By Fr Isaac Ojok, Communications Secretary, Lira diocese.
Lira, Uganda – The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, has appointed Rev. Fr. Douglas Owera as the new Coordinator of the Justice and Peace Commission for the diocese.
The appointment was officially announced on the afternoon of Wednesday, 15th October 2025, during a meeting held at St Daniel Comboni Diocesan Boardroom, Barogole. The meeting brought together deans, parish priests, and heads of departments to plan for the upcoming Provincial Peace and Prayer Week, which is scheduled for the first week of May 2026.
Fr Owera, who currently serves as the Parish Priest of St Thomas More Catholic Parish, Alanyi, in Alebtong District, will now take on this additional role. As Coordinator, he will be responsible for promoting peace, reconciliation, social justice, and human dignity across the diocese.
Mandate of the Justice and Peace Commission
The Justice and Peace Commission is a key organ of the Catholic Church tasked with promoting social justice and peaceful coexistence. Its core responsibilities include:
Promoting reconciliation and healing in communities affected by conflict or injustice
Advocating for the protection of human rights and dignity in line with Catholic Social Teaching
Raising awareness and educating the faithful on matters of justice, peace, and integral human development
Collaborating with religious, civil, and community leaders to foster dialogue and peaceful resolutions to social challenges
Monitoring social injustices and providing pastoral responses that uplift the vulnerable and marginalized
Through this appointment, Bishop Wanok emphasized the need to “add new energy” to the department and encouraged Fr Owera to be a driving force for peace and unity among the people of God in Lira Diocese.
Call for Collaboration
In his address, the bishop also called upon parish priests and all pastoral agents to work closely with the diocesan leadership in advancing the mission and evangelization efforts of the Church in Lira Diocese.
Fr Owera’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the diocese prepares to host the Provincial Peace and Prayer Week, a major event expected to gather the faithful from across Gulu Ecclesiastical Province. The event will provide a platform for reflection, prayer, and dialogue on peace building and reconciliation within and beyond the Province
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