Nebbi Diocese Bishop tells teachers “sacrificial teaching is a call from God”

The Bishop of Nebbi Diocese Rt. Rev. Ozelle Awinjo Pons, has described sacrificial teaching as a divine calling from God.

He also urged parents in Northern Uganda to value the school fees they pay for their children, emphasising that this investment in education is crucial for securing their families’ future.

Bishop Ozelle Awinjo Pons made these remarks on Sunday, October 14, 2025, while leading dedication prayers for Senior Four and Senior Six candidates at St. Gracious Senior Secondary School (SAGRASS) in Lira City.

The prayers coincided with similar services across the country as final-year students prepare to begin their 2025 national examinations.

While delivering his sermon, the Bishop advised students to value their studies, stating that they are building their own futures. He encouraged them to put in more effort, reminding them that they are not studying for their parents but for themselves.

He further cautioned that success in life requires discipline, noting that he has witnessed many bright students fail in society due to a lack of discipline at home, in school, and in public.

He appealed to teachers to dedicate themselves fully to their profession, stating that teaching is a call from God. The man of God explained that teaching is a very demanding profession that requires sacrifice, tolerance, and patience.

“I can confess that it is one of the hardest things if you are not competent. As in 1988, I was once a teacher,” Bishop Ozelle shared.

Lastly, the Bishop appreciated the management of St. Gracious Senior Secondary School for establishing the institution as a center of learning in Northern Uganda. He acknowledged the immense challenges of running a school, which requires great attention to detail, such as caring for a sick student.

“Where will Northern Uganda be if we neglect education? We are dead. Let us take our children to school,” he concluded.

Martin Ojok, the Principal for both St. Gracious Main Campus and the Leo Atubo College, presented a total of 902 ‘O and A-level’ candidates registered to sit for their 2025 exams from the two institutions. He described this as a significant milestone for the schools.

Principal Ojok also congratulated parents for their vital role and investment in their children’s education. He called upon all parents to concentrate more on education as a universal solution, especially given the current shortage of land compared to the past.

“It is a team effort, built on hard work and belief in God. I want to assure you that we are ready to compete at the national level with any school,” Ojok said, as the candidates were set to begin their exams on Monday, October 14, 2025.

A parent with four children at St. Gracious, Bosco Ayai, popularly known as Pite Yela, thanked President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the education system.

He also urged his fellow parents to stop sending their children to schools in Kampala, affirming that Lango now has better learning institutions.

“In the years to come, St. Gracious will produce a president from this school,” he added.

The Managing Director, Honorary Doctor Patrick Olet, promised to continue producing excellent results yearly in both O and A-level. “St. Gracious has been ranked the best in Biology across the country. I am requesting our parents to continue trusting us with their children because our students are disciplined,” Dr Olet stated.

In the region, St. Gracious has established itself as a school of excellence.