Church of Uganda needs UGX 188M to rehabilitate bishop’s house in Gulu

Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The Church of Uganda is hunting for Uganda Shillings 188 million to rehabilitate the dilapidated house of the Bishop of the Northern Diocese in Gulu.

The house constructed about 100 years ago by the early Church Missionary Society at Mican Parish adjacent to St. Philips Cathedral in Gulu has already been demolished o pave way for rehabilitation.

The Bishop was forced to abandon the house because it was dilapidated. The Bishop has since resettled in his own residence at Koro Sub County, about 10km away from the Church.

Some of the Christians have so far donated bricks, sand and some building materials towards the ongoing rehabilitation of the house as the Church hunts for more support. 

Bishop Johnson Gakumba of Northern Uganda disclosed in a recent interview with Uganda Radio Network (URN) that the Diocese is hopeful they will get the funds for the refurbishment of the building.

Gakumba noted that the rehabilitation is expected to be complete before the consecration of the new Bishop in November this year. 

“We have devoted to prayers that the Lord again chooses his servant who will take over from me and we are hoping that the one coming must find a decent place to live in” Bishop Gakumba added. 

The Diocesan Secretary Rev. Patrick Lumumba says the Church had already informed the leaders in the 41 Parishes in the region to mobilize for the fund. “COVID-19 has hit the Church hard and we hope for contribution from those the Lord can touch their hearts for this development, ” said Rev. Lumumba appealed. 

The development however comes at the time of the preparation for the retirement of Bishop Gakumba set for November this year, he succeeded Bishop Nelson Onono Onweng in 2009. 

However, the Church is in the process to institute a new board to oversee the appointment and the election of the new Bishop.

Joyce Nyega Olany, a believer at Pece Pawel in Laroo-Pece Division however noted that much as the Christians have been affected by COVID-19, the Church needs support.

Susan Mwaka, another believer from Christ Church Parish says that if each of the Church members in the region can contribute 1,000 shillings to the development, the fund will be realized.

However the former Warden for Christ Church Parish Philips Okech has advised the Church to establish committees in all the Parishes in the region to mobilize the funds.

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URN