Mukono Light Academy has emphasized the importance of Christian values in shaping responsible and ethical citizens, saying academic excellence alone is not enough to prepare learners for the challenges of modern society.
The message was delivered during the opening of the school’s annual Week of Prayer and Sabbath service at its campus in Nakabago Cell, Mukono Central Division.
Speaking to students and staff, the school chaplain, Caleb Mulambuzi, said education should be grounded in moral and spiritual principles to create lasting positive change in society.
“Christian education has long played a critical role in nurturing virtues such as honesty, compassion, humility, integrity, forgiveness and respect for others,” Mulambuzi said. “These values provide learners with a moral compass that guides their decisions both inside and outside the classroom.”
He noted that learners are encouraged through prayer, Bible study, community service and ethical instruction to appreciate human dignity and develop a sense of responsibility towards their communities.
Mulambuzi said knowledge and technical skills alone cannot address growing social challenges such as corruption, violence, drug abuse and dishonesty.
“These challenges demonstrate the need to produce not only intelligent individuals but also people of strong character,” he said, adding that Christian values instill accountability, discipline and self-control, which are essential for personal growth and national development.
The Human Resource and Quality Assurance Manager at Mukono Light Academy, Onesmus Twinamatsiko, said Christian teachings continue to influence learners well into adulthood, shaping future leaders.
“Leadership founded on Christian morals is characterized by integrity, empathy, honesty and servant leadership,” Twinamatsiko said. “Leaders with these virtues are more likely to prioritize the welfare of others, uphold justice and resist the temptations of corruption and abuse of power.”
He said societies thrive when leaders value truth, fairness and accountability, noting that Christian teachings encourage service above self-interest.
Twinamatsiko also urged parents and families to actively participate in the moral upbringing of children.
“Moral formation begins at home, and collaboration between families, churches and educational institutions is essential in ensuring that children grow into upright and responsible adults,” he said.
Mukono Light Academy administrators maintain that character development is inseparable from academic achievement and that success in examinations has little meaning if learners fail to develop compassion, honesty and a commitment to serving others.
The school’s emphasis on Christian values comes amid growing concern in Uganda over incidents of corruption, school violence, substance abuse, cybercrime and unethical conduct among public officials, prompting renewed debate on the role of schools in nurturing moral values among young people.
