Nebbi Diocese Elevates Faithful Servant Gilbert Ucokuru to Canonship

By Mike Rwothomio

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, the Diocese witnessed a glorious milestone in the vineyard of the Lord as long-serving lay leader Mr. Gilbert Ucokuru of St. Paul’s Church of Uganda, Paidha Town Parish, Goli Central Archdeaconry, was canonized.

This sacred event that took place at St Stephen’s Cathedral Goli, inscribed his name among the distinguished Canons of the Nebbi Diocese.

In the Church of Uganda, the title of Canon is a high ecclesiastical honor bestowed by the Diocesan Bishop upon dedicated clergy or exemplary lay Christians who have rendered outstanding and sacrificial service to the Body of Christ.

During the service, attended by hundreds of the faithful, the Rt. Rev. Pons Ozelle Awinju, Bishop of Nebbi Diocese, declared: “Your experience as a lay leader and acting pastor in many parishes has qualified you for this canonry.” The pronouncement was met with resounding ululations, especially from the people of Paidha Town Parish, from where Canon Ucokuru hails.

Canon Gilbert Ucokuru has faithfully served as acting pastor in the parishes of Jangokoro, Nyarwodho, Erussi, and others, laboring tirelessly to shepherd the flock of God.

A Life Dedicated to Soul-Winning

Born on January 10, 1971, Canon Ucokuru did not receive this honor in vain. For decades, he has walked the narrow path of ministry, preaching the Gospel to the weak, the downtrodden, the heavy-laden, and those who sat in darkness, bringing many souls into the Kingdom of God.

 His journey of divine service began in 1996 when he joined A.T.C. Udende for training as a lay leader , then known as a catechist. On November 11, 1996, he entered into Holy Matrimony, and in 1997 he was commissioned at A.T.C. Udende.

This year, the Diocesan Synod held in April granted the Bishop authority to confer upon him the Canonry of Rural Ministry in recognition of his long-standing service, unwavering commitment, unique gifts, and dedication to the Church.

In a solemn moment, the Bishop prayed for God’s abundant blessings and divine protection upon the new Canon, blessing him in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. He presented him with the instruments and canons that guide the sacred office.

The Bishop further urged him to be guided by the First and Second Epistles to Timothy as he continues to preach the Gospel to all nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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The Bishop, had just returned from official leave and officially resumed duties.

Ordination of New Shepherds

Following the canonization, four deacons were ordained into the priesthood, further strengthening the ranks of God’s shepherds in the Diocese.

The newly ordained priests received the mandate to preside over all sacraments of the Church of Uganda and will be deployed following the deliberations and recommendations of the Diocesan Advisory Board.

The new priests are: Eliot Okirwoth, to serve as Chaplain at Koch Awinga Secondary School.

Rwothomio Isaac , to serve at Afere church of Uganda and assist as chaplain in Nebbi Progressive and Nebbi Town SS.

Ubedgiu Solomon , to wait at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Goli.

Filda Akumu , to wait at Parombu West as Chaplain at Max Foundation School, Parombu.

Clergy from various archdeaconries and parishes across the Diocese, together with hundreds of believers, gathered to witness this historic occasion on Nebbi Diocesan calendar.

In his homily, the Venerable Alfred Ogenmungu, Archdeacon of Goli Central Archdeaconry, charged the newly ordained priests: “Do not look for promotion; God Himself will promote you.”

Canon Ucokuru’s Journey of Faithful Service

1998–1999: Ambaki Church of Uganda  

2000–2008: Pendhi Church of Uganda  

2009: Nyarwodho Parish (Acting Pastor)  

2010–2013: Lagero Church of Uganda  

2014–2016: Uwilo / Erussi Parish  

2017–2020: Ubeki / Abanga Parish  

2021–present: St. Paul’s Church of Uganda (Mvugu), Paidha Town Parish

Educational Background 

 P.1–P.2: Manzi Parents School (1979–1980)  

P.3–P.7: Arago Primary School (1982–1986)  

Senior 1–2: 2005–2006

Canons in the Church of Uganda play a vital role as advisors to the Cathedral Chapter, promoters of mission and ministry, advocates, and representatives of the Church.

Canonization process.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub for African stories trends and updates.

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