New Soroti bishop pledges to unite divided church

Soroti. The bishop-elect of Soroti Diocese has promised to unite the flock and clergy in a diocese that has over the last three years been inundated with politics of intrigue, among its own clergy over positions and use of church property.
In his speech to the people of Teso on Wednesday evening upon being announced by the House of Bishops that sat in Lweza on February 20, 2019, the Rev Capt Kosea Odongo rallied for unity among Christians. He will be consecrated on June 16, 2019.
“ I have not quarreled with anyone, I am not going to quarrel, I don’t hate anyone, it is my prayer to ask all people, the poor, the rich to come together to develop our diocese,” Mr Odongo said, adding that God uses the church for the good of his people.
He thanked the people for their prayers, adding that his appointment by the House of Bishops was an act of God, “It wasn’t competition, there was no campaign like it’s the case with politics, and we were just in prayer,” he said.
The Rev Capt Odongo, who has been serving as the chaplain to the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, said he is much indebted to his predecessors, the late Bishop Geresem Ilukor for having taken him to school, Bishop Bernard Obaikol for having ordained him as Deacon and Bishop George William Erwau for having enabled him attain his Master degree at UCU.
In line with the bishop-elect’s call for unity, the Rev Charles Olupot, said the appointment of the Rev Capt Odongo as the 6th bishop of Soroti Diocese is timely. He said he has a lot to do in bringing unity among the flock and the church leaders that has been in complete disarray.
The Rev George Okudo, who was among the contenders for the position in the first quashed list of May 2018, said: “I am grateful for what has happened, we shall follow him and call for his guidance, leadership skills that will unite all Christians under the Diocese.”
The Rev Capt Odongo, who currently is serving as Chaplain to Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, will take over leadership from Nicodemus Okille, who has been caretaking on behalf of Archbishop Stanley Ntagali, who has been acting Bishop since Bishop George William Erwau retired in July 2018.