How the Brothers of Christian Instruction celebrated their centenary

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Business at St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) sports ground along Entebbe Road in Wakiso district was not as usual on September 5, as the vast field hosted the centenary celebrations of the ministry of the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Uganda, locally referred to as the 'Brothers of Kisubi'.

The Brothers, who specialise in Christian education of children and youth, had a day-long function, which was the climax of prior mini-celebrations that have been running for a year (since September 2025).

The Brothers of Christian Instruction in a march-past action during their centennial celebration.

It all started at the Mother House of the Brothers (Mount St. Teresa), where the Brothers and guests converged in the morning for the opening activities, which included the commissioning of the construction of the proposed house for the elderly Brothers, which was earmarked as the monument for the centennial celebrations.

The function was presided over by the Vice-President, Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Museveni. The other significant activity was the planting of memorial trees. The planters included Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala Archdiocese, the Superior General of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, Bro. Herve Zamor (from Rome), and Alupo.

After the monumental activities, the Brothers, Christians and priests, led by the brass ensemble from St. Edward’s Secondary School Bukuumi, walked in solemn procession to the sports field for the pontifical thanksgiving mass, which was led by Archbishop Ssemogerere, in company of Bishop Serverus Jjumba of Masaka diocese, Bishop Dominic Eibu of Kotido, Bishop Emeritus Mathias Ssekamaanya of Lugazi, among other priests.

The popular Cherubim Chamber Chorale, directed by the celebrated choral conductor Jude Luwaga, sang classical and native sacred songs with admirable expertise, attracting even greater participation of the congregants into the liturgy, which was laden with scenes of Christian liturgical Africanisation (inculturation).

Prince Dr. Kassim Nakibinge (left) shares a moment with the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga during the function.

The presence of cultural leaders such as Prince Dr. Kassim Nakibinge and the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, as well as Brothers of Christian Instruction from Rome, demonstrated the beauty of holistic education that emphasises Christian values (human solidarity, respect, empathy, responsibility, and mutual co-existence), which the Brothers have been championing since their advent.

The joyful mood of the massive congregation was elevated to even greater heights by the musical children of Mugwanya Preparatory School Kabojja, who recited an interesting poem, God Alone, which gave the stunning story of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, that is; the establishment of their religious Institute by the two French priests, Fr. Jean-Marie De la Mennais and Fr. Gabriel Deshayes, in 1819, their invitation (by the White Fathers), and, their subsequent arrival and dynamic educational ministry in Uganda.

The pupils also entertained the guests with a creative dance. The musical students from St. Edward’s Bukuumi were also at their best. Further to playing brass instruments with admirable expertise, they also performed songs and creative dances, all in praise and celebration of the silent, but dynamic presence and impactful ministry of the Brothers.

Other interesting highlights included the march-past by the Brothers of various cohorts, and the presentation of awards to those who have exhibited extraordinary commitment and support to the Brothers and their ministry during the past 100 years.

The awardees included the White Fathers, who invited the Brothers to Uganda, Kampala Archdiocese, the Kingdom of Buganda (whose kings and chiefs gave land to the Brothers), and the Government of Uganda. The cabaret entertainment by Afrigo Band also added colour to the function.

The Afrigo Band in action during the function.

“Dear Brothers, as we celebrate 100 years, we pray that humility continues to guide your ministry. Look to the future with confidence. The Uganda of today is different. We have a lot of challenges that our young people are facing, including poverty, unemployment, consumerism, individualism, promiscuity, broken families, temptations due to peer pressure, moral confusion, misuse of modern communication technology, including artificial intelligence, and the tendency to regard money and status as the measure of success. Even in such a situation, our educational institutions must remain spaces where young people encounter God, learn and appreciate the Christian values,” Ssemogerere said.

He went on; “To all of you who have been formed by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, please recognise the reputation they have built before you say or do anything. Look at your behaviour. Are you worthy of being proud of the Brothers? Do the words you utter build society? Do they portray a civilised society? As a product of the Brothers, remember you have a name to carry so that the people are proud of you.”

The Provincial Superior of the Brothers in Uganda (Province of St. Teresa of the Child of Jesus), Bro. Casio Aizire, thanked President Museveni and his government for creating a peaceful and conducive environment, which he said had enabled them to expand their services.

Aizire thanked the Kingdom of Buganda for its invaluable support towards the Brothers and their ministry. He said subsequent kings of Buganda, in particular King Muteesa I and King Mwanga II, and their chiefs such as Stanislaus Mugwanya, donated the land on which the Brothers put their educational institutions.

He spoke highly of the good relationship that exists between the Brothers and the kingdom, and prayed that it continues.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere hands over to Vice-President Jessica Alupo the accolade that the Brothers of Christian Instruction gave to President Yoweri Museveni.

The Superior General, Bro. Herve Zamor, encouraged the Brothers to remain steadfast and committed to their mission even in times of political upheavals and regional conflicts.

Katikkiro Mayiga acknowledged with greater admiration the dynamic presence and educational ministry of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, saying they were distinguished by their holistic education ministry.

According to Mayiga, the ministry of the Brothers of Christian Instruction is not limited to intellectual knowledge, but they also put into consideration the spiritual and moral development of their students.

Mayiga, an alumnus of the Brothers from St. Henry’s College Kitovu and St. Mary’s College Kisubi, said the Brothers had taught him values of discipline, integrity, respect, hardwood, patience, responsibility, and empathy.

The Cherubim Chamber Chorale leading the singing during the pontifical Mass for the centennial celebration of the Brothers of Christian Instruction at St. Mary's College Kisubi Sports Ground on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

The fruitful and globally impactful educational ministry of the Brothers also attracted the attention of Pope Leo XIV, who sent his Apostolic Blessing to the Brothers.

Presidential salutation

In his message that was delivered by Alupo, President Museveni hailed the Brothers of Christian Instruction for their vision of holistic education, saying it rhymed well with that of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.

Like the Brothers, Museveni said his government also believed in education as the foundation of a nation and thanked them for producing disciplined and morally upright citizens, who contribute to the country’s development.

The President further lauded the Brothers for their commitment to reginal cooperation and Pan-Africanism.  By admitting religious candidates and also working in other countries, such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan, Museveni said, the Brothers were advancing regional integration, which the NRM government has always emphasised.

The President encouraged the Brothers to support the Government’s mission of wealth creation, which is intended to empower people to become productive, as well as active participants in the money economy. He donated sh30m to the Brothers.

Earlier before mass, Alupo launched the construction of the proposed house for the elderly/infirm Brothers.

About the Brothers

The Brothers of Christian Instruction arrived in Uganda on August 4, 1926. They came from Canada at the invitation of the White Fathers, who wanted them to help provide quality Christian education, to take charge of the administration and teaching in Catholic schools, and, to train young people academically, morally and spiritually.

The first four Brothers to arrive were; Bro. Charles Jules Poitras, Bro. Joachim Leon, Bro Eugene Paquette, and Bro. Stanislaus Taileffer. On arrival, they took over administration of SMACK.

From there, they expanded their educational mission across Uganda. They now run over 28 educational institutions across Uganda. Recently, they also opened a mission in South Sudan.

The celebration ran under the theme: We remember, we celebrate, we believe.