The Bishop of Arua Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki has revealed that his area hosts the biggest number of refugees in the world, approximately 1.3 million people.
The people settled in different localities within Arua Diocese come in search of peace from their troubled home areas.
He says at least one million people are from South Sudan and over 300,000 people are from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He made these remarks during his homily at Kabulamuliro Parish in Wakiso district where hundreds of faithful made a pilgrimage to celebrate the feast of Saint Pius Pio popularly known as Padre Pio on Monday from where they prayed for peace and harmony.
He says the high number of refugees and members of the host communities now constitute a high number of Catholics totaling at least three million people.
This high number of refugees calls for support for the people to have a meaningful life; in terms of food and other needs including security which the Ugandan Government has been credited for.
Bidibidi refugee settlement in Yumbe district for example hosts at least 199,000 refugees, who are termed as persons of concern and is no longer a receiving settlement but a care and settlement area, save for the Rhino and Nvempi camps in Madi-Okollo and Terego districts.
Using the teaching about Saint Padre Pio, the Bishop encouraged the pilgrims to emulate him that he was gifted with prophecy, reading of people’s hearts, a gift of charity that cared for the poor that led Rome to build a hospital in his memory in Lotondo, Italy where free medical care is provided to the people.
By Gideon Peter Ssebulime
23rd Sept 2024
End
