MASINDI, October 5, 2025 — The Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese, the Rt Rev Vincent Kirabo, has urged parents in Masindi district to take greater responsibility in raising morally upright and responsible children, emphasising the critical role of parenting in shaping society.
Bishop Kirabo made the remarks recently while presiding over the Golden Jubilee celebrations of St Theresa Girls’ Secondary School, held under the theme: “Thanking God for 50 Years of Excelling in Nurturing and Giving Hope to the Girl Child.”
The celebrations, held at the school premises in Nyamigisa Cell, Masindi Municipality, drew former students, political leaders, religious and cultural figures, and well-wishers from across the region.
“I call upon all parents here to embrace their vital role in nurturing children who will contribute positively to society. This can only be achieved through responsible parenting,” Kirabo said. “Support the education of the girl child and make use of this school as a platform to empower your daughters.”
The bishop commended the founding members of the school for their vision in establishing a girls’ school grounded in Catholic values.
“St Theresa Girls’ Secondary School is a vital institution in our diocese. It plays a key role in promoting the education of the girl child in the region. Many women have passed through this school and are now contributing meaningfully to society,” he noted.
He also lauded the school administration for its continued commitment to holistic education, which he said has produced leaders and professionals who are now serving the nation.
Prime Minister Nabbanja stresses girl child education
In a message delivered on her behalf by Buruli County legislator Alef Ronald Akugizibwe, Prime Minister Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja reiterated the government’s commitment to improving girls’ education and school infrastructure.
“I urge all parents to prioritise the education of the girl child,” Nabbanja said. “In the NRM government, women are well-represented in leadership. Use this opportunity, work hard and support your daughters to succeed.”
She also pledged government support towards improving the school’s infrastructure and appealed to striking teachers to return to the classroom, assuring them of salary increments in the upcoming financial year.
“We are committed to increasing teachers’ salaries. I ask teachers currently on industrial action to resume teaching as negotiations with the Uganda National Teachers’ Union [UNATU] continue,” she added.
Infrastructure challenges
Founded in 1975 by Nyamigisa Catholic Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Albert Edward Baharagate, St Theresa Girls’ Secondary School is one of the top-performing girls’ schools in Masindi District. With a student population of over 600, the school is renowned for providing quality education and instilling strong moral values among girls in the Bunyoro Sub-region.
However, the school is currently struggling with inadequate infrastructure and staffing challenges.
According to the headteacher, Angella Baganizi, despite the school attaining government-aided status in 2000, it has yet to receive sufficient support.
“We lack adequate classrooms, dormitories, science laboratories, and a library. Out of our 630 students, only 60 are day scholars. We could easily have more than 1,000 learners if we had the facilities to accommodate them,” she said.
Baganizi also appealed to the government to post more teachers to the school, citing a strained wage bill due to the school employing additional staff using internally generated funds.
Community support and way forward
During the same function, guests contributed towards the construction of a new school building. The proposed facility will house a computer laboratory, a school chapel, and A-Level classrooms, among other essential amenities.
The Masindi Municipality Member of Parliament Joab Businge, reaffirmed the leaders’ commitment to lobbying for more support for the school.
“As your leaders, we shall continue to advocate for St Theresa until it receives all the necessary infrastructure and staffing to meet the growing demand,” he said.
As the school marks 50 years of service to the community, calls for improved support reflect the wider demand for investment in girls’ education, seen by many as essential to achieving long-term socio-economic development.
https://thecooperator.news/bishop-urges-christians-to-embrace-govt-programmes-to-combat-poverty/
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