Lira, Uganda | Erute South Member of Parliament and Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister, Sam Engola, has fulfilled his pledge to support the pastoral ministry of Rev. Nelson Peter Okullo, the catechist of Abunga in Lira Archdeaconry, Diocese of Lango, with a brand-new custom Subaru motor vehicle.
The vehicle, registration number UA 316 FC, was delivered and officially handed over to Rev. Okullo on Friday evening at St. Lira Hotel by representatives of Engola.
The handover was witnessed by the Venerable Rev. Jacob Achol, Archdeacon of Lira Archdeaconry, who represented the Church during the ceremony.
The donation is aimed at easing Rev. Okullo’s movement as he carries out his pastoral responsibilities, evangelism and other church-related activities within Abunga and the wider Lira Archdeaconry.
Engola said fulfilling the pledge was part of his commitment to supporting the work of the Church and strengthening efforts to promote moral values within communities.
He said the Church has an important role to play alongside government and other community leaders in addressing social challenges and promoting responsible citizenship.
According to Engola, the support is also intended to enable church and civil leaders to work together in advancing programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of communities, including the government’s wealth-creation agenda.
He urged communities to remain united in confronting violence, criminality, domestic violence and other forms of social misconduct that threaten families and undermine moral values.
Engola further called for greater cooperation between religious leaders, political leaders and communities in promoting peace, discipline, hard work and respect for one another.
He said supporting religious institutions and leaders remains important in strengthening moral guidance and creating communities where people can live together in harmony.
The donation comes as part of Engola’s continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening community development and the work of religious leaders in Lango.
Speaking at the handover, the Church leadership welcomed the support, noting that improved mobility would enable Rev. Okullo to more effectively carry out his pastoral duties and reach members of the Christian community.
The vehicle is expected to facilitate pastoral visits, evangelism, mobilisation and participation in church programmes across the area.
Engola said his support is ultimately aimed at contributing to the mission of God and building a God-fearing community anchored in mutual love, respect, peace and social responsibility.
He urged beneficiaries of the support to use the vehicle for its intended purpose and to ensure that it contributes meaningfully to the growth of the Church and the wider community.