Men and women in uniform bring message of repentance, hope to Pader

31 August 2026, 8:31 pm

By Mercy Fancy Agenorwot

Men and women in uniform on Sunday joined Christians in Pader Town for a special church service centered on repentance, hope, restoration and renewed commitment to God’s work.

The service, held at St. Philip Church of Uganda, brought together officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Uganda Prisons Service, alongside church leaders and members of the community.

The gathering marked a significant moment of unity between the security institutions and the Church, with the uniformed officers not only participating in worship but also making contributions towards the construction of the church and pastoral welfare.

The Police delegation was led by Pader District Police Commander (DPC) Jackson Bugere, while the Uganda Prisons Service was represented by ASP Alex, Officer in Charge of Pader Prison. The UPDF delegation was led by Gen. Keith Katungi, Commander of the 5th Division, Acholi Pii.

The service was co-led by Rev. Francis Okot Okello and championed by the Archdeacon and Vicar, Rev. Martine Lam, as part of Pader Urban Archdeaconry’s deliberate effort to strengthen the Church’s engagement with the wider professional and corporate community.

Delivering the day’s main message, ASP Agai Doreen, Officer in Charge of the Child and Family Protection Unit at Pader Central Police Station, called upon Christians to humble themselves, repent and return to God.

Drawing lessons from Psalm 107:1-32 and Jonah 3:1-9, ASP Doreen reminded the congregation that God’s people can pass through difficult seasons, but God’s faithfulness remains constant for those who call upon Him.

She reflected on the experiences of David and the people of Israel, emphasizing that hardship does not mean that God has abandoned His people.

People may be together today and separated tomorrow, she noted, while life can at times feel like a wilderness. But even in moments of uncertainty and difficulty, she encouraged Christians to recognize God’s presence and remain thankful.

The story of Jonah provided the central illustration of the sermon.

Jonah was given a divine assignment to go to Nineveh but chose to run away from God’s command. His disobedience led him into a difficult experience, including being swallowed by a great fish.

After three days, Jonah repented and turned back to God.

God, in turn, gave him another opportunity to fulfil his assignment. When Jonah eventually obeyed, his message brought about repentance across Nineveh, including its king.

ASP Doreen challenged the congregation to examine their own lives and consider the assignments and responsibilities they may have avoided.

The preacher emphasized that running away from God does not erase His purpose, but repentance can open the way to restoration and renewed purpose.

The message was further reinforced through the biblical account of the Prodigal Son, presented as a powerful picture of God’s willingness to forgive, restore and welcome His children back home.

Beyond the spiritual message, the service also witnessed a significant expression of support from the security forces towards the Church.

The Uganda Police Force contributed UGX 500,000, five plastic chairs, five bags of cement, 12 kilograms of sugar and 20 litres of liquid soap.

The UPDF contributed UGX 1 million, together with other items, towards the Church’s work.

The contributions were received as a demonstration that the forces’ responsibility to the community extends beyond physical security to supporting institutions that contribute to the spiritual and social wellbeing of the people.

The presence of the UPDF, Police and Prisons Service at St. Philip Church also carried a broader message: those entrusted with serving and protecting the nation also need spiritual nourishment, encouragement and a community of faith.

The gathering provided an opportunity for officers and civilians to worship together, reflect on their relationship with God and reaffirm the importance of service, responsibility and compassion.