Rev. Ssemuddu dedicates 1,060 candidates ahead of UNEB exams at Kitebi SS

On 7th October 2026, Kitebi Secondary School held a dedication ceremony for 1,060 candidates ahead of the 2026 Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) examinations, bringing together religious leaders, school management, members of the Board of Governors, teachers, parents and learners to pray for the candidates’ success.

The ceremony was marked by prayers, messages of encouragement, thanksgiving, student performances and an awards ceremony recognising outstanding staff and student leaders for their contributions to the school community.

The dedication provided an opportunity for the candidates to reflect on their academic journey, appreciate those who have supported them and seek God’s guidance as they prepare to account for the years they have spent in school.

The event also highlighted the importance of faith, discipline, hard work, determination and responsible decision-making in preparing learners for examinations and life beyond school.

Rev. Ssemuddu urges candidates to remain focused

In his message to the candidates, Rev. Father Francis Ssemuddu the Parish Priest of St. Gyaviira Catholic Parish Church found in Bunamwaya Rubaga Division urged them to thank God for bringing them through the different stages of their education, from nursery and primary school to secondary education and the final examinations.

He observed that reaching the candidate stage was an achievement worth appreciating, noting that the learners had spent years acquiring knowledge and preparing for the examinations through which they would be assessed.

Having learnt and prepared over the years, Rev. Ssemuddu told the candidates that the time had come for them to account for their academic journey. He encouraged them to approach their examinations with confidence, trusting in God’s guidance rather than allowing fear and anxiety to overwhelm them.

He expressed hope that the prayers offered during the dedication would help the candidates remain calm, overcome fear and approach their examinations with the confidence needed to perform well.

Rev. Ssemuddu also commended the teachers for their work in preparing the learners and appreciated the school administration, led by Adv. Haj Kamulegeya Muhammed, for providing an environment in which teaching and learning could take place.

On behalf of the candidates, he recognised the sacrifices made by parents, who work hard to keep their children in school and provide for their educational needs.

He urged learners to appreciate what their parents provide and remain mindful of the sacrifices made to support their education.

The priest further encouraged the candidates to remember the good things God had done for them and to concentrate on their studies instead of engaging in activities that could distract them from their goals.

Warning them against choices that could put their lives and futures at risk, he said: “You are still young so please do not hurry to die, anything that you see can disorganise your life, avoid it.”

He reminded the candidates that education should enable them to acquire knowledge, apply it in practical situations and eventually improve their lives. He encouraged them to identify and pursue the areas of study that could help them build a better future.

Rev. Ssemuddu explained that the purpose of the dedication was not only to give thanks for what God had done but also to seek further blessings as the candidates prepared for their examinations.

Adv. Haj. Kamulegeya calls for gratitude 

In his address, Adv. Haj Kamulegeya Muhammed, the Team Leader and Head Teacher of Kitebi SS, welcomed the religious leaders, parents and other guests who had gathered to dedicate the candidates.

He expressed gratitude to Rev. Ssemuddu for leading the Catholic Mass and participating in the spiritual preparations for the examinations.

Haj Kamulegeya noted that he would mark seven years of service at Kitebi SS on October 16, having joined the school in 2019. He said the message of gratitude to God delivered during the service resonated with the purpose of the gathering.

He explained that God-fearing was among the school’s core values and that the dedication ceremony was an opportunity for the school community to reaffirm its faith and seek divine guidance.

Haj Kamulegeya said the school respected the different religious beliefs of its learners and provided opportunities for them to practise their faith in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

He explained that the school management rotates leadership of the annual dedication ceremony among the Anglican, Catholic and Muslim communities to ensure that the different faiths are represented.

He added that the programme provides time for the different religious communities to conduct their prayers before the wider school community comes together for the common purpose of dedicating the candidates.

The Head Teacher said preparing learners for their final examinations came with considerable responsibility, requiring the combined efforts of teachers, parents, school leaders and the learners themselves.

He said the dedication was an opportunity for the school community to come together in prayer and seek success for the candidates as they prepared to sit their examinations.

Haj Kamulegeya also thanked the members of the Board of Governors for their continued support, noting that the school’s progress had been supported by the decisions they make. He appreciated the senior management team for translating those decisions into action and ensuring the smooth running of the institution.

He commended Mr Regan Lutaaya for successfully registering all 1,060 candidates for the forthcoming examinations and thanked parents for entrusting the school with their children.

School dropout concerns

Haj Kamulegeya also drew attention to the challenge of school dropout, using the changes in student numbers across different classes to illustrate the concern.

He said that when he admitted 1,030 students, the number of learners who eventually reached Senior Four and were preparing for their examinations stood at 740.

He further noted that the school had enrolled 1,000 learners in Senior One, while the number in Senior Six had reduced to 320.

He said these figures raised questions about learner retention and the factors that prevent students from completing their education, a concern that extends beyond the school to the wider country.

The figures cited by the Head Teacher highlighted the need for continued attention to keeping learners in school and supporting them to complete their education.

Haj Kamulegeya also commended the candidates for maintaining discipline in a school with a large student population. He said Kitebi SS had built a reputation for discipline through the collective efforts of learners, teachers and school management.

