founded) administered treatment to hundreds of people who had different cases ranging from wounds, malaria, labour pain and shock.
We thank the Six Students of Archbishop Janani Luwum Theological College who participated in loading and offloading the items. This is preaching a practical Gospel. Following the footsteps of Jesus Christ who himself fed over 5,000 people who had come to listen to the Good news. It is our turn to preach the gospel both speech and action.
We got involved after visiting the Elegu Police post in the morning and had briefing from the Chief of Operation of the Uganda Police Asuman Mugenyi, and the Regional Police Boss Aswa Region Wilson Kwanya.
We also visited the Refugee Reception Centre and were told that after registering them, they are taken to Adjumani Refugee Camp.
Many of those who arrived yesterday were in Sudan for business purposes. At the moment movement to and from Southern Sudan is very risky according to reliable sources.
This incident has brought back the memories of the over 20 years of war in Northern Uganda.
We continue to pray for peace in Southern Sudan and the entire world

















30 May 2016

27 Ordained in the 7th Year of the 7th Bishop

27 ordained in the 7th year of the 7 Bishop in a ceremony held at St.Philips Cathedral on Sunday 29th May 2016.
Rev Samuel Muwonge the mission Co-ordinator Namirembe Diocese while delivering his sermon appealed to the newly ordained to remain morally upright and serve God faithfully. Already our Diocese was experiencing shortage of manpower,so this came at the right time.
A day before their ordination the Diocesan Chancellor Mr Gimara Francis, appealed to them to abide by the Canon and constitution of the Diocese so as not to fall below the required standard. He said " Let your faith not become questionable, never put yourself in a situation where people doubt your faith"
The chairman LC V of Nwoya Mr Patirck Okello Oryema and Hon Olanya Gilbert pledged their commitment in working together with the Church in supporting the newly ordained.
They were given bicycles to ease their movement. Full list of those ordained:-
1. Acaba Nickson,
2. Acaye Godfrey
3. Awele Tommy
4. Dera James
5. Elizabeth F Bumpas ( Rev)
6. Ewicho Richard
7. Ocan Bitekson
8. Ocen James,
9. Ocitti Jimmy Aywee,
10. Odokonyero Francis,
11. Odong Fred
12. Odong Isaac
13. Ogweng Richard,
14. Okello David,
15. Okodi Walter Bonny,
16. Okot Denis Rubinson,
17. Okot J.Ben,
18. Okwera George Alex,
19. Olana Lucy Lakica,
20. Olango Sunday,
21. Olwoch Robinson,
22. Omony Daniel,
23. Oola Peter Oyat,
24. Opio Samuel Francis
25. Otema George,
26. Otto Dison
27. Lukwiya Pamela ( Rev)






04 April 2016

No work no food

The Bishop of Madi and West Nile Diocese Rt Rev. Dr Joel Obetia yesterday appealed to the Christians to work hard inoder to defeat Poverty. Speaking from 2 Thessalonians 3:10, which says "...If a man will not work, he shall not eat.."The Bishop was speaking at the Mary's day Celebration held in Pabbo Parish in Amuru District. Bishop Joel said Northern Uganda is now recovering and so people must work hard in their gardens to get bumpy harvest. He said the land here can grow almost any crop. The Bishop said he is not happy with the many young people from Northern Uganda who are joining security companies instead of working in their gardens. Bishop Joel appealed to the Christians to educate their children well inorder for them to be able to support themselves in future.
Pabbo was the largest Internally Displaced Camps during the  insurgency of the Lords Resistance Army and the Government of Yoweri Museveni. The war has left negative impact in the lives of many people and it may take some time for it to disappear.
Bishop Johnson delegated Nelson Onono-Onweng to officiate in the function on his behalf.