News
Archbishop urges SMACK students to embrace discipline, humility and service
Ssemogerere challenged the students to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he described as an example of extraordinary humility and obedience to God when she accepted to become the mother of Jesus Christ.
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (holding a crosier) shares a photo moment with the students he confirmed in the Catholic faith during the celebration of the feast day and 120th anniversary of St. Mary's College Kisubi on Monday, August 17, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
By: Mathias Mazinga, Journalist @New Vision
_________________
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has urged students of St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) and young people across the country to embrace a culture of discipline rooted in humility, service and reverence for God.
Ssemogerere challenged the students to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he described as an example of extraordinary humility and obedience to God when she accepted to become the mother of Jesus Christ.
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere delivers his homily during the thanksgiving Mass for SMACK's feast day and 120th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
“Mary reminds us that greatness does not come from ourselves but from God. There is nothing good, no property, that does not come from God unless it is stolen. Intellectual education is not enough. We also need to get a foundation of respecting and fearing God,” he said.
He warned the students that academic achievement without wisdom and good character was inadequate.
“You can be educated but lack wisdom. God is the source of true wisdom and greatness. Be courageous witnesses of Christ, just like the Uganda Martyrs. You must have the courage to do what is right even when others are not doing it, to say no to corruption even when the entire society is corrupt,” Ssemogerere said.
He also urged the students to reject drugs, bullying, tribal hatred, peer pressure and other social ills, and to carry their Christian values into their classrooms, dormitories, homes and future workplaces.
“Take Christianity to your classrooms, dormitories, homes and future workplaces. Humble yourself to be of service. Your success will not be measured by how many people fear you but by the number of people you helped,” he said.
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere rewarding one of SMACK's UACE star performers. On the right is the headteacher, Bro. Simeon Simon Mpanga. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
Ssemogerere further cautioned the students against influences that could draw them away from their faith.
“Fight the forces that pull you away from God. Some of those forces come through friends, social media, entertainment, the desire to be accepted, sexual pressure, and the temptation to make money at any cost. Listen to the voice of God, not the devil. Avoid violence, hatred and tribalism. Always remember that our final destination is in heaven,” he said.
Ssemogerere was delivering his homily during a Pontifical Mass held at SMACK’s main campus in Kisubi, Wakiso District, on Monday, August 17, 2026, as part of celebrations marking the school’s feast day and 120th anniversary.
He also paid tribute to the Brothers of Christian Instruction, who administer the school, for their professional management and commitment to the holistic education of young people.
Discipline a shared responsibility
The call for discipline came as SMACK continues efforts to restore what school leaders describe as its longstanding culture of discipline.
The issue of parental interference in disciplinary matters has featured prominently in recent school discussions, including the school’s 45th Annual PTA General Meeting held on July 26, 2026.
School leaders say some parents undermine discipline by protecting or pampering children who have violated school rules instead of working with teachers to correct their behaviour.
The issue resurfaced during the anniversary celebrations.
SMACK PTA Vice-Chairman, Dr Medard Bitekyerezo, urged students to build positive relationships with their peers and avoid bullying.
“Dear students, when you come to SMACK, please make and stay with friends. It is not a wise thing to beat your friend because you don’t know what he will become after ten years,” he said.
He used the example of a student who could one day become a national leader.
“Suppose you bully a person and he becomes President? Just imagine, if President Museveni was beaten, what would he be doing to those who beat him?” Bitekyerezo asked, drawing laughter from the audience.
He also reminded parents that relationships built at school can have a lasting impact on students' lives.
“Some of us have made some money not because of our qualifications but because of the friends we made at school. Dear fellow parents, please let us be united in guiding and supporting our young sons to become good citizens, worthy ambassadors of SMACK,” he said.
PTA Chairman Justice John Mike Musisi said character formation was a collective responsibility requiring cooperation among parents, teachers, administrators and students.
SMACK Board Chairman Prof. Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa said the challenge of undisciplined parents was not unique to the school but reflected a wider national problem.
“When the story went viral after being broken by the New Vision, I got many phone calls from various headteachers of schools across the country, thanking us for highlighting the challenge that they were also facing. We are in the limelight just because we came out boldly and showed determination to address the challenge,” he said.
SMACK Headteacher Bro. Simeon Simon Mpanga and Head Prefect Trevor Nambaale also called for collective action against indiscipline and other forms of misconduct.
“Dear parents, help us to nurture in our students the soft values. And let’s be humble to know that everybody is created in the image of God,” Mpanga said.
School leaders say some parents undermine discipline by protecting or pampering children who have violated school rules instead of working with teachers to correct their behaviour.
The issue resurfaced during the anniversary celebrations.
SMACK PTA Vice-Chairman, Dr Medard Bitekyerezo, urged students to build positive relationships with their peers and avoid bullying.
The Vice-Chairman of the PTA of SMACK, Dr Medard Bitekyerezo, delivers his remarks during the celebration of the school's feast day at the school on Entebbe Road, Wakiso District, on Monday, August 17, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
“Dear students, when you come to SMACK, please make and stay with friends. It is not a wise thing to beat your friend because you don’t know what he will become after ten years,” he said.
He used the example of a student who could one day become a national leader.
