The Chief Justice of Uganda, Dr Flavian Zeija, has challenged students to embrace discipline, hard work, and long-term focus as key pillars for success in life.
Speaking during a fundraising drive for a two-storeyed classroom block at St. Gertrude’s Girls Vocational Secondary School Mutolere in Kisoro District on Saturday, Dr. Zeija reflected on his personal journey, revealing that he once served as a head prefect and never imagined rising to the highest level of the judiciary.
He encouraged learners to understand that the future is shaped by deliberate choices, not chance.
Quoting a saying attributed to Aristotle, he reminded students that “the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet,” emphasizing that academic success requires sacrifice, persistence, and resilience.
“The future is not accidental; it is by design,” he said, urging students to prioritize their studies over short-term pleasures in order to achieve long-term goals.
Dr. Zeija also advised learners to remain ambitious but flexible, noting that while career dreams such as becoming doctors or engineers are important, students should be open to adjusting their paths based on their strengths and academic performance.
Reflecting on his upbringing, he shared how limited role models in his village initially shaped his ambitions, but life experiences later redirected his path.
He commended teachers, school leaders, and religious figures for their dedication to nurturing students, noting that guiding young learners requires patience, commitment, and sacrifice.
In recognition of academic excellence, the Chief Justice awarded Shs 500,000 to Queen Kusasira Sherry, who scored 20 points in MEG/ICT in the 2025 UACE examinations.
The Chief Guest, Dr Pius Bigirimana, the Judiciary Permanent Secretary, pledged to support Kusasira with Shs 1 million annually throughout her university studies. He described her as a shining example of what can be achieved through focus and hard work.
Dr. Bigirimana said the pledge is part of a broader initiative to uplift bright students, especially girls, by easing financial barriers and encouraging them to pursue higher education.
He also announced plans to establish a scholarship fund targeting top-performing students at different academic levels.
Under the initiative, outstanding students transitioning from Senior Four to Senior Five will receive Shs 500,000 annually, with continued support through Senior Six.
“We want to invest in the future by supporting those who have demonstrated commitment and potential,” he noted.
Kusasira, who plans to pursue studies in Statistics, expressed gratitude for the support, saying it will ease her academic journey and help her focus on achieving her dreams.
Delivering his homily, Rev. Fr. Christmas Austen, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral and Chairperson of the School Board, called on Christians to embrace generous and heartfelt giving as an act of gratitude to God and an investment in the future of both the Church and the nation.
He reminded the faithful that throughout history, believers have willingly supported the building of God’s temple, emphasizing that giving should be done joyfully and not reluctantly.
“This is our school,” he said. “It is already shaping children into responsible citizens. Like King David, we are called to offer what we have, whether little or much.”
Fr. Austen urged Christians to give sincerely rather than for recognition, noting that true generosity flows from the heart.
He illustrated this with a story of a man who promised to donate a chicken but later withheld it, highlighting how people often give what is convenient instead of making meaningful sacrifices.
He encouraged the congregation to give with love, sacrifice, and compassion, quoting Mother Teresa: “It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into the giving.”
He further described support towards the school as a long-term investment, emphasizing the role of Church-founded institutions in shaping not only academic excellence but also character, values, and faith.
“The children who pass through here are future leaders,” he said. “They will guide our communities, our Church, and our nation.”
The school headteacher, Sr. Flavia Ainembabazi, noted that the planned classroom block will ease congestion, improve the learning environment, and enhance academic performance.
A total of Shs 205 million was raised in both cash and pledges during the fundraising drive.
