Odeke’s Journey of Calling and a Second Chance
When Rev. John Charles Odeke speaks about education, he does not do it casually. For him, the opportunity to study was never guaranteed. “I was a school dropout,” he says.
Today, Odeke is a priest serving in Achukudu Parish in Napak District, northeastern Uganda. He is also a theology student at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mbale University College, through the support of UCU Partners. But his path to priesthood and theological training was marked by long periods of waiting.
Born and raised in Napak, Odeke grew up in a Christian family. His father served as a lay reader, and his mother was deeply committed to the faith. Church life was part of his upbringing, but he did not immediately see ministry as his personal calling. “We used to serve together as a family, but I did not know that it was the direction meant for me,” he recalls.
His academic journey began in Serere District for both primary and secondary school. He later joined Kingston College in Soroti to complete secondary education before pursuing certifications in information and communications technology. He earned qualifications in Microsoft Office Specialist, CompTIA A+ and accounting packages, hoping to build a career in IT.
However, he is grateful to people like the Rev. Canon Nelson Owilli, the archdeacon, who, at some point, supported him during his studies at Archbishop Janani Luwum Theological College.
As he struggled to find a sustainable financial source, an unexpected opportunity emerged through contacts between his diocese and UCU Partners.
“When I received the call asking if I was willing to go back to school, I said yes, immediately,” he recalls. After interviews and selection, he joined UCU Mbale University College to pursue a diploma in Theology. “This opportunity means a lot to me. It is like a rescue.”
By then, Odeke had already been ordained and was serving as a priest. He describes this as his first year in full priesthood. Studying theology while actively serving has deepened his understanding of ministry. “Many people think theology is just about reading the Bible. But when you study it, you realize it goes beyond that. It prepares you to work with communities,” Odeke explains.
His background in ICT, once seen as a detour, has become an asset in ministry. He uses digital tools in preaching, communication and church administration. “It helps me meet the current world in preaching the gospel; I can easily support the church with the ICT skills I have,” Odeke adds.
Growing up, he rarely saw priests driving vehicles or holding multiple qualifications. At university, he encountered clergy who were also lawyers, lecturers and educationists. “It inspired me, because you realize theology is one step to serving in many other ways,” he says.
Mentorship has also played a crucial role in his formation. He remembers the clergy who identified his calling early and encouraged him to nurture it, including priests who gave him opportunities to serve and grow within the parish. “Rev. Christopher Owili and Bishop Simon Akol Aisu have kept encouraging me; they saw something in me and have groomed me to serve,” he says.
While studying at UCU, Odeke has intentionally exposed himself to different ministry contexts. He worships and serves at churches in eastern Uganda in the Mbale area to observe how urban congregations grow and organize their ministries. “I want to learn what ideas I can take back home,” he explains.
His message to others whose paths have been interrupted is grounded in his own experience. “Not every road is smooth, but every road has a destiny.” “Life is about waiting for your time. Not everyone succeeds at the same time. Some may take 10 years, others 20. But if you remain focused, you will reach your destiny,” Odeke adds.
Michael Ainomugisha
Michael is a writing intern for UCU Partners, while studying journalism and communication at Uganda Christian University (UCU). He is the firstborn of four, raised in Western Uganda. Since childhood he has been interested in journalism and storytelling, using this medium to make sense of the world and do his part to improve it. He also has his own podcast, The Michael Ainomugisha Podcast.
