The outgoing Bishop of West Buganda Diocese, the Right Rev. Henry Katumba Tamale, has urged teachers to adopt lives like those of priests, emphasising their moral and ethical responsibilities.
Speaking during his farewell service at Kako Senior Secondary School in Masaka City, Bishop Katumba likened teachers to priests, arguing that their profession is a sacred calling deserving of reverence.
He expressed concern over teachers who engage in behavior he deemed inappropriate for their role as mentors in church-founded schools.
“Some teachers drink, yet they teach Christian Religious Education (CRE); others smoke, and some female teachers even get pregnant despite working in mission schools,” he remarked.
In an effort to promote moral integrity, the bishop offered to conduct mass weddings for teachers who are cohabiting before his tenure ends.
He also encouraged students to consider careers in both the teaching and priesthood ministries, asserting that clergy should maintain higher moral and intellectual standards than their congregants.
He stressed the need to integrate faith into education, warning that without a strong moral foundation, schools risk producing what he called “clever devils.”
Bishop Katumba expressed gratitude to Kako Senior Secondary School’s headteacher, Mr. Kabonge, for his efforts in improving the school’s standards.
He acknowledged the school’s struggle to regain its former glory but noted that progress was being made.
The Old Students’ Association Chairperson also thanked the bishop for his support, promising to rally further contributions towards the school’s development.
He revealed that this year’s key project is the construction of a new main gate, describing it as a significant improvement.
Additionally, the chairperson commended the bishop for appointing a headteacher who is an alumnus of Kako, noting that former students had long desired this arrangement, which is common in other institutions.
Bishop Katumba’s farewell remarks underscored the role of faith and morality in education, leaving a lasting message on the responsibilities of teachers in shaping the next generation.
END
English 