By Fr. Placid Elia, MHM………………….
On Friday 21st March 2025, the Christians of Saint Joseph’s Panyangara Parish, Kotido Diocese in Karamoja Region, together with friends of the Mill Hill Missionaries from Soroti and Lugazi Diocese, gathered to celebrate a Memorial Mass for Fr. Declan O’Toole, MHM, who was tragically killed on March 21, 2002 in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda.
The Eucharistic Celebration which was presided over by Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, Bishop of Kotido Diocese, was a moment of deep reflection, prayer, and renewed commitment to the cause for which Fr. Declan lived and died. That cause is justice, peace, and reconciliation.
At the age of 31, Fr. Declan was ambushed and shot alongside his driver, Patrick Longoli Dodoya, and his cook, Fidelis Longole, while returning from a peace meeting.
Hailing from Head ford, Ireland, Fr. Declan, a Mill Hill Missionary priest, began his mission in Karamoja in 1998, serving as the first missionary priest in the newly established Panyangara parish. During his four years there, he was deeply committed to fostering peace among the local communities, often mediating conflicts and working tirelessly to promote reconciliation.
In 2015, steps were initiated toward Fr. Declan’s beatification and canonization, recognizing his dedication and sacrifice. He is officially recognized as a Servant of God, marking the beginning of the formal process toward sainthood. The path to canonization involves several stages, including the verification of miracles attributed to the individual’s intercession and thorough examinations by church authorities.
In his homily, Bishop Eibu reminded the Christians of Panyagara that ‘our God is the God of the living and the dead’. He spoke powerfully about the cost of truth and justice, emphasizing that when the just are targeted, the innocent often suffer alongside them. “Before you plan evil for someone,” he cautioned, “think of the innocents who may suffer with them.”
As Christians marked this solemn anniversary, they offered prayers for Fr. Declan and his companions, entrusting them to God’s mercy. They prayed especially for the people of Panyangara, for the Church in Kotido, and for the universal Church, asking for strength to continue the work of peace and reconciliation that Fr. Declan so passionately embraced.
The Bishop encouraged all of the people present to keep praying for Fr. Declan’s beatification, recognizing him as a Servant of God whose life of faith and sacrifice continues to inspire many. His witness reminds all that the mission of Christ is often met with suffering, but it is also a path of love and hope.
The Mass was well attended by Christians from Panyangara, as well as friends of the Mill Hill Missionaries who traveled from Soroti and Lugazi Diocese. Also present were family members of the late Patrick and Fidelis, who stood with us in prayer and remembrance.
Fr. Declan’s life and tragic death bear witness to a painful reality of extreme violence. He was killed for speaking the truth, for standing with the poor, and for tirelessly working toward peace in the Karamoja region.
The exact motive behind the attack remains unclear. Initial reports indicated that two Ugandan soldiers were arrested and swiftly sentenced to death by a military court for their involvement in the murders. However, subsequent investigations led to an official inquiry that cleared the Ugandan army of complicity in the killings, leaving many questions unanswered. The question as to why his driver and cook were killed also remain unanswered since they were innocent men who simply shared in his daily mission.
As they left the celebration, the people of Panyangara carried with them the challenge to live as Fr. Declan did—with courage, faith, and a relentless commitment to justice and peace.
Fr. Declan’s unwavering commitment to peace and his profound impact on the Karamoja community continue to inspire many, reflecting the enduring legacy of his missionary work. May he and his companions continue to intercede for us all.
