COU-founded education institution administrators tipped on succession planning
Muzoora says it is important to identify and nurture talented team members to ensure smooth administrative transitions and continuity in school leadership.
Education ministry secondary school education commissioner Juliet Muzoora addressing the COU education institution administrators during the COU Heads of Education Institutions Association (COUHEIA) annual retreat at the Uganda Christian University, Mukono. (Photos by Victoria Nampala Bugembe)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Education ministry secondary school education commissioner Juliet Muzoora has urged Church of Uganda (COU) education institution administrators to prioritise succession planning by mentoring potential future leaders.
Muzoora says it is important to identify and nurture talented team members to ensure smooth administrative transitions and continuity in school leadership.
She made the call during the COU Heads of Education Institutions Association (COUHEIA) annual retreat at the Uganda Christian University, Mukono.
Muzoora encouraged the headteachers to deliberately support emerging leaders by guiding them to pursue further education, attend workshops and seek counselling without subjecting them to public scrutiny.
Vigilance needed
She also highlighted the need for vigilance in schools, cautioning administrators to oversee what is sold in canteens and monitor the proliferation of gadgets that could promote sexual immorality among students.
COU Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu closed the two-day conference with a call for prudence and collaboration.
COU Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu making his remarks.
He urged Headteachers to contribute to the endowment fund and to actively prepare for retirement while still serving.
He also stressed the importance of feeding students at school, stating, “In places where I visit and find that children are not fed, I don't ask about first grades because they are not there. Feeding students is essential for their academic success and overall well-being.”
The archbishop expressed concern about the rising number of ghost employees on the Government payroll and the creation of fictitious students to obtain capitation grants.
Kaziimba also launched the Biblical Perspectives on Leadership book, which features scholarly contributions from Bishop Prof. Alfred Olwa, Canon Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, the Rev. Canon Dr Paul Kakooza and Rev. Silas Ssebugenyi, among others.
South Ankole Diocese bishop and chairperson of the Provincial Board of Education Nathan Ahimbisibwe challenged headteachers to practice integrity in managing school resources.
In his presentation on "Leading under Crisis and Stress," he advised leaders to avoid situations that compromise their mental health, warning that unresolved stress often affects their families and teams.
UCU deputy vice-chancellor David Mugawe announced a new short course in administrative law designed to equip school leaders with essential management skills.
Morning devotion, led by Bishop Godfrey Loum of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, revolved around the theme, “Conformity to God’s Truth Amidst Worldly Patterns,” urging participants to remain steadfast in their faith.
The retreat which ended last week, included insightful discussions on key topics such as digital leadership, school improvement strategies for universal and non-Universal Secondary Schools, and primary schools.
Church of Uganda Heads of Education Institutions Association members during the retreat.
Presenters such as Dr Paul Muyinda Birevu, Ruth Mande, Canon John Fred Kazibwe, and Elizabeth Namwanje contributed to the sessions, with a keynote address delivered by Bishop Prof. Alfred Olwa.
The event was well-attended, with over 430 delegates, including Headteachers, Diocesan Education Coordinators, and Diocesan Inspectors of Schools. Mr. Nantagya Grace Ssebanakitta, Chairperson of COUHEIA, described the retreat as a valuable platform for networking and professional growth.