“Suppose you bully a person and he becomes President? Just imagine, if President Museveni was beaten, what would he be doing to those who beat him?” Bitekyerezo asked, drawing laughter from the audience.
He also reminded parents that relationships built at school can have a lasting impact on students' lives.
“Some of us have made some money not because of our qualifications but because of the friends we made at school. Dear fellow parents, please let us be united in guiding and supporting our young sons to become good citizens, worthy ambassadors of SMACK,” he said.
PTA Chairman Justice John Mike Musisi said character formation was a collective responsibility requiring cooperation among parents, teachers, administrators and students.
SMACK Board Chairman Prof. Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa said the challenge of undisciplined parents was not unique to the school but reflected a wider national problem.
“When the story went viral after being broken by the New Vision, I got many phone calls from various headteachers of schools across the country, thanking us for highlighting the challenge that they were also facing. We are in the limelight just because we came out boldly and showed determination to address the challenge,” he said.
SMACK Headteacher Bro. Simeon Simon Mpanga and Head Prefect Trevor Nambaale also called for collective action against indiscipline and other forms of misconduct.
“Dear parents, help us to nurture in our students the soft values. And let’s be humble to know that everybody is created in the image of God,” Mpanga said.
He added that the school would continue to uphold its core values.
“SMACK shall never compromise on its values: honesty, integrity and self-control,” he said.
The Assistant Provincial Superior of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, Bro. John Bosco Ssenkabirwa, congratulated the SMACK community on the 120th anniversary and urged stakeholders to continue working together to preserve the school's tradition of moral and academic excellence.
He also invited the public to attend the grand celebration of the centenary of the Brothers of Christian Instruction's educational ministry in Uganda, scheduled for September 5, 2026, at the SMACK main playground.
The celebration was attended by the Ministry of Education and Sports Commissioner for Secondary Education, Alfred Kyaka, and Commissioner for Guidance and Counselling, Enoch Gumisiriza. They commended SMACK for its professionalism and compliance and pledged the ministry’s continued support.
Humour at noon
The celebration was not without humour.
Dr Bitekyerezo lightened the occasion when he jokingly challenged Archbishop Ssemogerere over the exclusion of Anglicans from Catholic Holy Communion.
Bitekyerezo, an Anglican and a former student of the Catholic-founded St. Henry’s College Kitovu, told the Archbishop that his close relationships with Catholics and his work with the Catholic community should qualify him for Communion.
Referring to the Nicene Creed, he said:
“When we are reciting the Nicene Creed, we say, ‘I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.’ So, that means that we Anglicans are Catholics. That is why I say, you should consider us when it comes to Holy Communion. At least give us half of what is given to our Catholic brethren.”
His remarks drew laughter from the congregation.
Another light moment came during the recognition of students who excelled in the 2025 UACE examinations.
Justice Musisi noted that many of the outstanding students had been admitted to Makerere University and Mbarara University to pursue science-related courses, including engineering, medicine, architecture and statistics.
He jokingly appealed to the headteacher to ensure that law also continued to attract some of SMACK’s brightest students.
“At one time this school was known for producing legal gurus. Actually, at the Court of Appeal, three of us are alumni of SMACK. So, I request that something be done so that my side is also catered for,” Musisi said.
“SMACK shall never compromise on its values: honesty, integrity and self-control,” he said.
The Assistant Provincial Superior of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, Bro. John Bosco Ssenkabirwa, congratulated the SMACK community on the 120th anniversary and urged stakeholders to continue working together to preserve the school's tradition of moral and academic excellence.
He also invited the public to attend the grand celebration of the centenary of the Brothers of Christian Instruction's educational ministry in Uganda, scheduled for September 5, 2026, at the SMACK main playground.
The celebration was attended by the Ministry of Education and Sports Commissioner for Secondary Education, Alfred Kyaka, and Commissioner for Guidance and Counselling, Enoch Gumisiriza. They commended SMACK for its professionalism and compliance and pledged the ministry’s continued support.
Humour at noon
The celebration was not without humour.
Dr Bitekyerezo lightened the occasion when he jokingly challenged Archbishop Ssemogerere over the exclusion of Anglicans from Catholic Holy Communion.
Bitekyerezo, an Anglican and a former student of the Catholic-founded St. Henry’s College Kitovu, told the Archbishop that his close relationships with Catholics and his work with the Catholic community should qualify him for Communion.
Referring to the Nicene Creed, he said:
“When we are reciting the Nicene Creed, we say, ‘I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.’ So, that means that we Anglicans are Catholics. That is why I say, you should consider us when it comes to Holy Communion. At least give us half of what is given to our Catholic brethren.”
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere confirming the students of SMACK. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
His remarks drew laughter from the congregation.
Another light moment came during the recognition of students who excelled in the 2025 UACE examinations.
Justice Musisi noted that many of the outstanding students had been admitted to Makerere University and Mbarara University to pursue science-related courses, including engineering, medicine, architecture and statistics.
He jokingly appealed to the headteacher to ensure that law also continued to attract some of SMACK’s brightest students.
“At one time this school was known for producing legal gurus. Actually, at the Court of Appeal, three of us are alumni of SMACK. So, I request that something be done so that my side is also catered for,” Musisi said.