Msgr Mathew Odong the Vice General Secretary of Archdiocese of Gulu and BishopJohn Baptist Odama have on Sunday 7th June reconciled MP for Aruu Odonga Otto and Rev Fr Onen Charles from wrangling. The two have been bitterly exchanging words for the past few days ago over coronavirus demonstrations.
During his normal preaching on the 2nd June 2020 which is usually relayed on Radio Maria, Fr Onen abused Mps Odonga Otto and Gilbert Olanya over the peaceful Covid-19 demonstration they held in Gulu town due to increasing cases of Coronavirus in Acholi Sub Region.
In return, Hon Odonga unleashed heartbreaking statements in both texts and audio accusing Fr Onen Charles of being unfaithful and had vowed to exposure his deeds to the whole if he does not restrain from his usual utterances on politicians.
In a meeting which was chaired by Msgr Mathew Odong vice General Archdiocese of Gulu on the 7th June 2020 and attended by many priests, the trio apologized to one another and reconciled. They agreed to work together to develop the sub-region.
Hon Olanya Gilbert said this after the meeting, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Vice General Msgr Odonga, parish priest Fr Eric and all the priests, today we have resolved our issues amicably, as scripture says, there is an ending for everything”
Hon Odonga Otto apologized by saying, “I as Odonga Otto, I did a mistake to talk bitterly against the priest in different platforms, to error is human, but I need to assure you that this would not happen again, I also ask forgiveness, it is only forgiveness that is the strength of mankind, we shall unite with Fr Onen and we shall work together to foster development in the region”.
Fr Onen also apologized and called for self-respect said this, “from today I would like to say, Odonga Otto, you are my son, if a beat you, don’t kick me back, and even Gilbert Olanya you are my son, if a beat you, don’t kick me back, we need to respect ourselves because we are leaders at different levels, God should bless your work for justice, everlasting Peace and development to prosper in Uganda especially Northern Uganda.
Msgr Odong said the message aired on the radio was so saddening and disappointing, but added that the concerned have amicably resolved all the issues and have willingly, openly and unreservedly retracted their statements.
However, it is said this is not the first time Rev Father Onen Charles has been brought in mediation tables, in 2018 when he falsely accused bishop Diocese of Northern Uganda Bishop Johnson Gakumba of burning rosaries during a crusade at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu Municipality; it took the intervention for Archbishop Dr JB Odama to pour cold water into the matter. There are many other issues handled at the junior levels.
