Christians in Dokolo Parish under Dokolo Urban Archdeaconery have hailed the outgoing Archdeacon, Rev. Ven. Capt. Julius Otuke, for his transformative leadership and contribution to the development of the Church and community.
Rev. Otuke officially handed over office to his successor, Rev. Shadrach Ogwal, who previously served at Alebtong Vicarage, during a farewell and handover ceremony attended by Church leaders, Christians, political leaders, security officials and other community members.
Otuke was posted to St. Andrew’s Church of Uganda headquarters in Dokolo Urban Archdeaconery on February 8, 2025.
In his farewell remarks, Otuke thanked Christians for the support they accorded him and highlighted several initiatives introduced during his tenure.
These included drilling a borehole at the church compound, introducing monthly purposeful overnight prayers, crossover crusades and midweek services aimed at strengthening the spiritual and social wellbeing of Christians.
He urged lay readers to mentor Christians and encourage them to embrace initiatives that improve household livelihoods and contribute to the development of the Archdeaconery.
Otuke also appealed to Christians to support Ogwal and provide him with guidance as he assumes the leadership of the Archdeaconery.
He specifically called for continued support towards unfinished projects, including fundraising for the construction of the church and roofing of the mothers’ building.
He warned that the projects could stall if Christians failed to sustain their support.
Otuke further challenged Church leaders to utilise the vast land owned by the Archdeaconery, saying underutilisation was hindering development.
Ogwal pledges to build on Otuke’s legacy
The new Archdeacon, Rev. Shadrach Ogwal, urged Christians and leaders to preserve Otuke’s legacy and build on the development initiatives he started.
Ogwal said his posting to Dokolo was not intended to create divisions but to guide Christians towards God while strengthening unity within the Church.
He called on Christians to work closely with him and support the leadership of the Archdeaconery.
Speaking on behalf of the Christians, the Laity of Dokolo Urban Archdeaconery, Acar James, apologised to Otuke for any misunderstandings or wrongs that might have occurred during his tenure.
Acar said Christians had also forgiven Otuke for any shortcomings while appreciating him for the work he accomplished.
He urged Christians to remain united and channel their concerns through Church leaders for proper handling.
Acar also called for total support for Ogwal to enable him to effectively execute his responsibilities within the Diocese of Lango.
Leaders praise outgoing Archdeacon
Joel Opota Okuma, an area councillor in Dokolo Town Council, described Otuke as an exceptional Archdeacon who transformed lives and contributed significantly to development in the area.
He praised Otuke as a people-centred leader who served faithfully and carried out his responsibilities wholeheartedly.
Okuma urged Christians to warmly welcome Ogwal and work with him for the betterment of the Archdeaconery.
Representing the LCV chairperson, Hon. Elupu Florence, the representative described the handover ceremony as rare and commendable, saying she had never witnessed a similar ceremony among the leaders she had worked with.
She urged Christians to embrace forgiveness and strengthen their relationship with God, saying the current generation urgently needs spiritual guidance.
Assistant Inspector of Police Ejang Josephine, representing the District Police Commander, said leadership is ordained by God and described Otuke as a leader sent to serve the people.
She cautioned parents against giving excessive freedom to their children and encouraged families and community members to promote peace.
The guest of honour, Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Sarah Aguti Nyangkori, described Otuke’s tenure in Dokolo Urban Archdeaconery as a blessing to the people.
Aguti praised him as an intelligent man of God and urged him to maintain the same spirit wherever he is transferred.
She said leadership comes with both successes and challenges, describing it as a journey characterised by ups and downs.
Aguti also expressed concern over the unfinished projects left behind by Otuke and pledged to work with Christians to mobilise efforts towards their completion.
Dokolo Urban Archdeaconery comprises three parishes and 30 churches.