Sacred Music and Catechism Festivals Suspended in Kasana–Luweero Diocesan Education Institutions following Ebola Outbreak

Monday, June 8, 2026

Sacred Music and Catechism Festivals Suspended in Kasana–Luweero Diocesan Education Institutions following Ebola Outbreak

By BERNARD BAKALU

Luweero

Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Ssekalegga, Kasana-Luweero Diocesan Education Secretary [DES].

Sacred Music and Catechism festivals that had been scheduled for 27 June 2026 in educational institutions under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana–Luweero have been officially suspended until next year following the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease.

The decision, communicated as part of the Diocese’s pastoral and safeguarding responsibility, reflects renewed health and safety measures aimed at protecting learners, teachers, clergy, and the wider school community across the diocese.

According to a circular dated 8 June 2026 issued by the Diocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Ssekalegga, and addressed to District Education Secretaries, school chaplains, principals, head teachers, and priests in charge of Catholic-founded institutions, the suspension is in line with national guidance on the management of co-curricular and school-based activities during the Ebola outbreak.

Fr. Ssekalegga notes that the directive aligns with Circular No. 3/2026 issued on 28 May 2026 by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, as well as the Standard Operating Procedures [SOPs] provided by the Ministry of Health.

It further reflects the pastoral guidance and prudential care of the Bishop of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, in safeguarding human life, which the Church upholds as sacred.

The circular indicates that all diocesan-level gatherings and Education Week activities planned for Term II 2026 have been reviewed in light of prevailing public health concerns.

Consequently, the Sacred Music and Catechism festivals have been postponed to next year.

At the same time, schools are encouraged to sustain internal, school-based activities that nurture the holistic formation of learners in faith and character.

These include reflections and talks on Christian values, discipline, integrity, responsibility, respect, and peacebuilding, all of which remain central to Catholic education.

The directive further emphasizes the continuation of pastoral and formative programmes such as career guidance and counselling, catechetical instruction, and community service initiatives. Particular attention is drawn to environmental stewardship activities, including tree planting and regular school sanitation exercises, as expressions of care for creation.

Fr. Ssekalegga also advises that sacred songs, especially set pieces prepared for the postponed festivals, should continue to be rehearsed and incorporated into internal Music, Dance and Drama (MDD) activities within schools, ensuring that the spiritual and artistic formation of learners is not interrupted.

In the same communication, copied to the Bishop, Vicar General, Chancellor, and Pastoral Coordinator of the Diocese, it is confirmed that the Primary Six Religious Education (P.6 R.E) assessments and KALUPSA mock examinations will proceed as scheduled.

School Day celebrations, however, are to be conducted in strict adherence to Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures, with particular emphasis on hygiene, physical distancing, and controlled participation, in keeping with the Church’s commitment to public safety and responsible stewardship.

The Diocese has also temporarily suspended inter-school exchange visits as a precautionary measure to reduce unnecessary movement and minimize potential exposure risks within school communities.

Special pastoral and health attention, according to the directive, is to be given to day scholars and commuting staff, who are to undergo continuous screening and monitoring.

Any suspected cases are to be promptly reported to the nearest health facility for proper assessment and care, in cooperation with relevant health authorities.

Kasana–Luweero Diocese, which oversees more than 150 educational institutions across the civic districts of Luweero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola, reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding life while sustaining the spiritual, academic, and moral formation of learners during this period.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Ssekalegga, Kasana-Luweero Diocesan Education Secretary [DES].

A scanned copy of the letter from Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Ssekalegga to education institutions in Kasana-Luweero Diocese.

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