Inside Bp Eciru’s Fight Against Young Gate-Crashers, Okadibong in Teso

By Our Reporter

 

TESO

 

The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, has expressed disappointment at certain politicians for hindering his efforts to combat the rise of gang groups, particularly the gate-crashers known locally as Okadibong, in the Teso sub-region.

 

In response to the alarming growth of these gangs in recent years, Bishop Eciru has consistently urged that all functions within the diocese should conclude by 6 pm, a measure intended to prevent young people from gate-crashing these events at night.

 

Despite these initiatives, the bishop is troubled to see that events are still occurring late into the night, which has even led to tragic incidents, including the recent death of a young individual in the Katakwi district.

 

He has pointed to some politicians who, he claims, continue to provide incentives for voters to drink the local brew, Ajono, or to dance into the early hours, thereby encouraging criminal behavior.

 

During this election season, Bishop Eciru remarked that certain politicians seem to prioritize keeping their voters intoxicated rather than pursuing meaningful developmental activities.

 

“Why encourage excessive drinking that just leads to regrettable consequences?” he questioned. “They complain that the government is ineffective while their own actions lead to disorder.”

 

He urged the community to engage in their activities during daylight and return home before dark.

 

“At around 5 pm, it’s time to leave the trading center and go home. Why do some fear to venture back during daylight? He shared a story of a son who rushed to inform his mother about a supposed intruder, only to find it was their father who had been delayed in returning.”

 

Bishop Eciru himself has become a target of these gangs, who mistakenly thought he was a political candidate until they recognized him and fled.

 

This discussion follows a statement from Joseph Opule, representing Vice President Jessica Alupo, who noted that events extending late into the night only serve to increase the likelihood of young people engaging in criminal acts, citing a recent incident where a brother tragically killed another in their community.

 

Opule has called on parents to fully embrace their role in parenting to prevent their children from losing their way.

 

He emphasized the importance of nurturing love and guidance, encouraging parents to take their children to school and church and to instill discipline during holiday breaks.

 

This message was delivered during the Ariet-kapujan parish celebration for Stella Maris, which included the confirmation of 332 children and a fundraising event for the construction of Regina Caeli Cathedral-Soroti.The celebration took place at the Adodoi-Kapujan primary school on September 27, 2025.

 

Joseph Andrew Koluo, the Member of Parliament for Toroma County, echoed the bishop’s sentiments, highlighting the association between late-night drinking and domestic violence.

 

He urged the youth to avoid harmful habits like opium use, smoking, gambling, and excessive drinking, which lead to crime, instead encouraging them to engage in productive activities such as growing vegetables and raising poultry.

 

Koluo also reminded Christians of the bishop’s advice about the importance of educating their children to foster peace and development within families.

 

Engineer Paul Malinga, an aspirant for the Toroma County MP position, stated that while he does not take a stance for or against the bishop’s message, he believes that all programs must be properly scheduled and that parents should not neglect their responsibilities.

 

Rose Ayomo, chairperson of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Adodoi, supported the bishop’s message, noting that excessive drinking contributes to domestic violence and ongoing food shortages.

 

Emmanuel Opio, a teacher at Adodoi-Kapujan Primary School, appreciated the bishop’s words, sharing that many uninvited guests often travel over 10 kilometers to attend events, particularly traditional marriages that extend past 6 PM.

 

He observed that such late gatherings frequently result in damage to property, particularly when alcohol is involved.

 

VP Alupo contributed shs1.5m along with a bag of rice and a bar of soap for each confirmed child. Meanwhile, MP Koluo provided a bull and fuel for all the clergy, including the choir.