KATAKWI: The Soroti Catholic Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Oliach Eciru, has urged Christians to consistently thank God, saying gratitude is key to attracting and sustaining divine blessings.
The bishop delivered his message during a thanksgiving Mass organised by the family of the Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Dr. Jessica Alupo, at her home in Oigoimumua Village, Aketa Parish, Ongogonja Sub-county, Katakwi District.
The colourful ceremony drew a large congregation from different walks of life, including clergy, politicians and public servants. The Mass was held in thanksgiving to God following Dr. Alupo’s recent declaration as unopposed for the Katakwi District Woman Member of Parliament seat ahead of the 2026 general elections, as well as her award of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by the Islamic University in Uganda.
The honorary degree recognises Dr. Alupo’s distinguished service as a disciplined and committed soldier, freedom fighter, scholar, stateswoman and advocate for the empowerment of African people. It is the highest honour bestowed by the university and is reserved for individuals whose achievements have significantly contributed to knowledge and the betterment of society.
In his homily, Bishop Eciru emphasised that giving back to God goes beyond material offerings and instead requires total surrender of one’s life to God and dedication to His service.
“This is how your blessings will be multiplied,” the bishop said as he congratulated the Vice President on what he described as a double milestone.
He also reminded Christians of the importance of obeying God’s commandments, calling on them to love God with all their heart, soul and mind, and to love their neighbours as themselves.
Addressing the congregation, Dr. Alupo described the developments as a “Christmas gift” and thanked her supporters and fellow contestants for demonstrating political maturity and unity.
“I want to thank all my sisters I have contested with, not only in this election but even in previous ones, for always exhibiting political maturity and allowing us to work together as friends,” she said.
During the NRM primaries, Dr. Alupo secured a landslide victory with 84,944 votes, defeating Viola Akurut, Angela Anuken and Cecilia Anyakoit. While most candidates conceded after the primaries, Anuken initially chose to contest as an independent before withdrawing from the race last week, paving the way for Alupo to be declared unopposed.
Dr. Alupo urged residents of Katakwi to take advantage of government livelihood programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, the Women Fund, disability grants and elderly support programmes, noting that they are intended to help citizens transition into the money economy.
“The people of Katakwi should not be left behind. These programmes are meant to enable all Ugandans to join the money economy and progress together,” she said.
She also appealed for unity among candidates still contesting for other political positions and called for peaceful campaigns ahead of the general elections.
“I wish all candidates peace, victory and cohesion. I will continue moving around the district mobilising support for the NRM and President Museveni,” she added.
In a gesture of reconciliation, Dr. Alupo assured her former competitors that none of them would be sidelined.
“For my sisters I have always contested with, some have already been placed, and those who have not yet been placed will also be considered,” she said, as she recognised Anuken’s family during the Mass.
Viola Akurut has since been placed at the Ministry of Local Government, where she is monitoring Parish Development Model funds in eastern Uganda.
Dr. Alupo emphasised that her office remains open to all residents regardless of political affiliation.
With Alupo now unopposed, the NRM has consolidated its grip on the Woman MP seat in Katakwi District, allowing party leaders to focus on other competitive races and wider mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2026 general elections. The declaration effectively brought to an end one of the district’s most closely watched political contests and ushered in a new phase of unity and development-focused mobilisation.
The Vice President also used the occasion to appreciate the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo, for his commitment to the development of the Teso Sub-region and Uganda as a whole. She encouraged school-going children to remain focused on education and complete their studies.
She further informed the congregation that government has allocated Shs80 billion for the payment of the five cows promised by President Museveni, noting that the funds will benefit communities in the Teso, Lango and Acholi sub-regions.
Gen. Odongo congratulated the people of Katakwi for returning Dr. Alupo to Parliament ahead of the 2026 elections, describing her as a distinguished, empathetic and committed leader. He appealed to the people of Teso to remain humble and united as the country heads into the election period.
Usuk County MP Bosco Okiror also congratulated Dr. Alupo on the milestone, describing her as a champion of peace and development in the region, and urged communities in the Teso Sub-region to continue praying for national leaders.
Katakwi District LC V Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo applauded the government for ongoing infrastructure development projects and called on residents to re-elect President Museveni in order to safeguard the gains registered under the NRM government.
