The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt Rev Onesimus Asiimwe, has urged students of Makobore High School to seize available opportunities and use their time productively while still in school.
He made the remarks during a service held at the school on Tuesday, where he also preached at the inauguration and commissioning of new chapel equipment.
The equipment, which included jazz drums and accessories, an electric bass guitar and a bass bin, was donated by the Chairperson of the school’s Board of Governors, Richard Baabo Kamugisha.
Preaching from the biblical account of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1–10, Bishop Asiimwe described Zacchaeus as a wealthy tax collector who, despite his status, sought an encounter with Jesus Christ.
He said Zacchaeus overcame physical limitations and social barriers by climbing a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, noting that determination and positioning are key to transformation.
“Zacchaeus refused to allow obstacles to stop him from seeing Jesus. He positioned himself strategically because he desired an encounter with Christ,” he said.
The bishop reflected on the impact of sin, saying it degrades human dignity and pushes people away from their true purpose.
“Sin degrades, dehumanizes and destroys people. When a thief steals, they do not walk confidently with their heads high,” he said.
He reminded students that Jesus knows each person personally and called on them to live lives of integrity.
“You may not be known by influential people, but Jesus knows you personally,” he said.
Bishop Asiimwe urged learners to avoid negative influences, warning them against behaviours such as pornography, lust and other forms of immorality, which he said derail young people’s future.
He challenged students to “examine the trees they are climbing,” encouraging them to make choices that lead to discipline, focus and spiritual growth.
“Jesus is calling you by name to come down,” he said.
The bishop further emphasized that salvation transforms lives, citing Zacchaeus’ repentance and restitution after his encounter with Jesus.
“Salvation changes a person. When Christ enters your life, He gives you peace, contentment and a new direction,” he said.
He urged students to value time, saying opportunities lost during school years cannot be recovered.
“Seize the moment; you will never get that time again as a student. Time lost is never regained,” he said.
Addressing teachers, Bishop Asiimwe called for exemplary leadership and moral conduct, urging them to be role models to learners in both word and action.
“Students will always do what you do. In your words, be role models; in your actions, be role models,” he said.
He also cautioned on the power of words, saying they can either build or destroy, and encouraged teachers to use language that uplifts and guides learners positively.
“Words are potent. They can easily condemn. The tongue has the power of life and death,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the headteacher, Deputy Headteacher Administration Denis Mwesigwa pledged improved academic performance but highlighted challenges including water shortages, limited accommodation and a shortage of teachers on the government payroll.
Currently, only 28 teachers are on the government payroll, making salary management a significant challenge for the school.
