Teacher catechists in the Catholic founded primary and secondary schools in Kanungu District have had their one day seminar at Makiro Parish meant to retool and equip them for their apostolate. The event which took place on Monday, June 29, 2026 was facilitated by the Kabale Diocesan Education Office in collaboration with the Office of Liturgy and Catechesis and was commissioned by the Pastoral Coordinator, Fr. Fidel Ndagijimana.
Mr. Willy Turyahikahe, who leads the section of catechism in the Diocesan Education Department served as the main facilitator and explained that the refresher course was aimed at reaffirming the vital role teacher catechists play in transmitting the faith to young people in schools.
He emphasized that teacher catechists must ensure pupils receive adequate instruction, prepare candidates for the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation, and root their work in the Holy Bible. He urged catechists to be people of prayer, to share and listen openly to learners, to continually evaluate their performance, to foster community life in the classroom, and to prepare lessons thoroughly using instructional materials to reduce rote learning.
Mr. Turyahikahe also announced that identification cards and appointment letters are being prepared for teacher catechists so they can continue their ministry when transferred between schools. He encouraged teachers to pursue further studies to upgrade their academic qualifications.
Mr. Raymond Ariho, Organizing Secretary in the Office of Liturgy & Catechesis for Kabale Diocese, reminded catechists to lead by example by living sacramental lives and being a light to their pupils. He reviewed the required syllabus topics—daily prayer, the sacraments, the Creed, corporal and spiritual works of mercy, the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, the Books of the Bible, and the Rosary—and stressed the importance of preparing candidates for the proper reception of the sacraments. “We are commissioning you today as Christ commissioned the 72 to go and evangelize in our schools by our word and example,” he said.
Fr. Fidel Ndagijimana, the Pastoral Coordinator for Kabale Diocese observed that some schools have designated catechists who are not given time to teach. He asked head teachers to issue appointment letters and allocate time for catechists to prepare confirmation candidates. He also requested that Catholic-founded schools without catechists identify teachers to fulfill these duties.
Fr. Fidel encouraged promotion of the Pontifical Mission Societies—Holy Childhood for primary schools and St. Peter the Apostle for secondary schools. He explained that when pupils moves from Holy Childhood in primary to secondary school, they join the Society of St. Peter the Apostle (SPA), which supports formation for priesthood and religious life and is celebrated on Vocation Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Easter). The SPA helps youth discern vocations and supports the universal mission of the Church.
Participants on their part thanked the Education and Liturgy Departments of Kabale Diocese for retooling teacher catechists and requested access to more instructional materials and teaching tools. Mr. Gregory Mugarura, Chairperson of the Kanungu Catholic Primary Teachers Association, stressed that education is the Church’s enduring channel and urged teachers to support vulnerable children and collaborate for the improvement of their schools.
The seminar concluded with the election of the Executive Leadership for teacher catechists in Makiro Deanery (Kanungu District):
- Chairperson: Leviticus Owomugisha (Kambuga Parish)
- Vice Chairperson: Kyasimiire Immaculate (Nyamwegabira Parish)
- Secretary: Kugumisiriza Richard (Butogota Parish)
- Treasurer: Tushemereirwe Gertrude (Makiro Parish)
Committee Members:
- Twesigomwe Robert (Nyamirama Parish)
- Hakwasa Consolanta (Karambi Parish)
- Arinaitwe Alex (Rutenga Parish)
- Kembabazi Racheal (Sacred Heart Rushoroza Parish)
In his closing remarks, Fr. Fidel Ndagijimana thanked participants for their dedication and the Education Office for organizing the seminar. He urged catechists to be practicing Catholics who “walk the talk,” setting an example for the young people they serve, and recommended that the seminar become an annual opportunity for reflection and evaluation.
The program of retooling teacher catechists will cover all the seven Deaneries of Kabale Diocese (Makiro, Nyakibale, Kitanga, Bukinda, Rushoroza, Rubanda and Mutolere).