Preparations are in full swing at the Arua Catholic Diocese as Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki gets ready to mark his 40th anniversary in the priesthood. The celebration, scheduled for October 28, 2023, will be held at the Ediofe Boys Primary School playground and is expected to be overseen by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Despite facing a budget shortfall, the organizing committee remains optimistic about the event’s success. Charles Andrua, the chairperson of the central organizing committee, revealed that they have raised 55 percent of their budget projection, collecting UGX 55 million out of the initial UGX 100 million budget, which was later revised to UGX 75 million.
Security measures have been enhanced in the city in anticipation of the event, with tents from the State House being set up to accommodate over 2,000 guests.
Bishop Odoki, while reflecting on his accomplishments and long-term plans for the diocese’s self-reliance, assured that the diocese is making progress. Some of the sustainability plans include increasing shares in Centenary Bank, constructing a house for Centenary Bank’s Koboko branch, building a warehouse for rent for National Medical Stores, and establishing a hostel at Muni University.
Various members of the religious community expressed their gratitude and admiration for Bishop Odoki’s dedication to his service, and the celebration serves as an inspiration for their own commitment to the ministry.
Bishop Odoki’s journey to the priesthood began at Holy Rosary Primary School in Gulu, followed by stints at Aboke Minor Seminary and Lacor Minor Seminary. He pursued Philosophy at Katigondo Major Seminary and Theology at National Major Seminary Ggaba. He furthered his studies at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, earning a Licentiate of Sacred Theology and a Doctor of Sacred Theology.
As a priest, Bishop Odoki was ordained on September 10, 1983, and served in the Archdiocese of Gulu until July 22, 2006. He was then appointed as the auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gulu and later as the Bishop of Arua Diocese.
The 40th anniversary celebration is a testament to Bishop Odoki’s lifelong commitment to the priesthood and his contributions to the Arua Diocese.
