ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS OF GULU ARCHDIOCESE LAUNCHES THE CONSTRUCTION OF LATE “FORGET’S” MEMORIAL BUILDING

By Proscovia Achomo

Gulu City

On the invitation of the family of late William Jacob Ocira, popularly known as Forget, a well-known businessman in Gulu city, and a devoted catholic, the Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese, Dr. John Baptist Odama launched the construction of a memorial house that shall be in memory of his longtime friend.
Late Forget lived a highly socialized life attending a number of social gatherings rangind from religious, cultural to others across Acholi Subregion and beyond. He made pilgrimages to Paimol in Agago, Wigweng in Mucwini in Kitgum   and Namugongo in Wakiso.

Late Forget once given the opportunity to spoeak at any gathering he used to encourage people to work hard and they should make sure that they live well with one another.

Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese Dr. John Baptist Odama who it`s ultimately commendable that the family of his late chose to honor their late son by constructing a house that will be rented to generate some little income to continue supporting the family. “The late Forget was like a prophet in the family, a man of prayer, very sympathetic with people and always available amidst his mental health challenge” The Archbishop Emeritus remarked. “People with mental difficulties are also human beings and they are still children of God, I love them and never abandon them”he Stressed. “I started knowing Forget when he was still a young boy when I was still a rector at Uganda Martyrs Major Seminary Alokolum, he was always following me, even when I became the Archbishop, appearing in a shabby way but I never sent him away and that that’s the attitude parents and everyone should have for people with mental difficulties because they amount to something”,the Archbishop emeritus echoed.

Archbishop Emeritus Dr John Baptist Odama poses with the family members of Late Ocira Jacob William for a group photo.

Bosco Pugyeya Mubiru, the father of the late Forget said, as a family the life of his late son touched them so much that’s why they decided that a building be established in his name to become a milestone in the life of the family, and the archdiocese of Gulu. “My late Son (Forget) always insisted that I and his mother get married in church (Holy Matrimony) unfortunately I did it one month later after his death, though he was not alive to witness it but I am happy that I was able to fulfil his wish” he remarked.

His Grace appreciated the parents of the late Forget for keeping him and never thought to abandon him and appealed to the society hold the same spirit.
Walter Otto, the clan leader of the late Forget’s Family urged people of goodwill to support this initiative like all along they supported late Forget when he was still alive, since this is being done in his memory so that this building can be completed on time. He also mentioned that, this memorial building once completed will be rented out to generate some capital to support the parents of the late Forget.
The memorial building is estimated to cost about 90 million shillings.

COVER PHOTO: Archbishop Emeritus, Dr. John Baptist Odama launching the construction of the house of his late friend By Proscovia Achomo