Oyam, Uganda | Religious and political leaders from Northern Uganda have called on the government to prioritize the gazettement of religious and cultural sites during this year’s annual commemoration of the Marian Shrine at Te-Okic, Omolo Parish, Iceme Sub-county in Oyam District.
The shrine, which has over the years grown into a major pilgrimage site for Catholic faithful, hosted thousands of believers on Saturday, including pilgrims from Nebbi, Arua, Gulu, and Lira Dioceses, with notable dignitaries in attendance.
Hon. Martin Mugarura Bahinduka, the State Minister for Tourism and Wildlife, was the chief guest.
Hon. Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku, MP for Oyam County North, expressed gratitude to the minister for honoring the invitation and joining believers in their devotion to Mother Mary.
She used the occasion to highlight critical challenges at the site, including inadequate sanitation, limited accommodation, and water shortages.
“…I urge the Ministry of Tourism to look critically at this place. Despite the spiritual significance and the growing number of pilgrims, the shrine lacks even the most basic facilities. This is not just a religious concern but a tourism opportunity waiting to be fully tapped…,” said Dr. Apio.
She further appealed for government support not only for the Marian Shrine, but also for other significant religious and cultural sites across Northern Uganda, including Abok Memorial Site in Abok, Adag Lango in Kamdini, Tyen Olum in Apac, and Mwanga Memorial in Dokolo.
Her calls were echoed by Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, Bishop of Arua Diocese, who led over 200 pilgrims to the event.
Bishop Odoki emphasized the spiritual and environmental value of religious destinations like Serene in Arua City, and called for wider recognition and government support in gazetting such sites.
The host bishop, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok of Lira Diocese, addressed the over 3,000 pilgrims in attendance, alongside invited guests, district leaders, and clerics.
He affirmed the sacred nature of the Marian Shrine, stressing that pilgrims never leave empty-handed, but instead go home with abundant blessings from God.
Bishop Wanok appealed to the government to recognize the shrine’s significance beyond its spiritual value and consider it a national religious heritage site deserving of proper infrastructure and preservation.
In response, Hon. Martin Mugarura Bahinduka, the State Minister for Tourism and Wildlife, acknowledged the importance of the shrine.
“…For government to formally intervene in the development of a tourism site, it must first be gazetted…,” he explained. “…Now that I have personally witnessed the spiritual and tourism potential of this site, I assure you the process of gazettement will begin…”
The minister noted that the Tourism Ministry is committed to supporting religious and cultural heritage, and emphasized that sites like Te-Okic could become key pillars of faith-based tourism in Northern Uganda if given the necessary attention and investment.
The annual celebration continues to grow in stature, reinforcing Te-Okic’s place as one of Uganda’s rising spiritual landmarks.
