By [Daily Monitor]
Arua, Uganda – The Bishop of Arua Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, is facing a backlash after withholding a Shs200 million donation given by President Museveni for this year’s Peace Week event. The donation, meant to support the event held in Koboko District, has sparked a heated dispute between the bishop and members of the central organizing committee.
The annual Peace Week, which is rotated across the Gulu Ecclesiastical Provincial dioceses, aims to foster collaboration, forgiveness, and reconciliation among religious communities. This year’s event, which gathered religious leaders and faithful from Gulu, Arua, Nebbi, and Lira dioceses, was expected to be a celebration of peace. However, the situation turned tense when Bishop Odoki allegedly failed to release the Shs200 million donation to the organizing committee.
Some members of the committee claim that the bishop has refused to hand over the funds, which were intended for clearing a Shs10 million debt and supporting the overall Peace Week activities. In response, Bishop Odoki defended his actions, citing a lack of trust in the committee’s management of the funds. He argued that he had the right to withhold the money until certain concerns were addressed.
“The donation was made for the success of the event, but I have reservations about how the funds will be handled. Until my concerns are adequately addressed, I have decided to hold on to the money,” Bishop Odoki stated.
The controversy has brought unwanted attention to the Peace Week, which traditionally aims to promote unity and harmony among the religious communities. The members of the organizing committee have expressed frustration, with some demanding immediate access to the funds to settle outstanding debts and facilitate future peace initiatives.
The situation remains unresolved, with both sides at a standstill. As the dust settles from Bishop Odoki's recent clash with journalists, the controversy over the Shs200 million donation is expected to continue to dominate discussions in the coming weeks.
