The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach, has praised the late Rev. Fr. Peter Oelu Erudurudu, honoring him as a courageous and committed priest and a promoter of peace.
This tribute was delivered in a homily by Rev. Fr. Dr. Jorem Agelu at Fr. Oelu’s burial on Monday, September 30, at St. Peter’s Minor Seminary in Madera.
Bishop Eciru described Fr. Oelu as a dedicated priest who passionately loved his work despite the challenges posed by the illness that ultimately claimed his life. He commended Fr. Oelu for his unwavering commitment to prayer and preaching, which helped foster peace and stability in Teso.
According to Bishop Eciru, Fr. Oelu played a crucial role in initiating peaceful dialogues between the Iteso and the Karimojongs, who had previously caused insecurity in Teso through violence and cattle raiding.
Fr. Oelu was one of the first students to enroll at St. Peter’s Minor Seminary in Madera in 1983, completing his O-Level education in 1986. He went on to study philosophy and religious studies at Katigondo National Major Seminary from 1992 to 1994 before being ordained a priest in 1999. Born in 1968 in Olianai village, Wera parish, Amuria district, he was the son of the late Jacob Eumu and Demeterina Aderut.
Dr. William Engulu, Fr. Oelu’s personal doctor, reported that he died of cardiac arrest due to heart failure. Dr. Engulu noted that Fr. Oelu suffered from severe chronic epilepsy, which led to frequent seizures affecting his brain and mental health. These health complications began in 2015, ultimately forcing him to step back from church duties to seek medical treatment.
The burial was attended by various dignitaries, including His Lordship Dominic Eiibu, the Bishop of Kotido Catholic Diocese; FDC party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi; Soroti City woman MP Joan Acom Alobo; and numerous other priests and parishioners from the Teso sub-region.
Speaking on behalf of the government, State Minister for Fisheries Hellen Adoa described Fr. Oelu as a humble priest who diligently served God’s people despite his medical challenges. She emphasized the loss to both the Catholic Church and the entire Teso region.
Adoa urged the Church to continue shaping the morals of young people in a time when foreign cultures threaten traditional values. She encouraged parents to ensure their children attend church to receive guidance from Church leaders. Adoa lightened the mood by humorously admonishing some women for neglecting their domestic responsibilities, which she argued contributes to rising divorce rates in Teso.
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