Chief Justice Flavian Zeija has urged students to embrace hard work, determination, and sacrifice, saying their conduct and choices today could shape their future careers. Zeija made the call on Sunday while presiding over a thanksgiving ceremony organised by the administration and alumni of St Mary’s College Rushoroza in Kabale District to celebrate his appointment as Chief Justice.
An alumnus of the school and a resident of Karama in Nyarushanje Sub-county, Rukungiri District, Zeija was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni in January 2026, succeeding Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who retired the same month. Before addressing the students, Zeija expressed concern about school dropout rates and shared his personal journey, recalling the hardships he endured to access education.
He said he travelled from his village to St Mary’s College Rushoroza along the then poor Nyarushanje-Kisiizi-Rushebeya-Butobere road, carrying his luggage on his head and walking from Kabale town to the school on Rushoroza Hill.
Drawing on his experience, Zeija said some students whose parents transported them to school in vehicles during his time had failed to realise their potential because they lacked determination, hard work and a willingness to sacrifice.
Zeija said he and other students from humble backgrounds had advanced in life through hard work, determination and sacrifice. He challenged the current generation to make the most of improved learning conditions and educational facilities, saying they had more opportunities and role models to inspire them than students had in the past.
Zeija also revealed that his conduct as a student at St Mary’s College Rushoroza had been investigated before his appointment as a judge. He said the experience should remind students that misconduct at school could have lasting consequences for their careers and future opportunities. According to Zeija, a criminal record during his school days could have jeopardised his chances of becoming a judge.
Pius Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Judiciary, urged parents to prioritise the moral upbringing of their children by instilling discipline, hard work and good values. He cautioned parents against focusing only on providing food, school fees and other material necessities while neglecting their children’s moral development.
Christopher Monday, the school’s headteacher, said St Mary’s College Rushoroza has an enrolment of 1,700 students and 90 staff members. He said the growing student population had created shortages of classrooms, accommodation and sanitation facilities. Monday added that the school was struggling to complete a multi-purpose dining hall estimated to cost Shs820 million.
Preaching at the ceremony, the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Bosco Bonaventure Katusiime Gubaziire, cautioned Christians against false prophets who mislead believers through false teachings and claims of performing miracles to deceive people and extort money from them.
Gubaziire also urged citizens and leaders to fulfil their responsibilities and emulate the exemplary conduct of the Virgin Mary, saying her humility and good character should inspire people to uphold moral values and strengthen their relationship with God.
The bishop cautioned parents against giving children everything they demand, saying this could breed a sense of entitlement and make them believe they must always get what they want. He urged parents to prepare their children for life’s realities by teaching them that life involves both easy and difficult experiences.
The thanksgiving ceremony raised Shs190 million towards completing the multi-purpose dining hall. Zeija contributed Shs10 million to the project, while Bigirimana also pledged Shs10 million-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
