GULU ARCHBISHOP LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING DRIVE TO CONSTRUCT ST CHARLES LWANGA CHAPEL

Archbishop Raphael p’Mony Wokorach launching the construction of St. Charles Lwanga chapel.

By Odong Stephen
Gulu City

The construction of St. Charles Lwanga Chapel Kiju, Ajulu Zone has officially been launched. This milestone was marked on Sunday, 31, August 2025, during a pastoral visit and church construction fundraising event presided over by the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Most Rev. Raphael P’Mony Wokorach.
 
The archbishop encouraged the faithful to remain united and hardworking, emphasizing that development at home and in the world begins with effort and faith.
 
“I have hope that the unity you have among yourselves shall bring good results. The way you have shown commitment today gives me confidence that by next year, we shall all gather and pray in the new chapel. I believe God has heard this prayer, and He will give you the strength and blessing to complete this work,” said Archbishop Raphael.
 
The archbishop assured the faithful that once the construction of the church is complete, the chapel will be elevated to the status of a Eucharistic Center.

Hon Simon Wokorach, Aswa county MP with the Parish Priest of Lukome after fundraising.

The event also attracted local leaders, including the Area Member of Parliament for Aswa County, Hon. Simon Wokorach, who donated 40 bags of cement and pledged an additional 60 bags plus 1.5 million shillings in support of the chapel construction.

Hon. Wokorach also promised to continue sacrificing his resources until the church is fully built, testifying the power of faith in his own life. “I am giving because I know what God has done in my life. As it is written in the book of Haggai 1:1-15, we must not neglect the house of the Lord while we live in comfort. I will stand with you until this church is completed,” Hon Wokorach said.

Foundation of the church

The chairperson central organizing committee Mr. Jimmy Anywar Kijumi, shared the motivation behind the fundraising campaign. He stated that the need for a permanent place of worship and the spiritual growth of the community prompted the initiative.
 
“We realized the need for a strong spiritual foundation in our community. This inspired us to come together and raise funds for the construction of this chapel –a place where future generations will worship,” Kijumi said.
 
He continued and said Christians had for so long faced challenges with worship, as prayers were held in a school classroom that could only seat 50 to 60 people. When larger numbers turned up, many were forced to gather under a tree, where rain often disrupted their prayers.
 
The LC3 Chairperson of Patiko Sub- County, Hon. Patrick Komakech, expressed excitement at seeing the archbishop’s pastoral visit in Patiko for the first time. He noted that once the construction of the church is completed, the number of Christians in the sub-county is likely to increase.
 
Komakech explained that many people prefer to pray in places with proper structures. For example, the new Church of Uganda has continued to attract large congregations because of its permanent building.
 
In Patiko, Christians also come in large numbers, but the small classroom currently used cannot accommodate them. He believes that speeding up the construction of the church will greatly strengthen the community’s faith.
 
Hon. Komakech further expressed joy upon learning that once completed, the church will be elevated into a “Eucharistic Center.”
 
With strong community unity, leadership support, and spiritual guidance, the construction of St. Charles Lwanga Chapel is off to a promising start. The faithful now look forward with hope and prayer that by next year, they will celebrate Mass in their completed church.