The government has pledged full support to the newly consecrated 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Karamoja, Rev. Ven. Micheal Chorey, in building and strengthening the church.
The consecration occurred on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at St. Phillip’s Cathedral, Moroto, where the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, led the consecration and enthronement of the now Rt. Rev. Chorey as the 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Karamoja.
As the Chief Guest representing the President of Uganda, Her Excellency Maj. Rtd. Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda, delivered a message of gratitude and support to the new bishop, promising total support towards the development of the diocese.
“As you begin your tenure as Bishop of Karamoja, I wish to convey to you and the Christians under your stewardship the assurance of government support towards your efforts to build and develop the Diocese,” she said.
She conveyed President Museveni’s appreciation to the outgoing bishop for his transformative leadership in the region.
“The Diocese has been blessed by your wise and visionary leadership. Thank you for your contribution towards the transformation of the Karamoja region,” President Museveni wrote.
The president further urged the people of Karamoja to emulate Christ Jesus and embrace government programs that aim at wealth creation to alleviate poverty in the region.
“Christ was a carpenter and Paul a tentmaker. I, therefore, urge you to emulate Jesus Christ, as 2 Thessalonians 3:10–13 states. Wealth creation is mentioned in the Bible, and I look forward to working with the new bishop to increase household income in the region.”
In her speech, the vice president assured the new bishop that the vehicle promised by President Museveni would be delivered within the week.
In his closing remarks, the President commended the leaders and people of Karamoja for demonstrating unity, strong leadership, and a genuine enthusiasm for development and socio-economic transformation.
In his address, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized the region’s vast potential and urged the people of Karamoja to harness their strengths for development.
“Karamoja has people of great potential, wisdom, and energy. Use this strength to develop your area. Karamoja has great potential to feed the whole of Uganda. We will support and develop Karamoja together, but you need to work on security and safety in this area,” he said.
Read Also: House of Bishops Elects Canon Banja 6th Bishop of Namirembe Diocese
He further congratulated Rt. Rev. Chorey on his enthronement, replacing Bishop Joseph Abura, who served for 15 years as Dean of the Province of the Church of Uganda, and thanked him and his family for the sacrifices and commitment to serve in hard and challenging circumstances.
The Archbishop charged the leaders and people of Karamoja to fully support their new bishop.
“I charge the leaders and all the people of Karamoja to give support to the new bishop. Together, you can achieve much. I urge you to have a mindset and cultural transformation, knowing that God loves you and you can be better without compromising your identity,” he noted.
Esther Anyakun Davinia, the State Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, leading the Members of Parliament, thanked security forces for bringing peace to the region but emphasized that the Church is the first to bring harmony. She therefore urged the new bishop to take up the mantle.
“Bishop, you have the mantle, and the ball is in your hands. We shall support you in this,” she said.
Rt. Rev. Samuel Gidudu, the Bishop of North Mbale Diocese, delivered the sermon during the consecration and enthronement, guiding his message with Matthew 6:33, Seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, and all things will be added to you.
Bishop Chorey was born on April 10, 1970, in Dingdinga village, Amudat district, and embraced his faith in 1986. He began his ministry as a lay reader from 1995 to 2000 and was ordained a deacon in 2003, followed by his ordination as a priest in 2005. Since April 1, 2012, he has served as the parish priest for Christ Church Amudat.
