Celebrating Life
Caltec family commemorates centenary of Brothers of Christian Instruction
The first group of four Canadian Brothers, namely Bro. Charles Jules, Bro. Joachim Leon, Bro. Eugene-Paquette and Bro. Stanislaus Taileffer arrived in Uganda on August 4, 1926, and began a humble but highly effective Christian education and teaching ministry.
Caltec Academy stakeholders led by Fr. Gerald Mpanju (wearing a black cassock), Bro. Constantino Matovu (fifth-left), Bro. Casio Aizire (fifth-right) and Bro. Mathias Ssenkabirwa (third-right) cutting cake in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the advent and Ministry of the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Uganda. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
By: Mathias Mazinga, Journalist @New Vision
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This year marks 100 years since the arrival of the Catholic Brothers of Christian Instruction in Uganda.
The first group of four Canadian Brothers, namely Bro. Charles Jules, Bro. Joachim Leon, Bro. Eugene-Paquette and Bro. Stanislaus Taileffer arrived in Uganda on August 4, 1926, and began a humble but highly effective Christian education and teaching ministry that has contributed significantly to the growth of the Church and the country.
Caltec Academy students reciting a poem in praise of the Brothers of Christian Instruction. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
Today, the Brothers own and administer several reputable schools, including St Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK), St Henry’s College Kitovu (SHACK), Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga, St Edward’s SS Bukuumi, St Savio Junior School Kisubi, Mugwanya Preparatory School Kabojja, St Charles Lwanga SS Kasasa, Caltec Academy Makerere, Bishop Comboni College Kambuga and University of Kisubi (UniK), among others.
Last year, the reigning provincial superior, Bro. Casio Aizire declared the congregation’s year-long centenary celebrations during a colourful function at the congregation’s headquarters at Mount St Teresa Kisubi, along Entebbe Road in Wakiso district. The celebrations are set to climax on September 5, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Brothers’ schools are holding mini centenary functions ahead of the grand climax. Caltec Academy Makerere is among the institutions that have already held their celebration. The event took place at the school on June 13, 2026.
It began with a Mass presided over by the Episcopal Vicar of Entebbe Vicariate, Fr Gerald Mpanju, who praised the Brothers for their commitment to young people. He urged students to emulate the faith of the pioneer Brothers in all their academic endeavours.
He also cautioned them against excessive reliance on the internet and artificial intelligence, which he said could produce graduates with academic papers but without true education.
The chairman of the school’s alumni association, Dr Lawrence Sserwambala, paid tribute to the current Brothers for maintaining and continuing the legacy of their predecessors.
“The pioneer Brothers left a legacy of sacrifice. They dedicated their lives to teaching, mentoring, guiding and transforming the lives of young people without seeking self-glory. They built schools and taught young people academic and moral values of excellence, discipline, faith and service. Let us pray to God to bless and strengthen their vocation and mission,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Brothers’ schools are holding mini centenary functions ahead of the grand climax. Caltec Academy Makerere is among the institutions that have already held their celebration. The event took place at the school on June 13, 2026.
It began with a Mass presided over by the Episcopal Vicar of Entebbe Vicariate, Fr Gerald Mpanju, who praised the Brothers for their commitment to young people. He urged students to emulate the faith of the pioneer Brothers in all their academic endeavours.
An action spectacle of the school choir's string section during mass. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
He also cautioned them against excessive reliance on the internet and artificial intelligence, which he said could produce graduates with academic papers but without true education.
The chairman of the school’s alumni association, Dr Lawrence Sserwambala, paid tribute to the current Brothers for maintaining and continuing the legacy of their predecessors.
“The pioneer Brothers left a legacy of sacrifice. They dedicated their lives to teaching, mentoring, guiding and transforming the lives of young people without seeking self-glory. They built schools and taught young people academic and moral values of excellence, discipline, faith and service. Let us pray to God to bless and strengthen their vocation and mission,” he said.
The chairman of the school’s board of governors, Chevalier Anthony Mateega, also commended the Brothers for their faithfulness to God, the Church, the congregation and themselves.
During the same function, Bro. Aizire announced plans to construct a home for elderly and infirm Brothers. He said the proposed facility would serve as the centenary monument for the Brothers.
He called on Christians and all Ugandans of goodwill to contribute towards the project, which he described as a fitting tribute to the pioneer Brothers for their selfless sacrifice and dedication to the ministry of Christian education for children and youth.
“The pioneer Brothers came from Canada. They arrived here in 1926. Canada was already a developed country then. A hundred years since then, Uganda is as it is. How do you think it was then? The Brothers sacrificed a lot. They left their comfort zones. They believed in themselves, accepted the challenge and came to a remote, bushy and forest environment. I encourage you to emulate their sacrifice,” he said.
The Principal of the school, Bro. Constantino Matovu said the centenary celebrations had renewed and strengthened the unity and commitment of the Caltec family to faith and excellence. He later announced and handed over sh11m, which the school donated towards the proposed centenary project.
The function ran under the theme: We remember, we celebrate, we believe.
During the same function, Bro. Aizire announced plans to construct a home for elderly and infirm Brothers. He said the proposed facility would serve as the centenary monument for the Brothers.
He called on Christians and all Ugandans of goodwill to contribute towards the project, which he described as a fitting tribute to the pioneer Brothers for their selfless sacrifice and dedication to the ministry of Christian education for children and youth.
The Brothers of Christian Instruction (wearing a white cassock with a crucifix) share a photo-moment with the priests and representatives of the Board of Governors of Caltec Academy. This was during the celebration of the centenary of the Brothers' advent in Uganda, at the school in Makerere on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
“The pioneer Brothers came from Canada. They arrived here in 1926. Canada was already a developed country then. A hundred years since then, Uganda is as it is. How do you think it was then? The Brothers sacrificed a lot. They left their comfort zones. They believed in themselves, accepted the challenge and came to a remote, bushy and forest environment. I encourage you to emulate their sacrifice,” he said.
The Principal of the school, Bro. Constantino Matovu said the centenary celebrations had renewed and strengthened the unity and commitment of the Caltec family to faith and excellence. He later announced and handed over sh11m, which the school donated towards the proposed centenary project.
The function ran under the theme: We remember, we celebrate, we believe.