By Mike Rwothomio 

The Alur Kingdom has called on Christians across the Nebbi Catholic Diocese to fully support the newly ordained priests and deacons in order to advance spiritual growth and strengthen church leadership.

Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, the Prime Minister (Jadipu) of the Alur Kingdom, made the call while representing His Royal Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III during the Thanksgiving celebration for the ordination of Rev. Fr. Moses Okwenuru at Pawo-Zamba village, Warr Town Council, on Friday, 17 July 2026.

“The King said I should assure you that we shall give you all the support wherever you’re so that you execute your pastoral mission,” Opar said in his address to the public.

“As the Kingdom, we rally you believers to support these priests to aid their pastoral work,” he added.

He noted that the diocese has only 66 priests serving thousands of believers, highlighting the dedication of the new clergy who have committed their lives to serving the people of God.

Flanked by senior traditional leaders and Ker Alur clan heads, Jadipu Opar graced the thanksgiving ceremony held at the new priest’s parents’ home. 

The event showcased a powerful display of cultural and religious unity as hundreds of faithful gathered on 17 July 2026 to celebrate.

Jadipu Prince Lawrence Opar Angala also urged subjects to support the Alur Kingdom’s ongoing implementation of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms for addressing land disputes and misunderstandings, in line with Uganda’s justice system and laws.

Fr. Moses Okwenuru, son of retired Catechist Mr. Serefino Ogam and Ms. Emiliana Mandhawun of Pawo Clan under St. Peter & Paul, Warr Catholic Parish, was ordained last week  by the Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Constantine Rupiny, at Nebbi Cathedral. 

He has been posted to Uleppi Catholic Parish in Madi Okollo District to begin his priestly ministry.

Speaking during the thanksgiving Mass, Fr. Agwokotho Pastore urged the Christian community to stand firmly behind the young priest. He highlighted major challenges awaiting Fr. Okwenuru, particularly land wrangles and witchcraft practices, and called on the faithful of Uleppi Parish to cooperate fully with him.

The colourful event brought together Catholic priests, religious sisters and brothers, Ker Alur cultural leaders, leaders from other faiths, local government officials, and hundreds of Catholic faithful from both Warr and Uleppi parishes.

Nebbi Catholic Diocese held its annual priestly and diaconate ordinations on 11 July 2026. 

Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Constantine Rupiny ordained six new priests and installed five new deacons at Nebbi Cathedral Parish.

The six newly ordained priests and their initial parish placements are:Fr. Cosmas Anyaku – Curate, Wadelai Parish  

• Fr. Godwin Ngamiko – Curate, Rhinocamp Parish  
• Fr. Raphael Ocopi Santo – Curate, Nebbi Cathedral Parish
• Fr. Saviour Awekonimungu – Curate, Panyimur  
• Fr. Jimmy Cankoboko – Curate, Wadelai Parish
• Fr. Moses Okwenuru – Curate, Uleppi Parish

The newly ordained deacons and their placements are: Dn. Maxwell Gingyera – Angaba Parish  

• Dn. Jerome Adroleni – Atyak Parish  
• Dn. Mark Kertho – Nebbi Cathedral Parish  
• Dn. Brian Jawiambe – Nyapea Parish  
• Dn. Richard Ocan Ocaki – Rhinocamp Parish

Established in 1996, Nebbi Catholic Diocese now comprises 23 parishes and serves the West Nile districts of Pakwach, Nebbi, Zombo, and Madi Okollo.

Jadipu (Prime Minister) Prince Lawrence Opar Angala (centre, holding a fly-whisk), Rwoth of Ayuveni, Nester Odaga Jalomayo Uledhire II (on the Jadipu's left), and Rwoth of Warr-Offaka, Yasin Oyaki Jalukungu (on the Jadipu's right), pose for a group photograph with Ker Alur clan heads during the thanksgiving ceremony of the newly ordained Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Moses Okwenuru, at his parents' home in Pawo-Zamba Village, Warr Town Council, Zombo District, on July 17, 2026.

Some of the new priests

Jadipu (Prime Minister) Prince Lawrence Opar Angala (left) posed for a photo with Rev Father Moses Okwenuru after the Thanksgiving Ceremony.

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