The Catholic community in Uganda is preparing for a historic milestone as Uganda Martyrs National Major Seminary, Alokolum, marks 50 years of priestly formation and service to the Church.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations will officially be launched on 15th November 2025 at the seminary campus in Gulu, with the Rt. Rev. Joseph Eciru Oliach, Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, presiding as Chief Guest.
In a statement released by the Jubilee Preparatory Team Coordinator, Msgr. Silver Opio, the launch will bring together clergy, religious, and the lay faithful from Soroti Catholic Diocese and beyond, who are expected to actively participate in both liturgical and organizational aspects of the celebration.
“This is not just a commemoration, but also a pilgrimage to a house of priestly formation,” Msgr. Opio noted, underscoring the spiritual significance of the occasion.
“We invite everyone to join in prayer, sacrifice, and material support so that the Jubilee becomes a blessing not only for the seminary but for the entire Church in Uganda.”
Founded in 1973, Alokolum Major Seminary is one of Uganda’s leading houses of priestly training.
For five decades, it has nurtured and formed hundreds of priests who now serve across Uganda and abroad.
The Golden Jubilee is therefore seen as both a celebration of the seminary’s past achievements and a renewal of commitment to its mission of shaping future shepherds of the Church.
The Jubilee launch will include a solemn Eucharistic celebration, special liturgical performances, testimonies, and a call to mobilize resources for the continued growth and upkeep of the seminary.
The Soroti Catholic Diocese, under the leadership of Bishop Eciru, has taken a frontline role in the mobilization process.
The Christian community, both clergy and laity, are expected to travel in large numbers to Gulu to witness and take part in the launch.
According to the organizing team, preparations have been divided into key areas:
- Mobilization of Pilgrims: Parish-level committees are engaging Christians to register and prepare for the pilgrimage.
- Transport Coordination: Plans are underway to organize joint transport at diocesan level to ease movement of pilgrims to Gulu.
- Liturgical Preparation: Choirs and liturgical teams are rehearsing to ensure a dignified and prayerful celebration.
- Welfare of Pilgrims: Arrangements for feeding, health support, and possible accommodation are being explored to ensure the well-being of travelers.
- Resource Mobilization: A central committee is drawing up a budget, identifying items for contribution, and encouraging financial support to sustain Jubilee activities and offer a gift to the seminary community.
- Diaspora Engagement: Lay faithful from Gulu and other regions outside Soroti Diocese are being encouraged to take an active role in planning and participation.
Msgr. Opio emphasized that while parishes may organize individually for their members, all contributions in cash or kind should be forwarded through the central organizing committee to ensure accountability and coordinated support.
Organizers are appealing to Christians to contribute not only materially but also spiritually.
“Prayer is the backbone of this celebration,” reads part of the statement. “We encourage families, prayer groups, and parishes to dedicate novenas, rosaries, and moments of intercession for the success of the Jubilee.”
The celebrations are also seen as an opportunity for renewal in faith.
Bishop Eciru, who has been at the forefront of strengthening priestly and lay formation in Soroti Diocese, is expected to rally Christians to embrace the Jubilee as a moment of thanksgiving and mission.
The Golden Jubilee of Alokolum Major Seminary holds special significance for the Catholic Church in Uganda, which has steadily grown over the past century through local vocations.
Alokolum has been a vital pillar in this growth, supplying priests and leaders who serve in parishes, schools, and missions.
The seminary has also weathered challenges, from political upheavals in northern Uganda to resource constraints, yet it has remained steadfast in its mission.
The Jubilee celebrations are thus expected to highlight resilience, faith, and hope for the future.
“This Jubilee belongs to all of us,” Msgr. Opio remarked. “Every prayer, every coin, and every act of solidarity counts. Together, we can make this celebration a true witness of gratitude to God and a springboard for the mission of the Church.”
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There is need to consider South Sudan members in the preparations and Celebration of the Jubilee.
There is also a sizable number of Ex-Seminarians who should be included in the process.