Special tribute to the good shepherd of humanity, the icon of peace in Africa and Uganda in specific

Op-Ed: Farewell His Grace Most Rev Dr. John Baptist Odama Archbishop emeritus, Gulu Archdiocese

“You are the light of humanity, love, and peace beyond boarders”

On July 12, 2024, as the whole world witnesses a significant milestone in the history of humanity, it’s again a true transition in the christian faith of which many are part in all walks of life.

The symbolism of a true faith doctrine, faith governance and democracy in the entire Catholic dominance, being demonstrated and ushered under your stewardship, a commitment , dedication, many sacrifices you exhibited, faithfully leveraged beyond the canopy of humanity!

We pay a honest courtesy to you for being an exemplary leader, a good shepherd, a patriot who loves his country beyond race, colour, sex, religion, culture and political affiliations.

You are indeed one of the Desmond tutus of South Africa. An icon of peace ! You bear true testament of Jusus’ teaching of love!

“Love your neighbor as you love yourself”… Love one another!

Being raised from a humble family background; His Grace Most Rev. Dr. John Baptist Odama Archbishop emeritus was born in then Arua District, now Arua City, Ayivu county, now Ayivu Division, former Oluko sub county Riki.. !

One would refer to him as a village folk at one time, but he has dwelled on to become an affluent urban shepherd a faithful steward of God’s humanity! One of the most educated and influential sons of AYIVU clergy philosopher.

Being a vanguard of peace, knowledge and wisdom, the Nation has held you with at most esteem, a spiritual father who leaves and reigns with true justice in everyone’s heart.

Lugbara by tribe, he has demonstrated that a well lived life is beyond knowing who you are and what legacy one has to leave ! Thanks for being a reliable bridge between the people of Acholi, all tribes of Uganda the entire westnile and Africa in specific.

Because of you we are never ashamed, we never feel to leave in disjointed state, we move with our heads up because we have broken the barriers of tribalism, nepotism, religious affiliations , you have laid a strong bedrock for the people of AYIVU to be accommodative and embrace peace with others as our forefathers preached.

I remember, when Arua Diocese was in a state of dilemma, confusion even at war,  between 2012 to 2018, under your wise leadership, you helped to navigate all these odds, negative mindsets , and brought total sanity by initiating intentional and deliberate dialogue, reconciliation, consultations with all the stakeholders and preached about forgiveness among the entire conflicting parties of the faithful!

Consequently, my first face to face  interface with you  over Arua Diocese saga  gave me a clear perspective of what you are capable of achieving where it comes to your unwavering support towards” Peace “,  this was during GANAL prayers in Gulu in 2017, we were invited under the auspices  of AYIVU CHIEFDOM led by me as the interim Prime Minister  together with the Chief of AYIVU his Highness Mike Agondua among others to discuss the escalating violence that had rampaged Ediofe Cathedral and Arua Diocese in particular. The entire flock had gotten lost ! The temple of God was on fire ! But this came history under your stewardship !

This came about after there was a leadership crisis by then in the Diocese after the death of Bishop Drandua and subsequent appointment of the Administrative Ordinary Bishop  Rev. Sabino Ochan Odoki.

The church leadership was looking at the input of the cultural leaders of the area to take lead to preach peace in conjunction with church since government had managed to provide security among others, but the crisis kept metamorphosing within the pulpit!

We had subsequent meetings after the GANAL prayers, one of which, was with the key chiefs of Acholi, we had to camp in Gulu for strategic meetings, including with the Rwot of Acholi His Highness David Achana 11.

Emeritus managed to bring the two leaders together to discuss possible solutions to the escalations and this worked out to date!

When we started sensitizing the people, the christian fraternity about need for unity, peace, love, forgiveness and will for humanity on radios and at every gathering, all became history!

However, initially this was a hard task to believe in if calm at Arua Diocese would be possible, because the forces behind the conflict were big and invisible, there were counter court cases of the faithfuls and some clergymen, thou the protagonists had their own agenda to push forward, this eventually became a journey of forgiveness and total sanity.

We thank God for the gift of life and for offering  us His Grace Most Rev, Dr. John Baptist Odama Archbishop emeritus and Chairman emeritus Episcopal Conference.  One of the peace brokers in Northern Uganda between Kony and Government of the Republic of Uganda.

May the good Lord keep you in his book of the blessed faithful and the custodian of good shepherd! May the good Lord provide everlasting protection to you.

The author is Richard Andama, Chairman National Former RDCs, RCCs and Deputies Association.

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