68 couples tie knot in mass wedding as Katakwi Church celebrates family day

Katakwi: There was a joyful celebration at St. Anne’s Usuk Catholic Parish in Katakwi district on Friday, December 27, 2024, as 68 couples exchanged vows in a mass wedding during the Family Day celebrations.

Over 2,000 Christians gathered at the church to witness the ceremony, which was officiated by Rev. Fr. Patrick Achedu, the main celebrant, assisted by Rev. Fr. Gonzaga Ongereny Waziwazi, the Bishop’s Counsellor.

The event was graced by the presence of Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who also serves as the district’s woman Member of Parliament. Other notable attendees included Katakwi’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner Vincent Saviour Okwi, LC-V District Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo, Karenga’s Resident District Commissioner Geoffrey Filbert Ocailap, and other local leaders.

The ceremony began at 11 a.m. with the couples assembling before walking down the aisle to take their marriage vows, as the crowd cheered them on.

During the Family Day celebrations, Fr. Achedu expressed gratitude to the couples for dedicating their marriages to God and urged them to remain prayerful and respectful of each other in order to maintain peaceful relationships.

“I want to thank you for coming to the altar. I urge you to remain prayerful and loving to one another so as to have peaceful marriages and families that will bring up God-fearing children,” Fr. Achedu said.

He reminded the newlywed couples that marriage is not just about procreation or living together, but also about mutual companionship. “Marriage is total commitment of the total person for total life. Therefore, I urge you to renew your friendship and attraction to each other,” he emphasized.

Fr. Achedu also addressed the congregation, warning that the family is one of the most endangered institutions in the world today.

He urged Christians to protect the institution of marriage against social injustices, such as same-sex marriages, and to be vigilant in defending it.

He also encouraged the couples to dedicate time to each other, emphasizing the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication in sustaining their relationships.

He thanked Vice President Alupo for her significant contributions to the church and appealed to the congregation to contribute towards the construction of a Social Centre, the renovation of St. Anne’s Old Church, and the parish house.

Charles Ojwang, one of the newlywed couples, expressed his joy, stating, “I’m so happy I have wedded my wife. I couldn’t have managed to do it on my own with the current inflation, where prices of commodities have gone high.”

In her speech, Vice President Alupo expressed her gratitude to Fr. Achedu for his inspiring message and encouraged the church to continue organizing mass weddings for Christians.

She reassured the people of Katakwi and neighboring communities of ongoing peace and security in the region, particularly with the neighboring Karamoja area.

Alupo also promised continued government support for security, roads, health, education, and other social services to improve the well-being of citizens.

She revealed that the Katakwi General Hospital will undergo renovations, including the construction of a new theater, which will serve the entire region.

Additionally, she urged parents to ensure their children complete their education and to take them to school without discrimination. Alupo also emphasized the importance of maintaining hygiene and urged the public to regularly check their health at government hospitals and health centers.

The Vice President further assured the community that the government is working to increase access to water, with plans to have a borehole in every village for both domestic and agricultural use.

Alupo also expressed concern over the rising cases of domestic violence and urged the newlywed couples to remain committed to their marriage vows for peace and harmony.

LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo echoed concerns about the increasing school dropout rates and teenage pregnancies in the district.

He encouraged parents to ensure their children stay in school and urged the church to organize annual conferences for couples to discuss marriage and family issues. Omolo also called on parents to guide their children against social vices.

Deputy RDC Vincent Saviour Okwi appealed to the newlyweds to observe their marriage vows and work together to build strong, peaceful families.

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