By KT Reporter
Boniface Ssentongo, the chairperson of the Kasana-Luwero Diocesan Education Inspectorate Authority (DEIA), has been relieved of his duties. Originally established as the Diocesan Inspectorate Authority (DIA) in 2012, the organization was re-launched on February 23, 2021, by the then Bishop of Kasana-Luwero Diocese, Paul Ssemogerere, adopting its current name, DEIA.
The re-launch took place in the boardroom of the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Center (PJPIIPC). The DEIA was formed under Article 32 of the Revised Edition of the Diocesan Education Policy of 2020, with a three-year term that can be renewed. The bishop, who is now the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, appointed a team of eleven experienced educators and professionals to conduct regular inspections of all educational institutions within the diocese.
Kasana-Luwero Diocese oversees 185 educational institutions, including nursery, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, as well as St. Kizito Minor Seminary in Nandere. The primary responsibility of DEIA is to ensure that all diocesan-founded schools achieve the highest possible educational standards.
Boniface Ssentongo, a retired secondary school head teacher and former member of the Luwero District Local Government Public Accounts Committee (PAC), was appointed chairperson of this eleven-member inspectorate authority in 2021. During the launch, Bishop Ssemogerere urged the appointed members to work towards improving academic standards and enhancing the Catholic identity in all schools.
He emphasized that prayers in schools should be conducted by learners with their teachers, regardless of their denomination, under Catholic norms. Upon his appointment, Ssentongo welcomed the role and assured the bishop of improved academic performance and foundation fee collection. However, after serving for four years, he has now been relieved of his duties.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Ssekalegga, the Kasana-Luwero Diocesan Education Secretary, confirmed this development to Uganda Radio Network (URN) and stated that they are currently seeking a replacement.
In an interview with URN, Ssentongo emphasized the need for his successor to address the resistance to change exhibited by some school heads, which he identified as a significant challenge during his tenure. He noted that many institutional leaders remain reluctant to adapt to new technologies.
Additionally, Ssentongo highlighted a pressing issue identified during his inspections: many parents in the Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola districts, which make up the diocese, are still hesitant to adequately support their children’s education. He pointed out that numerous parents fail to provide essential scholastic materials and often do not supply lunch when requested.
Despite these challenges, Ssentongo proudly reported a substantial increase in the collection of foundation fees, which rose from twenty-four million shillings (sh24m) in 2021 to two hundred twenty-three million shillings (sh223m) by the end of 2024-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
