The Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, His Grace Raphael p’Mony Wokorach, has officially blessed and commissioned a newly built Catholic church in Lukwangole Parish, Patongo Sub-County, Agago District. The church, named St. Matthew’s Chapel, was constructed by Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, in honor of his late parents.
Construction of the chapel began in 2024 and serves as a tribute to the late Mzee Kasimiro Ongom, who passed away in 1996, and the late Mego Paulina Angom, who passed in 2012. The vibrant commissioning ceremony, held on Sunday, drew hundreds of faithful, local leaders, judiciary members, and dignitaries from across the country.
Located in Kal Aloi village—Owiny-Dollo’s ancestral home—the church stands as a powerful symbol of faith, legacy, and gratitude. In his sermon, Archbishop Wokorach praised Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo for his generosity and commitment to upholding spiritual values through this enduring act.
“This church marks the beginning of a spiritual journey for the community,” said Archbishop Wokorach. “Let us build our society. Let us build our church. Let us give hope to our people.”
He emphasized that Christianity is the foundation of peace, justice, and harmony, and that the church provides a sacred space for worship on earth while preparing believers for eternal life.
Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo shared that the chapel fulfills a personal promise to honor his parents, who instilled strong Christian values in him despite facing numerous hardships.
Local residents expressed deep appreciation for the new place of worship. Martin Nyeko, a church chorister, noted that the community had previously gathered for prayers in a classroom or under a tree.
“When there is no proper church building, many people avoid church because of rain and sunshine. I believe this new church will encourage more people to come and pray,” said Nyeko.
Martina Lamaji, sister to the Chief Justice, thanked him for his initiative, noting that many residents had been walking over four kilometers to attend Mass at Patongo Catholic Parish.
“Many elderly members of the community could no longer make the journey. Some even stopped attending church, which denied them the fellowship and spiritual strength they cherished,” Lamaji said. She recalled their mother’s unwavering devotion, even when she could no longer physically attend services.
Engineer Denis Ongaya Oyugi, who oversaw the construction of St. Matthew’s Chapel, assured attendees of the building’s quality, stating it was designed to last up to 500 years. He urged other well-off individuals to invest in faith-based infrastructure for the benefit of future generations.
“Being close to God teaches us to live morally upright lives. Children who grow up in the Lord live in peace, and parents grounded in faith resolve conflicts more compassionately,” Oyugi said.
