Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo’s church project has become a beacon of faith and community revival in Kal Aloi village, Agago District, after the commissioning of St. Matthew’s Catholic Chapel on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The chapel, built in memory of his late parents, represents a heartfelt spiritual gift to the Catholic faithful of the region.
A Church Built on Legacy and Love
The new St. Matthew’s Catholic Chapel seats over 200 congregants and was constructed to honor the memory of Kasmiro Ongom Ityangaluk Lobeyong and Mego Paulina Ongom Atapangiro, parents of Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo. His father passed in 1996 and his mother in 2012.
Chief Justice Dollo, born in Kal Aloi in 1956, personally contributed to the construction efforts, including molding bricks for the church’s foundation in 2024. The chapel stands today as a fulfillment of a promise he made to honor his parents’ devout Christian upbringing.
“This church is built to transform lives—if we continue stealing cassava from others, we miss the purpose,” Dollo cautioned during his remarks.
Commissioning Ceremony Led by Archbishop Wokorach
Gulu Catholic Leadership Graces the Event
Gulu Archbishop Raphael Wokorach P’Mony led the commissioning homily, expressing gratitude for the church as a spiritual gift to the Archdiocese. The archbishop reminded the congregation:
“The Church is a spiritual gift of the Holy Spirit which should unite the faithful.”
Joining him were Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama, Fr Christopher Komakech, and Fr Alfred Okumu, among others.
A Personal Tribute to a Faithful Mother
Dollo emphasized his mother’s unwavering Christian commitment, highlighting that although she was born in a Protestant household, she chose to be baptized Catholic. He shared that building the church was a long-time dream delayed by circumstances but ultimately fulfilled through divine will.
A Community Reawakens in Faith
A Symbol of Spiritual Rebirth in Patongo
Fr Christopher Komakech, Episcopal Vicar of Kitgum Vicariate, remarked that the church symbolizes a resurrection of faith in the region. He urged continued support from the community to sustain the church’s activities and presence.
Community members echoed the sentiment. Samuel Ojok Kitang, parish pastoral council member and district speaker, noted that many believers in the region still worship under trees, making such developments crucial.
Local Voices Praise the Initiative
- Dodo Alfonse Odoch, another council member, described the church as a sign of faith and encouragement from the CJ’s family.
- Peter Cox Owili, a retired headteacher, called it a blessing to the Gulu Archdiocese and the people of Kal Aloi.
Government and Judiciary Presence
The commissioning was attended by notable dignitaries, including:
- Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija
- Acting Principal Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga
- Judiciary Permanent Secretary Dr. Pius Bigirimana
- Acting Chief Registrar Pamella Ocaya Lamunu
The presence of these officials highlighted the national significance of the project.
From Under Trees to Sacred Sanctuary
Replacing Classrooms and Trees with a Chapel
Before the construction of Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo’s church, the local faithful held services under trees or in makeshift spaces like classrooms. The new chapel now provides a permanent, dignified place of worship, reflecting not just generosity but a deeper commitment to spiritual renewal.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Church’s Mission
Dollo and the clergy emphasized that the church’s future depends on the continued involvement of the laity. The commissioning marks only the beginning of what is hoped to become a center for community transformation, evangelization, and Christian unity.
As Uganda’s highest-ranking judicial officer, Owiny-Dollo’s gesture serves as both a tribute and a challenge—urging people not just to build churches, but to live by the principles they preach.
