Ngora town has this week hosted the largest women’s gathering in the history of Soroti Catholic Diocese, with more than 15,000 participants attending the annual diocesan women’s conference at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish.
The week-long event attracted women from across Teso and neighbouring regions, turning Ngora into a hub of prayer, song, and community renewal. Many arrived in buses, trucks, and on foot, carrying mats, rosaries, and Bibles, united under the theme of strengthening families through faith and social transformation.
Rev. Fr. Gonzaga Ongereny Waziwazi, the chief organizer, described the turnout as historic.
“When we strengthen the women, we strengthen the whole world. I am highly impressed with this gathering of approximately 15,000 women. This now becomes the biggest conference of the year,” he said.
The conference combined prayer with empowerment sessions focused on economic resilience, mindset change, and tackling challenges such as poverty and gender-based violence. Organizers urged women to become leaders in their households and drivers of peace and development in their communities.
For participants, the conference offered both hope and direction. “Many of us had lost hope in our homes, but we have now gathered courage to become the pillars of hope in our families. The Church has truly stood with us,” said Ms. Iwatu Immaculate, one of the organizers.
The sight of thousands of women in colourful gomesis and headscarves kneeling in prayer has been described as inspiring. Worship sessions, ululations, and processions have defined the week, drawing praise for Bishop Dr. Joseph Echiru Oliach, who has championed women’s role in building stronger families and parishes.
“The Bishop has done outstanding work for us,” said Mrs. Sarah Apio, a parish leader from Kumi. “By prioritizing women, he has reminded the world that the heart of every strong family beats through the mother.”
Bishop Echiru is expected to preside over the grand closing Mass on Saturday, with projections that the crowd could swell to over 20,000 faithful.
Beyond prayer, the event has also boosted Ngora’s economy, with traders supplying food, clothing, and devotional items to the large crowds.
As Soroti Catholic Diocese continues to grow under Bishop Echiru’s stewardship, the 2025 women’s conference will be remembered as a landmark of faith, unity, and empowerment—showcasing the strength of women as custodians of both family and community.
