The Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Rt. Rev. Enos Kitto Kagodo, has hailed the revival of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade as a major milestone in nurturing disciplined, responsible, and Christ-centred young people.
The Bishop made the remarks during the commissioning of Mukono Diocese Boys and Girls Brigade held at Nakanyonyi Senior Secondary School in Bukoba Archdeaconry. He commended the Diocesan Youth Department, Brigade coordinators, youth leaders, and all committees for their dedication and commitment to restoring the movement.
“I am extremely happy because, during my tenure, I have witnessed this achievement,” Bishop Kagodo said, adding that the revival reflects the Diocese’s commitment to raising a generation grounded in Christian values.
The Bishop applauded headteachers across the Mukono Diocese for their continued efforts to improve education. While acknowledging the government’s support he noted that funding remains insufficient to meet all the needs of Church-founded schools. He therefore urged political leaders not to interfere with school management by discouraging parents from contributing towards school meals, additional teachers, and other essential programmes.
Quoting Jesus’ teaching that believers are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” (Matthew 5:13). He challenged the officers to become positive influences in their schools, churches, and communities.
“You have the ability to be the salt and the light because God created that in you,” he said, encouraging them to use their God-given gifts to transform the lives of others.
The Bishop also cautioned learners against tarnishing the reputation of their schools through indiscipline, reminding them that true character is demonstrated beyond the school gates.
“It is outside the school where you must prove that you are truly disciplined and the smartest,” he said.
Congratulating the newly commissioned officers, Bishop Kagodo reminded them that their commissioning marks the beginning of greater responsibility and encouraged them to remain focused on their calling and future.
During the ceremony, four officers took the oath and were commissioned as Lieutenants, 22 officers passed out as Warrant Officers, and more than 1,000 members took the oath and were affirmed as Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).
The Chief Guest, Mr. John Musoke, Head Teacher of Bishop’s Senior School Mukono, applauded the Church for investing in the spiritual and moral formation of young people through the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade.
He described the Brigade as a vital platform for nurturing discipline, leadership, patriotism, resilience, teamwork, and Christian values.
Mr. Musoke challenged Brigade members to lead by example, serve with humility, stand for truth, promote unity, and remember that their actions speak louder than their words. He urged Christians to reject prejudice, embrace reconciliation, forgive one another, and place Christ at the centre of their relationships, emphasizing that lasting peace is built on justice, love, mutual respect, and reconciliation.
He also announced that Bishop’s Senior School Mukono had contributed UGX 2 million towards the Diocese’s Brass Band fundraising initiative, reaffirming the school’s commitment to supporting youth development and the mission of the Church.
The hosting Head Teacher, Mr. Wateta George, welcomed the commissioning of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, describing it as a significant step towards raising disciplined, responsible, and Christ-centred young people.
He commended Bishop Kagodo’s leadership and spiritual guidance, saying such initiatives continue to inspire schools, churches, and communities to nurture learners who are academically competent, morally upright, and firmly rooted in Christian values.
Mr. Wateta noted that the revival of the Brigade provides learners with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, faith, discipline, teamwork, and integrity while preparing them to become responsible citizens and positive role models.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the lives of our young people. The commissioning of this Brigade is a call to service, discipline, integrity, teamwork, and making a positive difference in our communities,” he said.
During the ceremony, Bishop Kagodo handed over the Instrument of Authority, including the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade flag, to the newly Mukono Diocese Field Officer, Lieutenant Joseph Kiwumulo Miiro, who officially succeeded Captain Athanasius Nyende after his dedicated service.
Captain Nyende was presented with a token of appreciation in recognition of his faithful ministry and outstanding contribution to the Brigade.
Following the commissioning ceremony, the Bishop inspected the parade mounted by Brigade contingents from various schools, marking the successful revival of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade in Mukono Diocese.
