The Teso sub-region in Eastern Uganda is once again celebrating a significant blessing from the Holy See, as Pope Leo IV has appointed Msgr. Simon Peter Engurait, a Ugandan-born priest hailing from Ngora, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in the United States. This historic announcement by the Vatican not only marks a proud moment for Uganda’s Catholic community but also a remarkable trend of Teso sons rising to prominent leadership roles within the global Church in recent years.
Msgr. Engurait’s appointment follows a series of notable episcopal elevations for priests from the Teso sub-region. The elevation of Msgr. Engurait becomes the second Ugandan to be appointed a bishop outside Uganda, echoing the global missionary spirit now emanating from the nation.
A Look at Recent Episcopal Appointments from Teso:
The Teso sub-region has indeed been a focus of papal appointments in recent times, highlighting the growing significance of its clergy. Among the most cherished appointments are those of:
Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach: Appointed by Pope Francis on March 19, 2019, as the third Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese. His consecration took place on May 25, 2019. Bishop Eciru, born in Gweri, Soroti District, previously served as a professor and formator at St. Mary’s National Major Seminary in Ggaba. His appointment was met with immense joy in Teso, as he is the first native of the sub-region to lead the Soroti Diocese.
Bishop Dominic Eibu, M.C.C.J.: Pope Francis appointed Fr. Dominic Eibu as the new bishop of the Diocese of Kotido on October 25, 2022. Bishop Eibu, a Comboni Missionary born in Lwala, within the Catholic Diocese of Soroti, was consecrated and installed on January 14, 2023. His appointment further solidified the Teso region’s contribution to the leadership of the Church, particularly in the challenging Karamoja sub-region.
These recent appointments, including that of Msgr. Engurait, underscore the spiritual richness of the Teso sub-region and its expanding influence within the Catholic Church worldwide.
Born on August 28, 1971, in Ngora, eastern Uganda, Bishop-elect Engurait’s journey of faith began at Saint Peter Minor Seminary in Soroti and continued at Saint Peter’s College in Tororo. Prior to his theological studies, he pursued a degree in political science and public administration from Makerere University and a master’s in business administration from the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands. He was ordained a priest in 2013 for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux after completing his theological studies at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.
Bishop-elect Engurait, who speaks English, Ateso, Kishwahili, and Spanish, has served in various capacities within his diocese, including parish vicar, parish priest, and moderator of the Curia, vicar general, and most recently, diocesan administrator.
“I did not expect this — I am humbled beyond words that the Holy Father has chosen me. Not from outside, but from among the ranks of the priests of this beloved Diocese,” Bishop-elect Engurait remarked, as reported by WWL Louisiana. He added, “I give thanks to God for the gift of life, for the call to the priesthood, and now, for this new and sacred calling to the apostolic ministry. Everything I am, and all that I hope to be, is by His grace.”
The appointment of Msgr. Simon Peter Engurait is not merely a personal achievement but a source of immense pride for Uganda, showcasing the global impact of its burgeoning clergy. Uganda has increasingly become a wellspring of missionary priests and religious, who are now actively engaged in evangelization across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond. This profound shift marks a powerful reversal of historical missionary dynamics, as Uganda, once a recipient of missionaries, now proudly sends its own sons and daughters to strengthen the Church across the globe.
