In a recent interview conducted on September 25, 2023, Fr. Grace Waigo, a devoted Catholic priest, is praised for his significant contributions to the West Nile Sub-region. He is recognized for his simplicity, meticulous attention to detail, and warm hospitality, which leaves a lasting impression on anyone who meets him.
Fr. Waigo, aged 65, warmly welcomes all his visitors at the Moyo and Adjumani multipurpose centers with a friendly smile, ensuring their comfort with the accommodation services provided. He also takes a keen interest in receiving feedback on how to enhance these services.
Notably, Fr. Waigo actively maintains the gardens at these multipurpose centers, overseeing the well-being of the flowers and trees. These distinctive qualities have made him highly esteemed, not only within the Catholic Church but also across the West Nile Sub-region.
Fr. Waigo’s dedication to the region is evident in the numerous development projects he has spearheaded. He was born on December 18, 1958, in Toloro Village, Moyo Sub-county, and received his education at various institutions, including Moyo Town Council Primary School, Pokea Preparatory Seminary, Sacred Heart Seminary Lacor in Gulu, and Alokolum Major Seminary in 1978.
Throughout his pastoral work, Fr. Waigo acquired valuable vocational skills such as driving, tractor gardening, building, carpentry, joinery, and mechanics, skills that would prove essential in his priestly journey.
Following his ordination, he held various roles within the Church, including serving as a curate in Pakele Parish, bursar and teacher of religious education and physics at Sts Peter and Paul Pokea Seminary in Arua, and as a chaplain at Ediofe Girls Secondary School. He also managed the Arua Diocese Procure and served as the administrator of Maracha Hospital.
A substantial portion of his career was dedicated to working as the financial administrator for the Arua Diocese. In 2007 and 2008, he took a sabbatical leave in Navarra, Spain, to further enhance his knowledge and skills.
Fr. Waigo’s commitment to the West Nile region is underscored by his ability to mobilize resources, forge connections, and demonstrate honesty. Through these attributes, he played a pivotal role in the development of social services and infrastructure throughout the region.
His achievements include the construction of the Moyo Multipurpose Training Centre, Adjumani Multipurpose Training Centre, Ediofe Girls Multipurpose Hall and Library, and the Moyo Mission Health Centre IV. Additionally, he played a crucial role in the construction of the Holy Cross Shrine at Indriani and the rehabilitation of the primary healthcare system in Maracha. He also oversaw the installation of solar panels at a hospital during his tenure as an administrator. Fr. Waigo’s contributions extended to constructing various Catholic parishes and other facilities within the region.
In addition to his development projects, Fr. Waigo has been a passionate advocate for girl-child education. His dedication to securing scholarships for the youth in West Nile has allowed many to attain diplomas and degrees.
Fr. Waigo’s educational background is noteworthy, with a bachelor’s degree in theology from Urban University of Rome and a master’s degree in theology from the Comilla Pontifical University in Spain.
Dr. Catherine Driciru, a beneficiary of Fr. Waigo’s scholarship initiatives, expresses her gratitude, stating that he acted as a father figure by supporting her education from primary school through university. Similarly, Luija Maturu, a teacher at Mvara Senior Secondary School, attests that without Fr. Waigo’s assistance, she would have been unable to continue her education beyond senior four. She praises his ability to connect with people personally and his extensive knowledge and expertise in his field, enabling him to provide valuable guidance and support to those who seek it.
