GULU ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE DONATES OVER 10 TONNES OF FOOD TO DROUGHT-HIT KARAMOJA

Archbishop Raphael P’mony Wokorach blesses food relief destined for Kotido at his residence. (Photo by Proscovia Achomo)

By Proscovia Achomo

The Gulu Ecclesiastical Province has donated more than 10 tonnes of food and other relief items to vulnerable communities in Karamoja following an appeal by Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, Bishop of Kotido Diocese, for urgent support to families affected by hunger.

The contribution brings together efforts from the four dioceses that make up the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province — Gulu Archdiocese, Arua Diocese, Nebbi Diocese and Lira Diocese.

Gulu Archdiocese donated 3.5 tonnes of maize grain, 843 kilograms of beans, 225 kilograms of posho, two sacks of second-hand clothes and Shs310, 000. Nebbi Diocese contributed 1,500 kilograms of beans and 1,500 kilograms of posho, while Lira Diocese donated four tones of posho and beans. Arua Diocese is still collecting its contribution and is expected to send it to Karamoja soon.

The relief effort follows Bishop Dominic Eibu’s appeal to the Uganda Episcopal Conference to mobilize support for communities struggling with food shortages in Karamoja. The response is being coordinated through Caritas, with Caritas directors across the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province overseeing the collection and delivery of the supplies to Kotido Diocese, where they will be distributed to vulnerable communities.

The Church’s intervention comes alongside government efforts to support communities affected by food insecurity in Karamoja. Government has also been providing relief assistance to vulnerable households as part of efforts to respond to the food situation in the sub-region.

John Bosco Komakech Aludi, Director of Caritas Gulu Archdiocese, says the Church’s donation will not be a one-off intervention.

He says the collection will continue, with plans to extend the campaign to other communities affected by hunger in the Acholi sub-region, including Agago, Kitgum, Lamwo and Omoro districts, with particular attention to Namukora Sub- County in Kitgum District.

Aludi says the aim is to sustain the mobilisation so that more families facing food insecurity can receive assistance.

Speaking during the flag-off of the relief supplies, Archbishop Raphael P’mony Wokorach of Gulu thanked Christians for responding generously to the appeal and urged them to continue supporting people in need.

He said the contribution should be viewed as an expression of solidarity with families facing hardship and not simply as a one-time donation.

“We must be grateful that God opened the hearts of people to contribute something for the people of Karamoja. This is not the last contribution. Charity has no vocation or retirement age.”

Archbishop Wokorach called on Christians to make generosity a lasting part of their lives, stressing the importance of standing with one another during difficult times.

“I pray we continue helping each other, holding each other’s hand and also building the culture of generosity because the strength of charity is generosity.”

The relief supplies will be transported to Kotido Diocese by Caritas for distribution to vulnerable communities.

With Arua Diocese still mobilising its contribution and further collections planned for hunger-affected communities in the Acholi sub-region, the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province says its response to hunger will continue beyond the current consignment.

The Church is calling for continued generosity from Christians and well-wishers as it seeks to reach more families facing food insecurity across northern Uganda, complementing ongoing government efforts to support affected communities in Karamoja.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis