West Buganda bishop says govt sidelining religious education

The Bishop of West Buganda Diocese, the Rev Henry Katumba Tamale, has criticised the Ministry of Education for "neglecting" religious education in the national curriculum.

The bishop’s comments came during his tour of all institutions in the West Buganda Diocese in anticipation of his retirement.

Bishop Katumba began his visit to the Ndegeya Core PTC with a Mass on Saturday attended by educators and local dignitaries.

During his speech, he passionately argued that the exclusion of religious subjects from the curriculum has resulted in schools producing children "who have no religion in their hearts."

“When our leaders swearing in after winning their positions they hold a Quran or a Bible and even in courts of law we hold the holy books to make people believe in what you are going to say but it hurts when Christian Religious Education (CRE) and Islamic Religious Education (IRE) are not considered in the curriculum," he said.

"Who is bewitching us?” Bishop Katumba added rhetorically.

He appealed to the Education ministry of officials to consider religious education and making sure that all pupil/students benefit.

“God is one and should be glorified,” the bishop declared.

“It is imperative that religion is embedded in our schools to benefit all children, including those who are blind and deaf. You must bring brail to schools and the bible society of Uganda translated the Holy Bible in all languages so that everyone can read and understand the word of the Almighty God.”

In a call to action, the bishop urged teachers to serve as role models, emphasising the importance of cleanliness, proper dress, and dedication to their work despite challenges.

He also encouraged schools to foster children's talents, ensuring a holistic development.

Canon Julia Katumba Tamale echoed the bishop’s sentiments, advising teaching diploma candidates to remain focused and not be distracted by worldly pleasures.

Ndegeya Core PTC Board chairman Jamir Miwanda also addressed the gathering, emphasising the need for continuous professional development among teachers.

“The teaching profession is declining day by day in this country me I was a phase two hold and it was phased out and phase three considered and it is also now phased out, urging students to always seek to upgrade their education so that they don't affected by changes,” he said.

The event marked Bishop Katumba’s eighth anniversary in the West Buganda diocese, a position he has held since August 28, 2016, following the death of former Bishop Godfrey Makumbi.

In recognition of his service, Bishop Katumba inaugurated an ICT training centre and a guest hostel at Ndegeya Core PTC.

Bishop Katumba is scheduled to retire in March 2025. His tenure has been marked by significant contributions to the diocese, including his advocacy for religious education and the development of educational infrastructure.