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BY RICHARD DRASIMAKU
ARUA: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
Ninety years ago, immigrants from Bunyoro sub-region in Western Uganda who had settled in Arua Township after coming to look for employment and trade opportunities under the British colonial government began a church within the township.
This was a location previously known for mysterious murders in the pre-colonial era where ambushing and killing of aliens attracted something of a hero’s status for the killer among the indigenous inhabitants of the area.
The Banyoro immigrants worshipped in a new Christian way, itself a colonial introduction that was at variance with the Lugbara traditional way of divination.
But slowly, they began to attract converts, especially the Kakwa community who had settle in big numbers in the township. As time went by, the church grew in status though it remained under trees.
It was in 1978 that the Christians under the Church of Uganda of the Anglican Church decided to construct the worship house standing today.
In 1990s to 2000s, Abiriambati became renowned for the Holy spirit led worship when the Christian revival movement was in ascendance in the region. That legacy has stood firmly today though it is more prominently emphasized during midday service on Wednesdays.
Three prayer services are conducted every Sunday to cater for the spiritual needs of the cosmopolitan population of Arua. These are the Morning English service (7:00 am to 9:00 am), Lubgara service (10:00 am to 12:00 am), and the South Sudan community service (Azande Service 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm).
The church building is currently accommodates upwards of 600 worshippers every week who come to praise, worship and fellowship at the church.
This is precursor to the desire to build a bigger and storied church house that the Christians are mobilizing funds to facilitate the project.
The Parish Priest Rev Eunice Aro reiterated to the congregation last Sunday that it is urgent to commence the construction project so as to ensure it is completed before Centenary anniversary of the church.
In attendance were senior former servants and retired parish priests, Rev Kefa Loli and Re Silas Abidrabo who both served at Abiriambati during their prime years.
Youngsters from the Sunday school and the church choir led the entertainment during the 90th anniversary in a memorable show of talent during the day-long event.
