Uganda Martyrs Lubaga marks centenary of Brothers of Christian Instruction

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This year, on September 5, the Catholic Church will celebrate 100 years of the presence in Uganda of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, a congregation specialising in the Christian education of children and young people.

The first French-Canadian Brothers, led by Bro. Charles-Jules Poitras arrived in August 1926. They were invited to Uganda by the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa), who, having been overwhelmed by pastoral work, sought their assistance in administration and teaching at the then newly relocated St Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK).

Today, the Brothers administer several schools, including St Savio Junior School Kisubi, Mugwanya Preparatory School Kabojja, Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga, St Henry’s College Kitovu, Bishop Comboni College Kambuga, St Edward’s SS Bukuumi, St Charles Lwanga SS Kasasa, and the University of Kisubi (UniK), among others.

All schools under the Brothers’ administration will hold centenary celebrations at their respective campuses ahead of the main celebration scheduled for September 5, 2026.

Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga, held its celebration at the school on June 6, 2026. The colourful function was presided over by the vicar-general of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kampala, Msgr Rogers Kabuye Mukasa, who paid tribute to the Brothers of Christian Instruction, locally known as the Brothers of Kisubi, for their deep commitment to holistic education.

The Vicar-General of Kampala archdiocese, Msgr. Rogers Kabuye delivers his homily during the mass for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Brothers of Christian Instruction at Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga on Saturday, June 6, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

He praised them for their exemplary Christian values and professional approach to education management, which he said has contributed significantly to the success of their teaching mission in Uganda.

“The Brothers of Christian Instruction believed in God who called them to come and sow the seed of education. During the 1920s, when they started their ministry in Uganda, life was hard. Coming here was like dying. But they left the comfort of the western world, came and sowed a seed of education. They trained priests, religious sisters, engineers, architects, lawyers, medics, politicians, administrators, bankers, social workers, and entrepreneurs. Go to any public office, the private sector, the business community, and you will not fail to find there a people taught by the Brothers,” Msgr Kabuye said.

Kabuye thanked the current Brothers of Christian Instruction for maintaining the legacy of quality education established by their pioneers and encouraged them to continue nurturing faith and educating young people through both teaching and example.

He urged students to take full advantage of the academic opportunities available at the school to improve their lives. He also advised them to avoid peer pressure and negative social media influence, and to emulate the faith, courage and moral character of the Uganda Martyrs.

Kabuye’s message was echoed by Bro. Gerald Mwebe, who encouraged students to uphold and defend religious conviction, integrity and values of the Uganda Martyrs, even in situations of great difficulty, conflict and despair.

“Strive for academic excellence. Always remember that talent without discipline is empty. Knowledge without character is also futile,” Mwebe said.

Catholic priests (wearing red chasubles) share a photo-moment with the Brothers of Christian Instruction. This was during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the arrival in Uganda of the Brothers of Christian Instruction at Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga on Saturday, June 6, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The headteacher of the school, Bro. Herman Tamale encouraged parents, students, alumni, associates of the Brothers of Christian Instruction and all well-wishers to contribute financially towards the construction of a proposed home for elderly and sick Brothers, which he said will serve as a key monument for the centenary celebrations in Uganda.

The Superior of the Brothers’ Province of St Teresa of the Child of Jesus (covering Uganda and South Sudan), Bro. Casio Aizire thanked all those who have supported the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Uganda over the past 100 years. He also invited them to attend the climax of the centenary celebrations, which he said will take place at Mount St Teresa Kisubi on September 5, 2026.

The celebrations, during which Msgr Kabuye also confirmed students into the Catholic faith, were held under the theme: We remember, we celebrate, we believe.