Retiring Busoga bishop Naimanhye appeals to govt over teacher renumeration

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JINJA - Busoga Diocese bishop Paul Moses Samson Naimanhye has appealed to the Government to look into the matter of teachers' remuneration. The bishop, who has specifically asked for a better salary for arts subjects teachers, says the move, once implemented by the Government, will encourage them to continue with their vital work.

Naimanhye made the appeal on Saturday, October 4, 2025, during a ceremony as Busoga College Mwiri school community bid farewell to him and his wife as he prepares for his retirement.

During the function, the bishop also dedicated the Senior Four and Senior Six candidates of 2025 to God for their upcoming final national examinations.

The event, marked by gratitude, reflection and spiritual encouragement, highlighted the Bishop’s transformative leadership and the school’s commitment to academic excellence and discipline.

Naimanhye said: “Teachers are in a time of industrial action, and I know what teachers who teach arts subjects go through. Your science colleagues are getting shillings three million plus, and others four million and you are getting less than one million, it is very terrible".

“We are still appealing to the Government to look into this matter so that the arts teachers get a pay rise, the Government should look into this and give them a salary, which will encourage them to teach our students,” Naimanhye said.

Busoga Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev. Dr Paul Samson Naimanyhe (left) being gifted by the Busoga College Mwiri's PTA chairperson Stephen Wakasenza (right) while at Busoga College Mwiri on Saturday. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Message to the candidates

Naimanhye encouraged the candidates with verses from the Bible's Book of Joshua, Chapter 1, presenting it as the key to victory.

He urged them to be strong and courageous, assuring them that their dedication, coupled with God's presence, will lead to success.

“When you step into the examination room, the challenges will part like the River Jordan before the Israelites. The walls of Jericho will fall, and you will pass with flying colours,” he said.

Naimanhye further took a reflective look at the school's journey, recalling a time when the student population was small, with only 300 students.

He thanked former and current members of the board of governors (BOG) and the PTA for their sacrifices and dedication, especially when the school faced challenges. The Bishop passionately advocated for the school, noting that Busoga College Mwiri (BCM), once a fountain of education in Busoga, is now back to glory.

The Bishop also praised headmaster Peter Sibukule for what he called his transformative leadership, noting that the school has changed, and assured guests that it is going to be even better.

He acknowledged the resilience of parents who continued supporting the school during challenging times, and encouraged others to enrol their children, emphasising the school’s historical significance as a fountain of education in Busoga.

A legacy of leadership, character and faith

Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA) chairperson Stephen Wakasenza delivered a moving tribute, noting that under the Bishop's leadership, the school experienced significant growth in numbers, character and faith. 

"You have been the Bishop of Busoga College Mwiri," Wakasenza said, emphasising that it's a legacy of leadership, faith, and service.

To the candidates, Wakasenza emphasised the importance of discipline, faith, and humility.

“Study with determination but pray with faith. Write with clarity but trust in God’s guidance. Compete with integrity and succeed with humility,” he advised.

He called on the Bishop to bless the candidates, asking that they be clothed not only in knowledge but in the armour of God as they face their examinations.

Wakasenza also expressed gratitude to the teachers and parents for their unwavering support and urged the school community to continue uplifting the candidates beyond the ceremony.

Headmaster’s Gratitude and Vision

Sibukule appreciated Naimanhye’s spiritual and practical support, which has been instrumental in the school’s progress.

Sibukule highlighted the record-high number of candidates this year and expressed confidence in their ability to excel.

He revealed that 181 Senior Four candidates and 113 Senior Six candidates are set to sit for their final national exams.  

MOBA President’s Call for Support

Mwiri Old Boys Association president Daniel Mushabe Kakaire thanked Naimanhye for consistently making time for the school despite his busy schedule overseeing numerous institutions in the diocese.

Mushabe emphasised the importance of discipline and academics, urging students to deliver results to justify the efforts of the school community.

He highlighted MOBA’s initiative to fund a new school gate, a gift to enhance the school’s infrastructure, and called for contributions of one million shillings or more to complete the project by November 1, 2025.

Candidates demonstrated high aspirations and vowed to excel and read history.