As Northern Uganda commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter reflections reinforce that the principles of Easter, faith, sacrifice, humility, and unity, are not merely seasonal observances but ongoing commitments. Chowoo Willy, our reporter, brings us a picture of the Anglican Church of Uganda’s Way of the Cross in Gulu City.
Stand Firm in Faith
Gulu, Uganda – April 5, 2026 – As Christians across the world marked Easter, religious leaders have urged believers to remain steadfast in their faith, emphasising prayer, humility, and unity as essential tools for navigating a world increasingly fraught with conflict, violence, and social unrest.
The clergy used the occasion to reflect on the moral, spiritual, and societal challenges facing communities today and to remind Christians that faith must remain at the centre of personal and communal life.
Right Rev. Godfrey, Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, told congregants that faith is most crucial in moments of helplessness and personal trials. He said that even when God cannot be seen with the naked eye, a believer’s faith can save them. “There are times in this world when you cannot hear any voice of help. This requires a Christian to stand alone on his faith. When you find yourself helpless or defeated, that is precisely where God is at work. Believers do not tremble; they stand firm on their faith,” he said.
He encouraged Christians to pray not only for themselves but also for their families, friends, churches, and communities. “Stand in the gap and pray for those around you. This is how we invite the presence of God into our lives,” he added, highlighting the vital role of intercession in fostering spiritual strength.
Rev. Canon Piloya Eunice Opok, Vicar of St. Philip’s Cathedral in Gulu City, drew attention to the moral crises gripping the country, condemning the recent killing of four children at a local kindergarten in Kampala as a horrific act. “How can one harm their own spouse or innocent children? We need to turn to God and prayer,” she said. Rev Eunice also cited the rise in mental health challenges and the dangers posed by the misuse of smartphones and social media, which she said have fueled hatred, online violence, and societal division. She appealed to believers to use technology responsibly, sharing information that promotes love, peace, and unity instead of spreading hatred and division.
Humility and Listening as Keys to Success
Rev. Lucy Lakica, Vicar of St. Michael Obiya, reminded Christians of the importance of humility and attentive listening. She observed that many children today, as well as subordinates in workplaces and even educated adults, often fail to respect authority or listen attentively. “Those who are humble and listen are the ones who advance in life. Be like Jesus, who humbled Himself and was ultimately exalted,” she said, emphasising that humility is not only a spiritual virtue but also a practical pathway to personal and professional growth.
Rev. Opiyo Geoffrey, Curate at Christ Church Parish attached to Holy Trinity Church Laliya, encouraged believers to remain strong in faith despite trials such as illness, loss, rejection, or societal pressures. Rev Opiyo reminded Christians that Jesus offered Himself to die for humanity’s sins and that perseverance in faith will be rewarded. “For those who have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour, it is essential to continue walking in faith. We should not falter because God will reward those who persevere on the journey of eternity,” he said.
Similarly, Rev. Okot Denis Robinson, Curate at St. Philip’s Cathedral and Assistant Mission and Outreach Coordinator for the Diocese of Northern Uganda, highlighted the struggles faced by single parents and families living under difficult circumstances. “Many mothers and fathers among us today are like Mary, the mother of God, enduring challenges and raising children alone. We live in pain, but God, who so loved the world, sent His beloved Son to save us. Regardless of the conditions we face, we must turn to the Lord. Suffering and pain will continue, but through the cross, hope and salvation remain,” he said.
Catechist Komagum Christopher of Holy Trinity Laliya spoke on the consequences of human sin for societal well-being, noting that wars, deaths, diseases, and moral decay are the results of ongoing sinful behaviour. He called on Christians to embrace repentance and salvation, stressing the moral responsibility of believers to turn away from sin. “We have continued to commit wrongs that bring suffering upon ourselves and others. Let us turn to God and seek salvation so that we may be saved from our sins,” he said.
Unity Across Denominations
Amb. Dr. Olara Otunnu, a member of the Anglican Church of Uganda, reflected on the importance of unity within the Christian community, noting that during the Easter celebrations in Gulu City, two separate ways of the cross were conducted. Dr. Olara stressed that differences in church traditions should not divide believers. “Each church has its traditions, but what matters most is that Jesus Christ died for us all. Salvation is one, and the cross is one. We should not allow anything to divide us. All Christians must continue following Jesus, who taught us to love one another,” he said.
Dr. Otunnu also encouraged the Acholi people to embrace unity in Christ to reclaim the spiritual dignity disrupted by decades of armed conflict. “The glory that God gave our people has been spoiled by war and instability. It is through unity in Christ and adherence to His teachings that we can restore our communities and societal values,” he added.
Together, the clergy’s messages painted a picture of a society at a crossroads, grappling with moral decay, social unrest, violence, and mental health challenges, yet anchored in a faith that offers hope, guidance, and resilience. From the personal struggles of believers to broader societal crises, the overarching message remained clear: faith, humility, prayer, and unity are essential to navigating life’s uncertainties. Believers were urged not only to nurture their own faith but to extend it to their communities through acts of service, moral vigilance, and ethical use of technology. Standing firm in faith, exercising moral responsibility, and maintaining humility and compassion in daily life are critical not only for personal salvation but also for societal renewal.
As Northern Uganda commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter reflections reinforce that the principles of Easter, faith, sacrifice, humility, and unity, are not merely seasonal observances but ongoing commitments. Clergy collectively reminded Christians that steadfast faith, ethical living, and communal prayer remain vital for both personal and societal resilience in a world grappling with violence, social challenges, and moral decay
