Nicholas A
Rev. Fr. John Baptist Turinomujuni, the Episcopal Vicar for Bushenyi Vicariate in Mbarara Archdiocese, has criticized the Ministry of Education for insufficient efforts in promoting religious education in Ugandan schools.
He voiced his concerns while delivering a sermon on behalf of the Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, the Bishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, during the Silver Jubilee celebration mass of St. Peter’s Kahengye Parents Secondary School in Kahengye village, Kyabashenyi parish, Bwongyera sub-county, Ntungamo district.
Fr. Turinomujuni highlighted that the government has marginalized religious studies by making them optional subjects, prioritizing science and other subjects, despite Uganda’s national motto being “For God and My Country.” He urged the government, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, to strengthen religious education to foster responsible and God-fearing citizens for the future. He emphasized that empowered religious studies can instill love for God, discipline, and overall success in life among learners.
Additionally, Fr. Turinomujuni officiated the renaming and blessing of the school, changing its name from Kahengye Parents Secondary School to St. Peter’s Kahengye Parents Secondary School.
Peter Atwongyere, the school’s proprietor, recounted that Kahengye Parents Secondary School was established in 1999 on the site of a dormant coffee factory. He noted the school’s significant role in educating youth across Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Kabale, Bushenyi, and other parts of Uganda, combating ignorance in the region.
Atwongyere also shared that the Silver Jubilee celebrations aimed to raise funds for purchasing a school bus to address transportation challenges faced by students. He mentioned efforts to expand the school to include Advanced Level education alongside its current Ordinary Level offerings.
Hunter James Byenjeru Tukahiirwa, a resident of Kyabashenyi, commended St. Peter’s Kahengye Parents Secondary School for its role in combating ignorance and socio-economic backwardness in the area. He highlighted the school’s support for local agriculture, providing a market for produce such as bananas, beans, maize, and milk.
The celebrations concluded with a total collection of UGX 26,730,600 in cash and pledges towards the school bus project.
