UKONO — The Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Rt Rev Enos Kitto Kagodo, has described the revival of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade as a major milestone in raising disciplined, responsible and Christ-centred young people.
Bishop Kagodo made the remarks during the commissioning of the Mukono Diocese Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade at Nakanyonyi Senior Secondary School in Bukoba Archdeaconry, where he urged newly appointed officers to become positive influences in their schools, churches and communities.
He said the restoration of the Brigade reflects the Diocese’s commitment to nurturing young people grounded in Christian values and servant leadership.
"I am extremely happy because, during my tenure, I have witnessed this achievement," Bishop Kagodo said, commending the Diocesan Youth Department, Brigade coordinators, youth leaders and committees for their role in reviving the movement.
The bishop challenged Brigade members to live according to Christ’s teachings and become role models in society.
Quoting Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13, where believers are described as "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world", Bishop Kagodo encouraged the young people to use their abilities to positively transform those around them.
"You have the ability to be the salt and the light because God created that in you," he said.
He reminded learners that discipline should not only be demonstrated within school compounds but also in their communities, warning them against behaviour that could damage the reputation of their schools.
"It is outside the school where you must prove that you are truly disciplined and the smartest," he said.
Bishop Kagodo congratulated the newly commissioned officers, saying their appointment marked the beginning of greater responsibility and called on them to remain committed while preparing for future leadership roles.
He also commended headteachers of Church-founded schools across Mukono Diocese for their efforts in improving education standards, while acknowledging that government support remains insufficient to meet all institutional needs.
The bishop urged political leaders to avoid interfering in school management by discouraging parents from contributing towards meals, hiring additional teachers and supporting other programmes that improve learning conditions.
The commissioning ceremony saw four officers take the oath and receive commissions as Lieutenants, while 22 officers passed out as Warrant Officers.
More than 1,000 Brigade members were also commissioned as Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), marking one of the largest milestones in the revival of the movement within Mukono Diocese.
The chief guest, John Musoke, headteacher of Bishop’s Senior School Mukono, praised the Church for investing in the spiritual and moral development of young people through the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade.
He described the movement as an important platform for building discipline, leadership, patriotism, resilience, teamwork and Christian values.
Musoke urged members to lead by example, serve with humility and stand for truth and unity.
He also encouraged Christians to reject prejudice, embrace reconciliation and place Christ at the centre of relationships, saying lasting peace is built on justice, love, mutual respect and forgiveness.
As part of supporting youth development initiatives, Musoke announced that Bishop’s Senior School Mukono had contributed Shs2 million towards the Diocese’s Brass Band fundraising campaign.
The hosting headteacher, George Wateta, said the revived Brigade would play a key role in shaping learners into disciplined, responsible and Christ-centred citizens.
He commended Bishop Kagodo’s leadership and said the initiative would help learners develop leadership skills, strengthen their faith, embrace teamwork and uphold integrity.
"Today marks a significant milestone in the lives of our young people. The commissioning of this Brigade is a call to service, discipline, integrity, teamwork and making a positive difference in our communities," Wateta said.
During the ceremony, Bishop Kagodo handed over the Instrument of Authority, including the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade flag, to the new Mukono Diocese Field Officer, Lieutenant Joseph Kiwumulo Miiro, who takes over from Captain Athanasius Nyende.
Captain Nyende was recognised for his service and contribution to the growth of the Brigade.
The event concluded with Bishop Kagodo inspecting a parade mounted by Brigade contingents from various schools, marking the renewed commitment of Mukono Diocese to nurturing disciplined, faith-driven and service-oriented young leaders.
