Shepherds the Archdiocese of Gulu for 25 years (1999-2024)
BY JIMMY ODOKI ACELLAM – freelance writer
In 1999, Pope John Paul II (now St. John Paul) created three new Ecclesiastical Provinces in Uganda: Gulu, Mbarara and Tororo Archdioceses. Bishop John Baptist Odama of Nebbi Diocese was appointed as the first Archbishop of the new Archdiocese of Gulu. He was installed as the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gulu on April 10, 1999. On March 22, 2024, Pope Francis appointed Most Rev. Raphael P’ Mony Wokorach MCCJ as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gulu, after accepting the resignation of Archbishop John Baptist Odama. He is now Archbishop Emeritus and Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Gulu, until the Episcopal consecration and installation of his successor. The date of installation and imposition of the pallium on the Most Rev. Raphael P’Mony Wokorach MCCJ, communicated by Archbishop
Emeritus John Baptist Odama is scheduled for Friday, July 12, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Gulu. Before retiring from active leadership as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gulu, Archbishop John Baptist Odama served diligently for 25 years with dedication, love, care, compassion and commitment. He worked to promote peace in Acholi land, which was very insecure and hostile as a result of the LRA insurgency and war in Northern Uganda when he assumed office.
Before he was appointed as Bishop of Nebbi Diocese on February 23, 1996, and thereafter Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gulu, Fr. John Baptist Odama served as Rector of Alokolum National Major Seminary in Gulu from He understood the challenges and suffering of the people and why peacebuilding would have to be of paramount importance.
The seminary had not been spared from the insecurity. The staff and seminarians had to be relocated to ‘exile’ at Katigondo National Major Seminary in Masaka and later to Bukalasa Minor Seminary for some time. At the beginning of his leadership, in one of his sermons, archbishop Odama held a young boy and asked, “Do you want kukuku (instability) or to grow up and live in peace?” Many times while preaching or interacting with the kids and children at functions, he fondly called them “ngini ngini” (small children) and they loved it.
Archbishop Odama did not waste time; he immediately started working towards ending the war in Northern Uganda and encouraging reconciliation.
That was top on the list of his priorities and what he set out to do. Archbishop Odama worked together with religious leaders from other faiths in the struggle for peace. Through the Acholi Religious Peace Initiative (ARLPI), Archbishop Odama and his colleagues worked relentlessly, despite facing many challenges along the way. Their pursuit for dialogue between the Government of Uganda and the LRA rebels meant engaging the protagonists; President Museveni and the leadership of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Eventually, their struggle for peace led to the Juba Peace Talks, which started in 2006. Relative peace prevailed as a result of the efforts of Archbishop Odama and others. The security in the region improved and there was better humanitarian assistance to the people, leading to improvement of their living conditions.
Archbishop offered great leadership at ARLPI and he was initially elected Vice Chairman and later Chairman for two terms. In 2017, Gulu University awarded an honorary doctorate in Philosophy to Archbishop John Baptist Odama for his outstanding role in restoring peace in Northern Uganda. At the national level, Archbishop John Baptist Odama was elected Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) in 2010 and re- elected in 2014 for a second term. His election and re-election by the Assembly of the top Catholic hierarchy in Uganda showed the trust, confidence and appreciation of the leadership qualities of the Bishops in him. During this period, Archbishop, John Baptist Odama was also the Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi. He accomplished both roles well.
The spiritual lives of the people mattered so much to Archbishop Odama. While he worked hard so that the people could enjoy peace and
tranquility, he never forgot to care for their spiritual needs. In 2011, he convoked the second Diocesan synod with them: “CALLED TO BUILD THE CHURCH ROOTED IN CHRIST’S LOVE AND TRUTH.” Archbishop Odama also wrote the following pastoral letters among others; (i) I have seen the humiliation of my people and heard their cry. (ii) Be my witnesses (iii) I will rise and go to my father (iv) The Eucharist: Means to Christian Holiness, In October 2023, Archbishop Odama was the chief guest at a Mental Health Run held in Gulu City as part of the celebration of World Mental Health Day. The challenges of the post-war era, namely; mental health challenges, alcohol and drug addiction, suicides,
and other disorders were things he passionately tried to address using a holistic approach. A rehab, PACTA was set up in the Archdiocese of Gulu to handle addiction challenges which increased exponentially.
A one, Olanya Jacob aka FORGET who was well known in Gulu, having a mental health challenge passed away last year in September. He was a
close friend and loved by Archbishop Odama. FORGET reciprocated the love and always prayed for the Archbishop during the petition prayers at Mass. Archbishop Odama led the requiem Mass of FORGET. These acts of love, care and kindness by Archbishop John Baptist Odama endeared many people to him. May the good Lord continue to bless Archbishop Emeritus, John Baptist Odama!