He praised the teachers for preparing the candidates academically and contributing to the school’s development. He also recognised the student leaders, led by the school Prime Minister, for supporting school leadership and helping maintain order among the learners.

The Head Teacher reminded the candidates that education provides the foundation for acquiring the knowledge and qualifications needed to pursue employment, understand their rights and responsibilities, and contribute to society.

He emphasised that the ability to read, write, stand up for justice and equality, and pursue opportunities begins with access to education and the willingness to make use of it.

Recognition of collective contribution

The Chairperson of the Board of Governors. Ps. DR. Christian Alidekki welcomed Rev. Father Francis Ssemuddu to Kitebi SS and commended the school’s continued development.

The chairperson also introduced members of the board who attended the ceremony, acknowledging their contribution to the institution through their support, advocacy and participation in decisions aimed at moving the school forward.

The chairperson thanked the members for accepting the invitation to attend the important occasion and participate in dedicating the candidates ahead of their examinations.

The remarks highlighted the role of the Board of Governors in supporting school management and contributing to the institution’s development.

Dr Nsubuga calls for determination, hard work and prayer

Dr Nsubuga, the Chairperson of the Academic Committee, reminded the candidates that despite their intelligence, preparation and hard work, they should recognise the importance of seeking God’s guidance.

He explained that the purpose of the dedication was to commit the candidates to their Creator, encouraging them to begin each examination day with prayer so that they could approach their papers without unnecessary fear, anxiety or disruption.

Dr Nsubuga said academic excellence required determination, hard work and prayer, with prayer encompassing discipline and other important values that influence a learner’s conduct and performance.

He expressed confidence that the candidates had demonstrated determination and worked hard in preparation for their examinations, urging them to maintain their commitment.

“Be confident, and with the prayers you have got, success is yours,” he told the candidates.

Drawing on his experience as one of the architects of the new curriculum, Dr Nsubuga reminded learners that education goes beyond memorising information to understanding concepts and applying knowledge to practical situations.

He encouraged the candidates to keep three key principles in mind as they sat their examinations: understanding, reasoning and application.

He explained that these competencies were essential in demonstrating what learners had acquired through their education and how effectively they could apply it when answering examination questions.

Parents and teachers appreciated for supporting candidates

The dedication also provided an opportunity for representatives of the parents, teachers and candidates to share messages of encouragement and appreciation.

A representative of the parents commended the candidates for persevering through the challenges of school and resisting the temptation to drop out before completing their education.

The representative thanked the teachers for guiding, teaching and supporting the learners throughout their academic journey.

Haj Kamulegeya was also appreciated for his dedication to the school and for the fatherly role he plays in the lives of the learners entrusted to the institution.

The messages reinforced the importance of cooperation among parents, teachers and school management in ensuring that learners remain in school, receive the necessary guidance and prepare adequately for their examinations.

Students recognise teachers and school leadership

The candidates also used the occasion to appreciate the people whose efforts have contributed to their academic development.

Speaking on behalf of the Senior Six candidates, Ssebadeke Gideon and Sembogga Ronald reflected on the significance of the dedication day as an opportunity to give thanks, reflect on their journey and prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.

They thanked Haj Kamulegeya and their parents for their invaluable support, encouragement and guidance, noting that the corrections and advice they had received had contributed to the people they were becoming.

The students also presented the work of the Gauge Calliper Examination Board, a growing student-led academic initiative aimed at improving learning through research and peer support, particularly among science students.

They explained that the initiative seeks to help learners understand challenging subjects and improve their academic performance by creating opportunities for students to learn from one another.

The students said the initiative was being built from the ground up within the school environment and had been inspired by Haj Kamulegeya’s frequent encouragement to learners to use the resources available to them to start something meaningful.

As part of their appreciation, the students recognised teachers Muganga Alex and Grace Nyakato for their academic support and contribution to their learning.

They also awarded Haj Kamulegeya in recognition of his efforts to promote academic excellence, his commitment to the learners and the example he sets through his leadership.

The recognition reflected the students’ appreciation for the role played by teachers and school leaders in shaping their academic progress and personal development.

Staff and class representatives receive awards

The ceremony also featured an awards presentation organised by the Board of Governors to recognise outstanding members of staff in different categories.

The board further recognised class representatives, serving as class monitors for the candidate classes, for their contribution to student leadership and the organisation of their respective classes.

The representatives received gifts in appreciation of their service and support to the school community.

The awards formed part of the wider programme of recognising the efforts of individuals whose contributions help sustain the school’s academic, administrative and co-curricular activities.

Music and performances mark the occasion

The dedication ceremony was complemented by performances from the learners, including presentations by the Anglican choirs and other creative groups.

The performances added to the programme as the school community gathered to pray, give thanks and encourage the candidates ahead of their examinations.

The occasion concluded with the cutting of cakes for the different candidate classes, bringing together learners and members of the school community in a moment of celebration as the candidates prepared to begin their final examinations.

Through the prayers, messages and recognition of the people supporting their education, the dedication served as a reminder to the 1,060 candidates of the importance of faith, discipline, hard work and perseverance as they prepare for their next stage of life.