Bishop Zoreka Decries Environmental Destruction, Calls for Collective Action

The Right Reverend Dan Zoreka, Bishop of Kinkizi Diocese, has raised a warning about the alarming rate of environmental degradation, urging religious leaders, politicians, and the public to unite in the effort to preserve the natural world.

Bishop Zoreka made this impassioned plea during the consecration of Pachua Pakuba Anglican Church in Pachua Central village, Mucwini West Sub-county, Kitgum District, on Saturday. He was representing The Most Rev. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda. "It is sad to see the people of God destroying the environment instead of protecting it," Bishop Zoreka lamented in his sermon.

"This has led to climate change, which is negatively impacting both human and livestock life throughout the year." The bishop highlighted the erratic weather patterns in the region, where excessive sunshine during the dry season and flooding during the rainy season have become the norm. "We must take collective action to address this issue," Bishop Zoreka urged. 

"I call upon all leaders, both political and religious, to encourage the youth to plant trees and safeguard the environment." Bishop Zoreka's call was echoed by the Bishop of Kitgum Diocese, Rt. Rev. Wilson Kitara, who also expressed gratitude to Retired Maj. Gen. Fred Tolit, a distinguished military strategist and diplomat, for his efforts in constructing the Pachua Pakuba Anglican Church.

Maj. Gen. Tolit, a highly decorated officer who served as the Military Attaché at the Uganda Embassy in South Africa, Burundi, and Ethiopia, as well as Military Adviser to Uganda's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, USA, fully funded the church's construction, which cost UGX 1.4 Billion. The church, expected to accommodate nearly 1,000 congregants, stands as a testament to his commitment to the community. During his speech at the consecration, Maj. Gen. Tolit shared that he was inspired to build the church after noticing the residents of Mucwini West Sub-county, especially those in Pachua Pakuba, had a deep passion for prayer but lacked a proper place of worship. 

He further noted that the community's involvement, with members volunteering to lay bricks, made the construction possible. Residents of Pachua Pakuba were thrilled with the new church. Hellen Aledo, a resident, expressed her gratitude to Maj. Gen. Tolit for the generous contribution. "For a long time, we have been praying under a tree, but the rain always interrupted us during the wet season," Aledo said. "With this new church, those days are behind us. We are deeply thankful to Maj. Gen. Tolit for this incredible gift." 

During the event, 108 believers received the Sacrament of Confirmation, marking a significant milestone in their spiritual journey. Bishop Kitara urged the faithful to use the new church to further God's mission and encouraged leaders, both active and retiring, to consider constructing places of worship in their communities as a lasting legacy. He emphasized the need to address the challenges posed by climate change, urging leaders to play their part in preserving the environment for future generations.