MOROTO – Rt Rev Michael Chorey has been consecrated and enthroned as the 5th Bishop of Karamoja Diocese today, replacing Rt Rev Joseph Abura, who has served as Diocesan Bishop for the last 17 years.
The ceremony, held at St. Philip’s Cathedral in Moroto, was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, with Vice President H.E. Maj Jessica Alupo representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Chief Guest.
In his Charge, Bishop Chorey pledged to utilize Church land for production to ensure that the Diocese becomes self-sustainable.
“Our Church is blessed with land resources that can be utilized for the benefit of our community. Developing these lands for agricultural and other productive purposes can create sustainable income streams, provide employment opportunities, and support those in need,” Bishop Chorey said.
He added, “With the amount of land that this Diocese has, we shall produce enough for commercial purposes, and in so doing, we will be moving towards a self-sustaining and self-supporting Diocese. This will free us from the grips of mental dependency. Planning and working together in this venture with everyone in the Diocese and beyond shall help us achieve this.”
He further pledged to prioritize capacity building and clergy welfare.
“Our clergy are the shepherds of the flock of God, guiding them with wisdom and compassion. It is crucial that we invest in their ongoing education, provide adequate support, and ensure their well-being. By building their capacity and attending to their welfare, the clergy will be able to lead with confidence and effectiveness, enriching the spiritual lives of individuals and strengthening the community within and outside the Diocese,” Bishop Chorey said.
He pledged to focus on mission and evangelism, strengthen youth and women’s ministry, support men’s ministry, Mothers’ Union and Fathers’ Union fellowships, streamline the education and health sectors in the Diocese, and encourage entrepreneurship within the congregation to foster economic growth and self-sufficiency.
In his sermon, the Bishop of North Mbale Diocese, who also led the new Bishop’s retreat, Rt Rev Samuel Gidudu, charged the new Bishop to trust in God for provision and warned him against greed for property.
“Always put your trust in God as your provider and encourager. God knows all our needs. He will give you a committed team to work with. It’s okay to possess things, but it is dangerous to be possessed by things. Don’t be greedy for earthly things. All we have are just additions by God’s grace,” Bishop Gidudu said.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, called for reconciliation and unity.
“To the new Bishop and Mama Rev Canon Jane Chorey, the Lord who has chosen you to serve Him at a time like this has good plans for you and the ministry ahead. Trust Him and seek to reconcile, reorganize, and rejoice with God’s people. I charge the leaders and all the people of Karamoja to support the new Bishop. Together, you can achieve much,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He added, “I urge the people of Karamoja to embrace a mindset and cultural transformation, knowing that God loves you and that you can be better without compromising your identity. You are people of great potential, wisdom, and energy—a people knit together—and this is strength, not weakness. Use it 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.”
In his remarks, read on his behalf by the Vice President, the President commended the Church for its role in community transformation through its programs in Karamoja and other parts of the country.
He pledged to give Bishop Michael Chorey a car in the course of the week to support his ministry in Karamoja and beyond.
During the service, the Vice President launched the Archbishop’s book, ”Authority that Turns Followers into Leaders,”_ and donated 100 copies to the clergy of Karamoja Diocese. She also announced that the President will buy 5,000 copies for leaders in the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda to distribute to the people they lead.
In a statement read on his behalf by Rev Dr. Richard Mulindwa, Church Relations Manager, the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, pledged to support Bishop Chorey in his efforts to enhance the capacity of clergy and church ministers in the Diocese.
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