MUGABE R
Mr. Ponsiano Ngabirano, proprietor of Capital Shoppers Supermarket in Kampala, has urged parents from disadvantaged backgrounds to reconsider prioritizing university degrees for their children, instead advocating for diplomas and certificates as viable alternatives.
He made this statement on October 13, 2024, while officiating at the Saint Gerald’s Day commemoration, visiting day, and Thanksgiving mass at St. Gerald’s Secondary School Nyakibale in Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
St. Gerald’s Secondary School has instituted an annual commemoration of their patron, Saint Gerald, with the Board of Governors and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) using the day to give thanks and raise funds for rehabilitating the school’s infrastructure to create a more resilient learning environment.
Mr. Ngabirano emphasized the importance of student discipline for future success and encouraged disadvantaged parents to consider enrolling their children in diploma and certificate programs, which are more affordable and provide opportunities for further education. He noted that many parents experience financial strain and lose valuable assets while striving for degrees, whereas diplomas and certificates have a ready job market.
Rev. Fr. John Vianny Sunday, the Vicar General of Kabale Diocese, who presided over the mass, urged the public to put God first in their activities for long-lasting success. He also advised students to avoid immorality and drug abuse, which can ruin their future, and encouraged parents to enroll their children at St. Gerald’s Secondary School, applauding the Bishop’s efforts in transforming the institution into a reputable center of education.
Hon. Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa, Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality, praised Kabale Diocese for establishing high-quality educational institutions that have put Rukungiri District on the map. He urged the school’s head teacher to petition the Ministry of Education and Sports for more teachers and promised to follow up on the matter after hearing the head teacher’s concerns about staff shortages.
Rev. Fr. Balthazar Ndyomugabe, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, commended the parents and alumni for their unwavering support. He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to increasing the school’s enrollment to over 1,000 students, as it was in the 1990s while honoring the Church’s original vision of producing high-quality graduates for public service.
Ms. Ingrid Turinawe Kamateneki, a Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) activist, praised the initiative to restore the school’s former glory and encouraged students to respect their teachers and work hard for their future success.
Paul Tricenga, Chairperson of the Alumni Association, delivered a contribution of over 11 million shillings from the alumni and assured the school community of their continued support in reviving the institution and ensuring its future success.
Cleophas Agaba, the school’s head teacher, expressed gratitude for the support from the management and alumni, promising to put the funds raised to good use for the betterment of the school.
Albert Amusherura, the head prefect, thanked the administration for their care and support, expressing optimism for good academic results due to the students’ satisfaction with the school’s efforts.
The thanksgiving ceremony raised a total of 43,790,800 UGX.
