By Mathias Mazinga

The Bishop Emeritus of Lugazi Catholic Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathias Ssekamaanya has asked teachers, parents and school boards of governors to turn annual feast days of their schools into platforms of constructive dialogue for the holistic development of their institutions.

“Today school days are known to be occasions for parents to visit their children and serve them home-made food. But this must not be the essence,” he said.

“School feast days should be an opportunity for teachers, parents and members of the board of governors of the respective schools to sit together and compare notes on the progress of their school.

“Issues like the problems of the students, the school’s academic progress and infrastructure improvement should be squarely discussed,” Ssekamaanya emphasized.

He was presiding over the 15th anniversary celebrations of Kisubi Mapeera Secondary School at the school’s campus off Entebbe Road (in Wakiso district).

Teachers of the school were also advised to be role models for their students.

“You must be cultured teachers, who know what you teach and also live by it.”
 

Students present offertory during mass. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Ssekamaanya later advised the students to shun sexual immorality and also to avoid visiting witchdoctors for undue desires – a practice that would expose them to rape and consequential contraction of HIV/AIDS.

The institution’s head teacher, Joseph Ddamulira, announced that the school’s board of governors had started a bursary scheme for needy and challenged students.

He also introduced Simon Peter Kalega, a Senior Five (S.5) student, who had championed a students’ association for helping needy students.

Ddamulira further introduced Joviah Nanvuma, also of the same class, as an all-round student, who won herself a school bursary on account of her excellence in academics and co-curricular activities.

The best teacher, Macrine Namugga, was also recognised.

The students later entertained the guests with traditional and creative dances. The function was graced by the founding patron of the school, the Rev. Fr. Vincent Mulumba.

 

A cross-section of student who received the third of the three sacraments of initiation, the Sacrament of Holy Communion. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)
 

 

 

Bishop Ssekamaanya speaks as Fr. Vincent Kalumba (left) and Joseph Ddamlira (the headteacher) look on. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

 

 

Students perform a musical about street children. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

 

 

The Ekitagurruro dance was also part of the entertainment menu. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

 

 

Student scouts on duty. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)