Over 5,000 teachers, educational administrators and support staff from primary/secondary schools and institutions of higher learning affiliated with the Metropolitan Archdiocese Kampala on Saturday (July 27, 2024) converged at Kisubi Seminary Beach (in Wakiso district) for the grand celebration of their fraternal organization, the Association of Education Institutions and Teachers in Kampala Archdiocese (ACEITEKA).

The function started with a thanksgiving mass presided over by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a mitre) congratulating Joseph Ssekitooleko, one of the recipients of the ACEITEKA meritorious award. This was during the celebration of the 30th anniversary of ECEITEKA at Kisubi Seminary Beach (Entebbe Road), in Wakiso district) on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Looking in is Fr Henry Kasasa (left) and Fr Dr Nicholas Kiruma (third-left).

He urged members of the association to do their ministry of teaching young people with dedication, solidarity and exemplary behavior. 

Quoting Pope Paul VI (now a saint), Ssemogerere put it to the teachers to know that the “learners are more willing to listen to teachers who are witnesses” and not those who just pay lip service to the things they teach.

Teachers carrying offertory during mass.

“Dear members of ACEITEKA, today as you celebrate 30 years of this great association, let us recommit ourselves to the mission of the Catholic Church. Let our teaching ministry reflect our commitment to the promotion of human dignity, social justice and the common good. Teachers, administrators, parents, and government officials, please shape the minds of our young students to live out the Gospel values in their lives. Exercise shared leadership; share responsibilities. Endeavour to empower each other,” Ssemogerere said.

The reigning Chairman of ACEITEKA, Fr Dr Henry Kasasa asked members of the association to keep their unity, solidarity and identity.

He thanked the government (through the ministry of education) for giving the association goodwill and support.

The Diocesan Education Secretary, Fr Dr Nicholas Kiruma called for greater collaboration among members of the association.

During the function, 4 outstanding Catholic educationists were given the meritorious award of ACEITEKA in recognition/appreciation of their outstanding contribution to Catholic education and the association.

They include Patrick Lutakome Ddumba, Maria Nakyeyune (a long-serving licensed teacher), Joseph Ssekitooleko and Cyrus Musisi.