Bishop Kagodo made the remarks during a pastoral visit to Naminya Church of Uganda Primary School and St Mark Naminya Secondary School in Naminya Parish, Kangulumira Archdeaconry.
He was accompanied by the Diocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Edward Musoke Seezi, and his assistant, Rev. Amos Namwanja, the Parish Priest of Kiwanga in Seeta Archdeaconry.
Addressing teachers, learners and parents, Bishop Kagodo praised educators for nurturing the spiritual lives of children through the teaching of Psalms and Hymns and encouraged them to strengthen Christian formation in schools.
“When children come to our Church schools, they should receive something unique that may not be found elsewhere. They should leave as God-fearing and responsible citizens whose lives are firmly rooted in Christian values,” he said.
The bishop also commended the administration, teachers and parents of Naminya Church of Uganda Primary School for their efforts in improving the institution and supporting learners through the provision of meals and school uniforms.
“The parents of Naminya have greatly impressed me. Few communities demonstrate such commitment to supporting their children's education without being compelled. I thank you for your dedication,” he said.
He cautioned parents against being misled by politicians who claim that government alone should meet all the needs of learners, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in education.
While praying for Primary Seven candidates, Bishop Kagodo urged them to remain focused on their studies and place God at the centre of their lives. He also presented each candidate with a Bible and encouraged them to cultivate a habit of daily Scripture reading.
At Naminya Church of Uganda Primary School, Headteacher Teddy Nandase reported notable progress, including increased enrolment and improvements in teacher professional development.
She, however, highlighted several challenges facing the school, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate desks and frequent trespassing due to the absence of a perimeter fence.
Addressing teachers, Rev. Edward Musoke Seezi encouraged them to pursue degree programmes, noting that evolving government education policies increasingly favour graduate teachers.
At St. Mark Naminya Secondary School, Headteacher Edward Ssekiziyivu outlined several achievements, including the installation of surveillance cameras to improve security, the acquisition of six sewing machines for vocational training and the restocking of the computer laboratory with 19 desktop computers following the theft of 20 computers in April.
He also cited challenges affecting the school, including the lack of a science laboratory and library, inadequate classroom space, insufficient staff accommodation, unreliable water supply and limited funding to meet growing operational demands.
In his sermon, Bishop Kagodo urged Christians to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and remain steadfast in their faith.
He reminded the congregation that God's grace and love had sustained both their lives and the schools, assuring them of His continued protection and guidance.
The bishop further encouraged learners to stay in school until they attain qualifications that will enable them to secure meaningful employment and contribute positively to society.
He noted that Church-founded schools continue to serve as a beacon of hope for many parents because of their commitment to providing both academic excellence and spiritual formation.
During a fundraising drive to support the construction of a science laboratory at St. Mark Naminya Secondary School, more than Shs10 million was raised in cash, while additional pledges of cement, iron sheets and other building materials were made.
Among the contributors was COUHEA Secondary, which donated Shs5 million. The contribution was presented to the headteacher by Edward Musisi Kidde on behalf of the association.