Soroti Catholic Diocese finally gets bishop after five years

By George Mangula

Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Father, Joseph Oliach Eciru, professor at St Mary’s National Major Seminary in Gaba as the new Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese ending five years of the diocese running without a top cleric at the helm.

Soroti Catholic Diocese has had no bishop since 2014 when the pope elevated Bishop Emmanuel Obbo to Archbishop of Soroti leaving the diocese without bishop for a period of five years.

Bishop elect Eciru was born on August 11, 1970, went to Gweri Primary School and completed his ordinary level at St Peters Minor Seminary, Soroti and advanced level at St Pius X Tororo.

He did his philosophical studies at St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary Kitigondo, Masaka and completed at theological studies at St Paul’s major seminary at Kinyamasika in Fort portal. He was ordained the pries of diocese of Soroti in 2003.

Bishop Eciru has served as a teacher at St Peters seminary and assistant St Patrick’s Parish Soroti between 2003 and 2004. He was professor at St Mary’s National Major Seminary in Gaba Kampala from 2012 till now.

He holds Licentiate in sacred scriptures from Pontifical Biblical College. He holds a doctorate in biblical theology from Pontifical University in Rome (2009-2012).

“Let’s join in fervent payer Bishop elect Eciru that he will be guided and strengthened by the wisdom and courage of the holy spirit to discharge with fidelity and joy his new mission,” reads in part of the statement that is issued by Fr Alfred Rayan D’Souza.

He lauded the most Rev Emmanuel Obbo for administration work towards the development of the Soroti diocese and overseeing all the works since he was promoted to the level of Archbishop.