Kitebi SS joins Peace Walk to St. Gyaviira Catholic Parish

Kitebi Secondary School students and staff joined Christians from St. Gyavira Catholic Parish, Bunamwaya, and other well-wishers for a 2.5-kilometre Peace Walk which was aimed at promoting peace, justice and responsible living in communities.

The walk, held as part of the Catholic Church’s September peace initiative spearheaded by the Kampala Archdiocese, started at Kitebi Secondary School and ended at St Gavira Catholic Parish Church in Bunamwaya.

The initiative was organised through the parish’s Peace and Justice Club, headed by Savio Kakooza Ntesibe, Director of the Ombudsman Affairs Office at the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).

Before setting off, participants gathered at Kitebi SS for a warm-up session featuring music and physical exercises. They then proceeded to St Gavira Parish, accompanied by the UPDF band.

Speaking at the parish, Mr. Savio Kakooza Ntesibe thanked the different stakeholders for supporting the initiative, noting that the message of peace should go beyond the physical act of walking.

He encouraged participants to make peace part of their daily decisions and conduct, stressing that peace should begin with the individual before extending to families, schools, churches and the wider community.

“Peace is not the absence of war. It begins with individuals being at peace with themselves and avoiding actions that create conflict with others.” Mr Kakooza highlighted.

He also called on the public to take responsibility for protecting the environment, noting that environmental cleanliness contributes to the health and wellbeing of future generations. Referring to Matthew 5:9, he reminded the participants that those who promote peace are blessed, adding that their participation in the peace walk is itself a contribution to the promotion of peace.

Mr. Kakooza further commended Adv. Kamulegeya Muhammed, Headteacher and Team Leader of Kitebi Secondary School and Chief Walker of the day, for his continued support towards the parish and its initiatives. He recalled his contributions to previous campaigns, including the Ffena Tugabbe campaign and Yoyota Wotudde, where he contributed more than Shs6 million.

He also appreciated Adv. Kamulegeya for contributing Shs4 million towards the peace walk and sponsoring the public address system used during the activity. Kitebi Secondary School further supported the initiative through the participation of its students and staff, as well as providing an ambulance for the activity.

On the other hand, Rev. Francis Ssemuddu, Parish Priest of St. Gyaviira Catholic Parish Church, emphasised the importance of maintaining a clean environment by discouraging littering. He further called upon parents, the Government and other stakeholders to work towards ensuring access to good shelter, healthcare, education and essential road services, as these are key basics in promoting peace.

He also encouraged youth in the peace walk to become channels of peace through engaging in meaningful activities, including completing their education and contributing positively to their communities, rather than engaging in crime or rumors.

Message from the Chief Walker

Adv. Kamulegeya Muhammed (Hajj), Headteacher and Team Leader of Kitebi Secondary School and Chief Walker, said peace can be understood in three dimensions, including, having peace with God, peace within oneself (mind) and peace with others.

Addressing the press, he noted that peace begins with doing the right thing at the right time. He also called upon parents to promote peace within their homes, explaining that a peaceful home provides a positive environment for children and can help relieve stress that may affect their education and wellbeing.

Security as a form of peace

Mr. Frank Kyazze, the Resident District Commissioner of Entebbe and Catholic Church leader heading the Caritas Department, higlighted on the issue of security during the Peace walk.

He noted although security is often associated with security personnel, it is broader and begins with individuals taking responsibility for protecting themselves and those around them. Mr. Kyazze encouraged participants to remain vigilant about their surroundings, through protecting their property and being a watchdog in the communities they live, for any suspicious personnel.

He further explained that insecurity can take different forms, including sickness, poverty, irresponsibility and negligence, and urged people to take responsibility for their safety and wellbeing by remaining vigilant against the various forms of insecurity.

Addressing the learners, he urged them to remain focused on their education and avoid actions that could interfere with their future.

 

“There is a reason why you are in school, and it is to study,” he said, encouraging them to remain patient, avoid trouble, keep peace and concentrate on their purpose for being in school, because good things as always said, are in the future.

He also called upon the church for the organisation of special days aimed at creating awareness about initiatives that can improve people’s lives.

The peace walk brought together Christians from St. Gavira Parish, Kitebi Secondary School students and staff, well-wishers and different stakeholders.

Other institutions and partners that supported the initiative included the UPDF, Absa Bank, the Red Cross, the Ministry of Lands, Home Nurse, and St. Gavira Catholic Parish Church.

Kitebi SS students’ participation

More than 1,000 students from Kitebi Secondary School, particularly those in boarding, participated in the peace walk, demonstrating enthusiasm and strong interest in the initiative. Despite the students’ turn up in large numbers, they maintained a commendable level of discipline throughout the activity.

At St. Gyaviira Catholic Parish Church, where the participants gathered after the 2.5-kilometre walk, the students took part in a range of health, spiritual and educational activities organised by the different participating organisations.

The students accessed medical check-up services provided by Home Nurse, the Red Cross and Kitebi Secondary School through its ambulance and mobile clinic. The services included checks on body mass and height, blood pressure screening, massage for muscle and nerve-related discomfort, treatment of minor injuries, as well as provision of glucose and drinking water to help the students replenish their energy after the walk.

The Kitebi Secondary School choir also entertained the gathering with Catholic hymns, including “Amansi ne Mapeera.” The hymn was requested by Adv. Kamulegeya Muhammed (Hajj) in remembrance of his late mother, Ms. Nakyanzi, who was a staunch Catholic.

The students also benefited from financial services provided by Absa Bank, through which they were able to open bank accounts for saving. The initiative provided an opportunity for the learners to begin developing a culture of saving and financial responsibility, while gaining practical exposure to the importance of planning and managing their finances from an early age.

The activities at the parish therefore provided the students with an opportunity to participate in the peace initiative while also benefiting from services and engagements that promoted their health, spiritual wellbeing and financial awareness.