Reclaming the Soul of Catholic Education in Uganda

Symposium on Catholic Education | June 10th - 12th, 2025 | Ggaba Seminary, Kampala

From June 10th to 12th, 2025, over 160 Catholic educators from across Uganda gathered at Ggaba Seminary in Kampala for a groundbreaking symposium on the renewal of Catholic education through the lens of classical formation. The event was spearheaded by Fr. Joseph Lugalambi and Fr. Francis Xavier Lubega to address the spiritual, cultural, and intellectual challenges facing Ugandan Catholic schools today.

Fr. Joseph Lugalambi	Fr. Francis Xavier Lubega
Bishop Constantine Rupiny of Nebbi Diocese	Mr. Zachary Good

Both Fr. Lugalambi and Fr. Lubega attended the Newman Track at Acton University, where they were inspired by its structure and inspiring impact. Motivated by this experience, they envisioned a similar conference in Uganda—one aimed at renewing Catholic education, inspired by the success of Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School and Orphanage in Nabutongwa Village, Kalungu District, Uganda. Read more about Our Lady of the Rosary here.

In a country where over 70% of the population is under 30, and nearly half are under 16, the need to form holy, well-educated Catholic children is both urgent and essential. Many educators and clergy expressed concern over the growing influence of progressive educational ideologies that undermine faith and tradition, as well as a broader cultural crisis weakening the moral and spiritual foundation of the youth.

Fr. Lugalambi highlighted that this symposium wasn’t just a conference—it was a response to a call:

“We need Catholic educators who are not only professionally competent, but personally committed to living out the Gospel.”

After two years of collaborative planning, the St. John Henry Newman Institute joined as co-host, contributing deep expertise in educational philosophy, leadership, and classical pedagogy.

Participants posing with promotional materials for "The Catholic Theology Show"

Q&A

The symposium featured six core sessions, led by Catholic educators and mission leaders from SJHNI:

1. The Crisis of Education – Addressing modern challenges in Catholic education (Zachary Good)

2. The Wisdom of the Church – Reflecting on the Church’s foundational principles (Sean Maltbie)

3. The Incarnation as the Hinge of History – Re-centering Christ in all academic disciplines (Zachary Good)

4. Forming the Moral Imagination – Cultivating virtue through literature and the arts (Zachary Good)

5. The Gospel of Work – Integrating faith and vocation (Sean Maltbie & Ali Ghaffari)

6. Panel: What’s Next? – Strategic dialogue on the future of Catholic education in Uganda

Each session was followed by structured breakout discussions, allowing educators to contextualize and apply insights to their unique local realities.

“I’m not just going back to teach—I’m going back to form,” said one participant.

Spiritual Formation and Fellowship

Beyond intellectual engagement, the symposium fostered spiritual renewal and fraternal support. Daily Mass, Adoration, shared meals, and meaningful conversations created space for deep personal reflection and professional encouragement.

Speakers included:

• Fr. Joseph Lugalambi, Ph.D. - Chaplain and Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, Founder of Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School and Orphanage

• Fr. Francis Xavier Lubega - Head of the Inspectorate of Schools in the Masaka Diocesan Education Secretariat

• Ali Ghaffari – Executive Director, St. John Henry Newman Institute

• Zachary Good – Director of Education, St. John Henry Newman Institute

• Sean Maltbie – Director of Mission & Outreach, St. John Henry Newman Institute

The symposium was not only a conference—it was the beginning of a growing movement to reclaim the soul of Catholic education in Africa, rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness.

Looking Ahead

The event concluded with a panel that posed a vital question: What’s next for Catholic education in Uganda? Among the concrete steps discussed were:

• Establishing local teacher-training hubs rooted in Catholic anthropology

• Launching classical pilot programs in select Catholic schools

• Increasing formation opportunities for lay Catholic educators

Inspired by the fruitfulness of Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School and Orphanage in Nabutongwa Village, Fr. Lugalambi and Fr. Lubega envision a wider network of schools formed by truth and grounded in Christ.

Fr. John Bosco Ssekkomo, a Ugandan priest currently serving in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offered closing remarks. Reflecting on his five years in the United States, he affirmed the symposium’s vision with conviction:

“Catholic classical education is the best of the West—and now, it belongs to Uganda too.”

Experience the Movement

🎥 Watch testimonials from participants and Fr. Joseph Lugalambi below to hear how this symposium is already impacting lives and shaping the future of Catholic education in Uganda.

Symposium Testimonials

Interview with Fr. Joseph Lugalambi