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Pictures: Raphael Magezi plants trees celebrating 10 years of St. Patricia Girls’ Vocational Secondary School in Muhito, Kitagata Town Council,
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Sheema
Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has praised the Catholic Church for its continued contribution to Uganda’s development, particularly in education, infrastructure, and community mobilisation for government programmes. In a speech delivered on her behalf by the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, Alupo said the Catholic Church has been instrumental in establishing schools and development projects, and in encouraging citizens to embrace initiatives such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model.
St Patricia GirlsVocational Secondary School headteacher Kabami Provia handing over VP portrait to Raphael Magyezi
She made the remarks during celebrations to mark 10 years of St. Patricia Girls’ Vocational Secondary School in Muhito, Kitagata Town Council, Sheema District. The school was launched by President Yoweri Museveni in 2014 as a flagship project for the centenary celebrations of the Catholic Centre in Muhito.
The school officially opened in 2015 and has since recorded rapid growth in infrastructure, electricity and water supply, secured a UNEB centre number, and registered a significant increase in enrolment.
As part of her support, the Vice President contributed Shs 10 million towards the school’s ongoing development projects.
Alupo noted that the commissioning of a new dormitory—constructed under the Catholic foundation and supported by President Museveni—reaffirms the President’s commitment to the Catholic community, education, and the welfare of the girl child.
Fr. Johnbosco Katuramu, the school management chairperson, and headmistress Provia Kabami highlighted several challenges the school still faces, including the absence of a computer laboratory and the lack of a perimeter fence, which exposes students to security risks. They appealed for government support to address these concerns.
In response, the Vice President—through the minister—pledged to follow up on the issues with the President, together with Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, to ensure they are handled as soon as possible.
Fr. Dido Nshekanimanya, the Mbarara Archdiocese Education Secretary who represented Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha, encouraged the community to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement. He advised families to focus on their responsibilities rather than dwelling on others’ shortcomings.
“Every family has its own challenges. Leave your home problems at home and concentrate on what builds the community,” he said.
Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, the NRM flag bearer for Sheema South, thanked the Vice President for honouring the school’s invitation. He urged students to prioritise academic excellence, emphasizing that education remains the greatest equaliser.
“Education is an equaliser. A person who is educated cannot be enslaved. I urge you to focus on quality education because quality education leads to a quality life,” he said.
Torch Media Africa
