The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kotido (Latin: Diocese of Kotidoensis) is a suffragan diocese in the ecclesiastical province of Tororo in Uganda, covering Kotido, Kaabong, Karenga, and Abim districts in the Karamoja sub-region.[1] Erected on May 20, 1991, by Pope John Paul II, it was separated from the Diocese of Moroto and operates under the Dicastery for Evangelization.[2] The Good Shepherd Cathedral in Kotido, consecrated in 2014, serves as its principal church.[3] It is governed by Bishop Dominic Eibu , MCCI.
The diocese was established on May 20, 1991, from the Diocese of Moroto, which had encompassed Karamoja since its creation in 1965.[4] Catholic evangelization in the region began in 1933 with Comboni Missionaries, initially under the Apostolic Prefecture of Gulu.[5] Covering 13,550 square kilometers, the diocese borders South Sudan, Kenya’s Turkana region, and Ugandan districts like Lira and Pader, serving a predominantly Karamojong population.[6]
Bishops
Since its erection, Kotido has had three residential bishops.[2] Denis Kiwanuka Lote, the first bishop, served from August 18, 1991, to June 27, 2007, when he was appointed Archbishop of Tororo.[7] Giuseppe Filippi, M.C.C.J., an Italian Comboni Missionary, led from December 19, 2009, to October 25, 2022, retiring at age 77.[8] Dominic Eibu, M.C.C.J., appointed on October 25, 2022, and installed on January 14, 2023, is the current bishop.[9]
Bishops of Kotido (Roman rite)
Bishop Denis Kiwanuka Lote (20 May 1991 – 27 June 2007), appointed Archbishop of Tororo
The diocese comprises 10 parishes, serving as centers for worship and community activities.[6] The Good Shepherd Cathedral Parish in Kotido is the principal parish, with others spread across Kaabong, Karenga, and Abim districts, though specific names like Our Lady of Lourdes (Abim) or St. Joseph (Panyangara) lack official confirmation.[1] These parishes support evangelization and social services in a region with 216,589 Catholics (39.6% of 553,800 residents, 2025).[6]
Pastoral Activities
Kotido Diocese supports 30 priests (20 diocesan, 10 religious), 43 religious (11 brothers, 32 sisters), and 6 seminarians, fostering education, healthcare, and catechesis.[6] Caritas Kotido, its charitable arm, delivers sustainable programs addressing poverty, hunger, and insecurity, empowering local communities.[12] Religious communities, including the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate and Mill Hill Missionaries, enhance pastoral outreach through schools and health centers.[1]
Challenges
The diocese operates amidst Karamoja’s challenges, including cattle rustling, inter-ethnic conflicts (Karamojong-Teso), and food insecurity.[13] Bishop Eibu promotes peace through traditional “Akiriket” gatherings, fostering reconciliation and Teso-Karamoja dialogue.[14] High illiteracy and climate-driven hunger complicate evangelization, with Caritas advocating for agricultural resilience.[12]
Statistics
In 2021, the diocese had 202,380 baptized people out of a population of 536,042, corresponding to 37.8% of the total.
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