Museveni Lauds Catholic Church’s Development Impact as Gulu Welcomes New Archbishop President Yoweri Museveni has commended the Catholic Church for its unwavering commitment to the development of Uganda, particularly in the areas of education, health, and social services. The President made these remarks during the installation ceremony of the new Archbishop of Gulu, John Baptist Odama, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The ceremony was attended by religious leaders, government officials, and thousands of faithful. “The Catholic Church has played a crucial role in shaping our society, providing essential services to our people,” Museveni said. “Your commitment to improving the lives of Ugandans is a testament to your faith and your unwavering desire to serve.” The President noted that the Church’s investments in education and healthcare have significantly contributed to Uganda’s human capital development. “Your schools and hospitals have produced generations of responsible citizens who have made invaluable contributions to our nation,” he added. In his address, Archbishop-elect Odama pledged to continue the Church’s mission of providing spiritual guidance and promoting social justice. “We are committed to working with all stakeholders to uplift the dignity of our people and create a society where everyone has an opportunity to thrive,” he said. The installation of Archbishop Odama marks a significant milestone in the history of the Gulu Archdiocese, which has been at the forefront of reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts in northern Uganda. “We are grateful for the leadership and guidance of our new Archbishop,” said Rose Akello, a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. “We believe that under his leadership, our Archdiocese will continue to grow and flourish.” The ceremony also featured performances by traditional dance groups and the unveiling of a monument to honor the victims of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict. President Museveni laid the foundation stone for the memorial, symbolizing the government’s commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation in the region.President Yoweri Museveni has hailed the Catholic Church for its immense contribution towards Uganda’s social-economic transformation. He made the remarks on Saturday during the installation ceremony of the new Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Rt. Rev. John Baptist Odama. Museveni highlighted the church’s role in education, healthcare, and community development, noting that it has played a critical role in improving the lives of Ugandans. He urged the church to continue partnering with the government to address the country’s challenges. Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala presided over the installation ceremony, with Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga of Kampala Archdiocese in attendance. Bishop Robert Wokorach, the outgoing Archbishop of Gulu, handed over the mantle to Odama. In his acceptance speech, Odama pledged to work closely with the clergy, religious, and laity to strengthen the Catholic faith in the archdiocese. He emphasized the need for unity, collaboration, and commitment to the church’s mission. The installation ceremony was attended by religious leaders, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps. It marked a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church in Uganda.