VP Alupo calls for discipline as 668 children are confirmed in Katakwi

Vice President Jessica Alupo attends a confirmation ceremony at St Stephen Catholic Parish in Katakwi District, where 668 children received the sacrament.

Katakwi, Uganda: Vice President Jessica Rose Alupo Epel has warned youth in Katakwi District against night dancing, drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption, saying indiscipline linked to drunkenness is fueling fights and loss of life in communities.

Speaking on Friday, December 26, 2025, during the confirmation of 668 children at St Stephen Catholic Parish, Katakwi, Ms Alupo said peace, unity and respect for life must be restored, especially among young people.

“I am not happy with a few individuals who have started ending other people’s lives under the pretense of drunkenness. We need to emulate peace, unity and compassion from our forefathers,” she said.

The confirmation ceremony, held as part of St Stephen’s Day celebrations, was presided over by Joseph Eciru Oliach, with hundreds of parents, faithful and local leaders in attendance.

Alupo urged the confirmed children to remain faithful, disciplined and focused on education, saying the choices they make now will shape their future and that of the country.

She also called on households to embrace the money economy as a pathway out of poverty, urging communities to actively participate in government programmes and infrastructure projects.

The Vice President reminded residents that government plans to tarmac key roads in Teso, including Kumi–Serere via Ngora, Serere–Soroti, Soroti–Abim via Amuria and Kapelebyong, and Kumi–Katakwi via Bisina, saying improved infrastructure will unlock trade and development.

“I urge the people of Katakwi, Teso sub-region and Uganda at large to embrace government projects so that poverty is eradicated from the household level,” she said.

Bishop’s Message of Peace and Renewal

In his homily, Bishop Eciru opened with a message of peace, acknowledging the fear and uncertainty affecting society. He reassured the faithful that the Holy Spirit renews and strengthens believers, moving within families and communities to bring transformation.

“God has empowered us through the Holy Spirit, which we received at baptism, to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News,” the Bishop said.

He urged Christians to be agents of peace and comfort, warning against hatred, divisive politics and religious discrimination. He also cautioned against vote-buying, describing both those who offer and those who accept bribes as participants in theft.

The Bishop invited the confirmation candidates to sing a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit, before concluding with prayers for the renewal of families and the wider parish community.

Local Leaders Echo Call for Order

Katakwi District LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo congratulated Christians for a successful confirmation ceremony and hailed Alupo on her recent unopposed victory, urging residents to curb loud music and late-night gatherings to reduce insecurity in the district.

Katakwi Deanery head Fr Patrick Achedu appealed to Christians to support the Bishop’s office in developing the diocese, announcing that deacons will pass out on January 9, 2026, at Acumet Catholic Church in Amuria District.

St Stephen Catholic Parish priest Fr Olivia Wayesu thanked Christians for supporting church construction and development, urging unity and warning against divisions within the parish.

Parish council chairperson and chief mobiliser Stephen Euchot praised the Bishop’s spiritual and social leadership, calling on both leaders and communities to uphold good morals as the foundation for peace, stability and development.