By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
MPIGI
The Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja has cautioned against the rising tide of secularism, warning that efforts to appear modern and progressive at the expense of tradition pose a threat to society’s moral fabric.
“The dangerous temptation today is to secularise everything,” Archbishop Kasujja said. “We want everything to appear the same, modern and progressive, rather than being considered traditional. But virtue is found in the balance between tradition and modernity.”
“The youth are not problems to solve. They are lives to guide, with love, truth, & understanding,” Archbishop Kasujja added.
He was delivering a keynote address on Monday at Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), Nkozi campus in Mpigi District, during the official opening of the second Annual Training on Chaplaincy. The week-long course is designed to equip chaplains with essential skills to serve in academic and community settings.
Archbishop Kasujja underlined the importance of history and tradition as anchors for progress, warning that detachment from historical roots undermines development.
“History is very useful for our progress. If we break off from history, we shall not progress,” he said.
He lamented that many youth are abandoning the traditional Church for secular alternatives, leading to mental health struggles and loss of moral direction.
“Chaplains create a sense of hope during difficult moments; moments of crisis, doubt, discomfort and anxiety,” he added. “This course is critical to equip them with tools to work with the youth who are losing faith, morality, and even struggling economically.”
“The youth are not problems to solve. They are lives to guide, with love, truth, & understanding,” Archbishop Kasujja added.
The training has attracted over 70 chaplains from 19 Catholic dioceses across Uganda—up from 50 participants last year. The chaplains will be trained in handling contemporary social challenges including mental health, drug abuse, sexual violence, ICT, financial literacy, and resource mobilization.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Christopher Mukidi, UMU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, explained the motivation behind the course, noting that many priests enter chaplaincy roles without specialised training.
“Priests are trained in theology and pastoral work, but not specifically in chaplaincy,” he said. “This creates a gap when dealing with current issues like drug addiction in schools, mental health crises, or even financial literacy.”
He revealed that the university plans to formalise the training by registering it as a national certificate or diploma course with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
Former trainees spoke highly of the programme’s impact. Fr. Edward Muhumuza, Chaplain of Mountains of the Moon University in Fort Portal City, said it has equipped him with practical tools to address mental health and financial issues among youth.
“Many students are battling depression, relationship problems, and addiction. This training has given us a way to respond,” he said.
Fr. Bwambale, a chaplain in Kasese District, added that the training had enhanced his capacity in resource mobilization and managing school chaplaincy affairs.
As the demand for effective chaplaincy grows amid rising youth challenges, church and university leaders alike hope this programme will strengthen spiritual and moral support systems in Uganda’s educational institutions.
