**Did You Know When Amin arrested, deported the first Bishop of Karamoja**

In a momentous event marked by joy and anticipation, the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda has elected Reverand Venerable Micheal Chorey as the fifth Bishop of Karamoja Diocese. This significant decision, made on July 4, carries profound meaning for the northeastern diocese, as the incumbent bishop reaches retirement age. The community, filled with hope and expectation, eagerly awaits their new spiritual leader who will continue the longstanding legacy of faith and service.

Bishop-elect Chorey is set to be consecrated and enthroned on August 25, ushering in a new chapter for the diocese. This event recalls the diocese’s challenging beginnings when its first bishop, William Brian Herd, was forced to leave his role abruptly. In 1976, Herd, having served Uganda for 16 years, became the first Bishop of Karamoja after its separation from the greater Soroti Diocese. His consecration, held on January 11, 1976, and presided over by Archbishop Janani Luwum, brought hope and spiritual guidance to the region.

Reflecting on Herd’s legacy, Bishop Joseph Abura, the outgoing fourth Bishop of Karamoja, highlighted Herd’s dedication and vision for the area’s development. Despite Herd’s brief tenure, cut short by political unrest under President Idi Amin, his impact on the community was profound. Herd’s departure in 1977, amid a climate of fear and repression, left Karamoja without a shepherd until the end of Amin’s regime.

After Herd, the diocese faced further challenges with subsequent bishops. Howels Davies, invited by Archbishop Silvanus Wani, served until his retirement in 1987, leaving the diocese at a crossroads once more. It was not until Archdeacon Venerable Peter Lomongin became the third bishop that stability began to return.

As Bishop-elect Chorey prepares to take on his new role, the community looks back on its history with gratitude and forward with hope, ready to welcome their next spiritual guide.