Ngora town has this week turned into a sea of faith as more than 15,000 women converged at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish for the Soroti Catholic Diocesan Annual Women’s Conference, the largest gathering of women ever witnessed in the diocese.
The week-long event, which drew participants from all corners of Teso, and beyond, has been described as a monumental moment of renewal, empowerment, and faith.
Women arrived in buses, trucks, and on foot, carrying mats, rosaries, and Bibles, united in a mission to strengthen their families through spiritual and social transformation.
Rev. Fr. Gonzaga Ongereny Waziwazi, the chief organizer, expressed awe at the massive turnout.
“When we strengthen the women, we strengthen the whole world. I am highly impressed with this huge gathering of approximately 15,000 women. This now becomes the biggest conference of the year,” he said.
The conference has been designed not only as a spiritual retreat but also as a platform for practical empowerment.
Sessions are focusing on economic resilience, mindset change, and tackling social challenges such as gender-based violence and poverty.
Women are being encouraged to become leaders in their households, economic drivers in their communities, and custodians of peace.
For many, the conference has been a turning point. Ms. Iwatu Immaculate, one of the organizers, testified to the impact:
“This conference has benefited us a lot. Many of us had lost hope in our homes, but we have now gathered courage to become the pillars of hope in our families. The Church has truly stood with us.”
From the open fields surrounding Ngora Parish, the sight of thousands of women kneeling in prayer, their colorful gomesis, headscarves, Umbrellas and rosaries lifted high has been nothing short of inspiring.
Songs of worship and ululations echo deep into the evenings, marking Ngora as a holy ground of renewal.
At the center of the celebration stands Bishop Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, whose leadership has been praised across the diocese.
Known for his humility, pastoral dedication, and visionary guidance, Bishop Eciru has tirelessly championed the role of women in strengthening the Church and families.
“The Bishop has done outstanding work for us,” said Mrs. Sarah Apio, a parish leader from Kumi.
“By prioritizing women, he has reminded the world that the heart of every strong family beats through the mother. His guidance has given us hope.”
Beyond prayer, the conference has also become an economic boost for Ngora town.
Traders have flocked with food, clothing, and devotional items, turning the gathering into both a spiritual and social fair.
As the Soroti Catholic Diocese continues to shine under Bishop Eciru’s stewardship, this year’s women’s conference will be remembered as a landmark of faith, unity, and empowerment, proving once again that when women rise, families and communities thrive.
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