Archdiocese of Gulu Communications Office

10/03/2022

I am Mr. Alfred Okello, I was born on 19.05.1965 from Madio'pe Lamwo District in Northern Uganda. I am a teacher by profession.

I started drinking Alcohol in 1984. Meaning, I have been drinking for the last 46 years of my life. What a wastage this was! Alcohol is very costly and demanding to the point that I lost alot, be it financially, job and my family wasn't at peace due to regular fights to the point that my wife had to leave.

During the 2014 community mobilization and sensitisation against Alcohol and drug abuse by PACTA UGANDA in Kitgum, I was one of those who participated in the program and thought the two weeks could help me come out of this demon of Alcohol and cigarette. I sustained for 2 years but went back.

My nephew who lives abroad in Germany, noticing my condition recommended I get treatment from a rehab and this was how I found myself at PACTA UGANDA GULU RECOVERY CENTER from where my determination to live sober one day at a time all began.

On entering PACTA last year 2021, the program not being all that new to me and as I really wanted to fight this demon especially that of cigarette smoking coupled to alcohol, I took on the program immediately and was determined to leave the center strong enough to fight my Addiction.

My very challenging and tough Experience was when I lost my mother this year before finishing my treatment period just 10 days to the end. Hah! It was not easy but I must admit that with strength from from the center I didn't drink nor smoke during grief. What a miracle the Higher Power has done in my life through PACTA. On a serious note, no matter what a situation is just don't drink or smoke. There is no problem alcohol will solve than make worst.

I am maintaining my sobriety by listening to radios and music, taking evening walks and keeping in touch with my other sober mates for strength.

My family is so happy with me now and some of my former glass mates now wish to be like me. I love the new life and want to keep it for the rest of my life one day at a time.

THANKS
OKELLO ALFRED
BENEFICIARY OF PACTA PROGRAM

09/03/2022

I am called Opiyo Deogratius Emmanuel from Gulu city, I was born on 22.05.1994.

My use of Alcohol began way back in 2011 when I was in S.2. Alcohol affected me in the following ways: Deterioration in academic performance, poor relationship with my parents and siblings, unplanned first born child, loss of control on my sexual life among others.

When my situation was getting off hand, my dad suggested this treatment for me. Hence I joined PACTA UGANDA. The program was not important at first since I thought I could manage my life. Besides I accepted to go for the program to please and obey my father who suggested it.

I must testify that with Psycho education, AA meetings and reading addiction related articles from the well stocked PACTA library I became a new born. I Accepted to live sober one day at a time.

I'm working the program one day at a time, getting occupied with productive activities, practicing my profession as a nurse, engaging in helping those who are still battling the disease through a project of Sobriety Development Initiative (SDI) which is being developed to help recovering addicts cope with life of sobriety and avoid Relapse etc. I am now 3 years sober, with no incidence of a relapse, and I don't wish for it.

For my fellows in the journey, let's engage in activities that promote Sobriety if we want to maintain our Sobriety. Don't remain in the valley of alcoholism and dragging in case of relapse. Get up and move on.

THANKS
OPIYO DEOGRATIUS EMMANUEL
BENEFICIARY OF PACTA UGANDA

08/12/2021

08/12/2021

Today the 8th December 2021 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Mass now led by the Archbishop John Baptist Odama, Ten Novices will take their first Profession or temporary vows as Rev. Sisters in the Congregation of the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu. Congratulations. Fr. Samuel Okidi Mwaka, Communications Coordinator, Archdiocese of Gulu.

18/06/2021

REQUIEM MASS FOR SR. MARY VERONICA ACHOLA OF THE LSMIG . MAY RIP

29/05/2021

26/05/2021

ARCHBISHOP JOHN BAPTIST ODAMA OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GULU IS TODAY CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AS A BISHOP CONGRATULATIONS. FR. SAMUEL MWAKA, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR.