Bishop Odama warns government on peaceful demonstrations

By Stephen Candia in Arua
The Arch Bishop of Gulu Arch Diocese Rt. Rev John Baptist Odama has cautioned government against attacking peaceful demonstrators. Odama made the remarks during the consecration and installation of the new Bishop of Nebbi Diocese Rt. Rev. Sanctus Wanok at Nebbi Catholic cathedral on Saturday 30th April 2011.
Bishop Odama, who was the main consecrator, urged the new Bishop to stand firm amidst all the political challenges he is bound to encounter. “   This is the situation you are going to be in, innocent people being shot especially the child in Masaka and just yesterday, four people were shot dead in Gulu, why should people who demonstrate peacefully be killed by the very forces that are supposed to protect them? We bought the guns to defend out territorial integrity and not to kill fellow Ugandans”? The firm speaking Odama said as he preached before the consecration of the new Bishop, drawing applause from thousands of Christians that turned up to witness the occasion.
Bishop Sanctus Wanok was elected at the beginning of the year to succeed the now retired Bishop Martin Luluga after serving for fourteen years in the diocese.
Nineteen Bishops attended the function including the Popal Nuncio his excellence Paul Tchang In num, his eminence Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala and other top dignitaries from government.
The second deputy prime minister and also te minister for public service Henry Kajura represented President Yoweri Museveni who declined to attend the function.
Bishop Sanctus Wanok received 30 million shillings from the president, who also promised to give him a car, value not disclosed.
Christians from the different parts of Gulu province and other provinces including those from DR Congo thronged Nebbi Catholic cathedral to witness the occasion.
Bishop Wanik is the 3rd Bishop since the creation of Nebbi Catholic diocese from Arua Diocese in 1996.  END