Mukono- The Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Rt.Rev Enos Kitto Kagodo, has called upon Church-founded schools to remain committed to nurturing God-fearing, disciplined, and responsible citizens rooted in Christian values.
Speaking during his pastoral visit to Naminya Church of Uganda Primary School and St. Mark Naminya Secondary School in Naminya Parish, Kangulumira Archdeaconry, Bishop Kagodo assessed the institutions’ achievements, challenges, and progress in delivering holistic Christian education.
At Naminya Church of Uganda Primary School, Headteacher Madam Nandase Teddy reported significant progress, including increased enrolment and improved teacher professional development. She, however, cited challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate desks, and frequent trespassing resulting from the lack of a perimeter fence.
Addressing teachers, the Diocesan Education Secretary, Rev.Seezi Edward Musoke, encouraged them to pursue degree programmes, noting that government education policies increasingly favour graduate teachers.
While praying for Primary Seven candidates, Bishop Kagodo urged them to remain focused and place God at the centre of their lives. He presented each candidate with a Bible and encouraged them to cultivate a habit of daily Scripture reading.
The Bishop commended the school administration, teachers, and parents for their collective efforts in improving the institution and supporting learners through the provision of meals and school uniforms.
_”The parents of Naminya have greatly impressed me. Few communities demonstrate such commitment to supporting their children’s education without being compelled. I thank you for your dedication,”_ Bishop Kagodo said.
He also cautioned parents against being misled by politicians who claim that the government alone should meet all the needs of learners.
Bishop Kagodo further praised teachers for nurturing learners’ spiritual lives through the teaching of Psalms and Hymns, urging them to strengthen this important aspect of Christian formation.
_”When children come to our Church schools, they should receive something unique that may not be found elsewhere. They should leave as God-fearing and responsible citizens whose lives are firmly rooted in Christian values,”_ he said.
At St. Mark Naminya Secondary School, Headteacher Mr. Ssekiziyivu Edward highlighted several achievements, including the installation of surveillance cameras to enhance security, the purchase of six sewing machines for vocational training, and the restocking of the computer laboratory with 19 desktop computers following the theft of 20 computers in April.
He also outlined a number of challenges facing the school, including the absence of a science laboratory and library, inadequate classroom space, lack of staff accommodation, unreliable water supply, and insufficient funding to support growing operational demands.
In his sermon, Bishop Kagodo urged Christians to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and remain steadfast in their relationship with God. He reminded the congregation that God’s grace and love had sustained both their lives and the school and assured them of God’s continual protection and guidance.
The Bishop also encouraged learners to remain in school until they attain qualifications that will enable them to secure meaningful employment and contribute positively to society.
He noted that Church-founded schools continue to be a beacon of hope for many parents because of their commitment to providing both academic excellence and spiritual formation.
During a fundraising drive for the construction of a science laboratory, more than UGX 10 million was raised in cash, while additional support in the form of cement, iron sheets, and other building materials was pledged. Among the contributors, COUHEA Secondary donated UGX 5 million, which was presented to the Headteacher by Mr. Edward Musisi Kidde on behalf of the association.
Bishop Kagodo was accompanied by the Diocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Seezi Edward Musoke, and his assistant, Rev. Amos Namwanja, Parish Priest of Kiwanga in Seeta Archdeaconry.
