North Karamoja Diocese Bishop Appoints 11 New Canons

By Joshua Imalingat

The bishop of North Karamoja diocese the Rt. Rev Simon Akol Aisu has appointed eleven more lay and clergy canons in the diocese.

The canons usually men and women of repute and christian character are put in place in every diocese to handle doctrinal issues, stewardship of God’s word and Christian formation.

This is bishop Aisu’s first appointment of canons since he was consecrated and enthroned as the second bishop of North Karamoja diocese in February 2023. Of the eleven canons five are clergy canons while six are lay canons.

Those appointed clergy canons include Venerable Jimmy Rowland Ringishi, Venerable Peter Henry Otyang, Rev. Florence Adong Omwony, Venerable Alfred Okello, and Rev. Jackson Omara. Those who were appointed Lay canons, include Simon Peter Ijala the diocesan secretary, Paska Locham Longoli, Christine Eretu, Rose Nasak, Jacob Ongom and Calvin Okello.

Simon Peter Ijala the diocesan secretary North Karamoja diocese in a phone interview with our report on Monday said the eleven canons were appointed in a letter date 20^th of May this year by bishop Aisu in line with Church canons and other Church laws.

According to Ijala canons are expected among other things to guard the God inspired Christian doctrine, advice Christian believers in line of peace, order and Christian character in church, and work with and advice the diocesan bishop, as well as other Christian leaders and congregations whenever elusive doctrinal or moral issues surface in the diocese.

Ijala further thanked the Christian community in Karamoja for praying for the clergy saying they cannot be canons of the church without the community.

He also asked the Christian community in Karamoja to continue praying and supporting the new canons as they await their making ceremony on 9^th of June 2024.

According to Ijala the diocese now boasts of eight lay canons including Margaret Okuda, Christine Owili, and Joseph Onzia, who were appointed canons by the Bishop Emeritus James Nasak during his tenure as bishop of North Karamoja diocese.