At Priestly Golden Jubilee, Catholic Archbishop in Uganda Advocates for Selflessness, Appeals for Clemency to Prisoners

The Ugandan Catholic Archbishop underscored the importance of discipleship to Jesus Christ, noting that true leadership involves selflessness and altruism. 

“Leadership is not greatness; it is being a servant and serving the Lord. The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve. I am here among you not to demand too much from you because of my position. No, I am here to serve you,” he said.

Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Gulu

For five decades, Archbishop Odama said, “I have tried my best to learn from Jesus, to lead responsibly the people entrusted to me by Christ.”

He went on to highlight three functions that have characterized his Priestly ministry for the last 50 years, which he said include leading the faithful to God through the celebration of the Eucharist, preaching the Word of God to bring hope and reconciliation, and administering the Sacraments as signs of God’s presence in the lives of His people.

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At Priestly Golden Jubilee, Catholic Archbishop in Uganda Advocates for Selflessness, Appeals for Clemency to Prisoners

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Reflecting on past moments of uncertainty, particularly the risks involved in having to go to the bushes to meet members of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) for peace negotiations during one of Uganda’s worst insurgencies, the 77-year-old Catholic Archbishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in May 1996 attributed his safely and resilience to prayer before and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Gulu

“There were moments we would go to the bush, and I wouldn't be sure whether I would come back. But I spoke to Jesus, telling Him, ‘You called me and now you are sending me to the bush. I don't know how things will end up there. It is up to you if you don't save me and those I am going with.’ But He told me these words, ‘Be not afraid. I am with you.’ And indeed, peace worked,” Archbishop Odama recalled during the December 14 celebration. 

He went on to testify, “We may not have realized it then, but what was giving us strength was prayer. Prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Thursday helped me a lot.”

Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Gulu

Archbishop Odama, whose retirement was accepted on March 22 asked for forgiveness for his past shortcomings during his Priestly and Episcopal Ministry.

Addressing himself to the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Archbishop Odama appealed for “a special” consideration for those behind bars on remand “for so many years”. 

Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Gulu

“I want to make a special appeal to our President of Uganda to grant clemency, especially to prisoners who have stayed so long, and their cases have never been tried, but they remain in remand for so many years. Could you grant them what they call presidential mercy?” he said.

The Ugandan Catholic Church leader encouraged Catholic couples who are yet to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony to do so, and to work towards the preservation of the family institution.

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Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Gulu

“Please be tolerant, loving, and forgiving of each other. Persevere in this calling to family life, for your stability is good for your children and the society at large,” he said.

Born on 29 June 1947 in Northern Uganda, Archbishop Odama was ordained a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Arua on 14 December 1974. On 23 February 1996, Pope John Paul II appointed him the pioneer Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese. Three years later, in January 1999, he was appointed the pioneer Local Ordinary of Gulu Archdiocese, where he served till Pope Francis accepted his retirement in March.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.