“It is unfortunate that some leaders become ‘small gods’ after assuming power, and others are even treated like God. Let us not place ourselves in God’s position—not even us as religious leaders.
Fr. Anthony Musaala, Assistant Administrator of Lubaga Cathedral, has called on leaders to emulate Jesus’ model of leadership rooted in honesty, humility, and service, warning that many leaders in Uganda fall short of these values.
Fr. Musaala made the remarks while presiding over a thanksgiving Mass during which the 2026 prefectorial body of Seeta Junior School, Mukono, was blessed. The ceremony took place at the school campus in Nabuti, Mukono Central Division, under the theme: “Power to Serve, Not to Rule; Class Attracts Class.”
He emphasized that leadership begins with personal discipline, urging prefects to first abide by school rules before enforcing them among fellow pupils.
“In Uganda, we have a Constitution, but we must ask ourselves: are our leaders honest when it comes to protecting it, or do they interpret it as they wish? It’s a question worth reflecting on,” Fr. Musaala said.
He added that a good leader must be patient and inclusive, especially when dealing with people of differing beliefs.
“A Catholic leader must be patient. Leadership is not about forcing others to think the way you do. People are different, and it takes a listening and patient leader to accommodate everyone despite their beliefs,” he noted.
Fr. Musaala further urged leaders to be adaptable and merciful, stressing the importance of God-fearing leadership. During an interactive homily, pupils also shared that a good leader must be guided by faith.
“It is unfortunate that some leaders become ‘small gods’ after assuming power, and others are even treated like God. Let us not place ourselves in God’s position—not even us as religious leaders. A good leader seeks God’s guidance for wisdom and protection,” he said.
The Mass was followed by a handover ceremony where the outgoing Chief Justice, Rayan Mukundane, officially passed on leadership to the incoming Chief Justice, Ono Michael, who then presided over the swearing-in of other prefects.
Mukundane expressed gratitude to the school administration, fellow pupils, and his parents for their support, which enabled him to fulfill his responsibilities. He also pledged to continue making the school proud, especially in the upcoming Primary Leaving Examinations.
In his acceptance speech, Ono Michael said, “We have been chosen to serve and lead our fellow pupils—a duty that requires discipline, honesty, and commitment to service.”
Outgoing president Elton Joseph Obale reflected on his tenure, expressing appreciation for the guidance he received from teachers.
“To my teachers, thank you for showing me that leadership is service. You taught us to correct with love and guide with patience. Because of you, I have learned to lead with firmness, courage, and kindness,” he said.
On behalf of the elected kindergarten leaders, Adrian Kugonza from Banana Class expressed gratitude for being chosen to lead his fellow pupils, despite being in the kindergarten section.
Kugonza said that a good leader is chosen by the people, just as he was elected, adding that the overwhelming votes he received proved that even kindergarten pupils can be strong leaders.
“Leaders are not only born; they are trained. I thank my mummy and daddy for training me to be a leader right from home, where they teach me to obey others, share, and lead by example. To our teachers, thank you for preparing us to be future leaders. Every time you teach us to line up patiently, listen, and help others, you are showing us how a good leader should behave,” he said.
“So, here is how I plan to lead my friends in kindergarten. First, I will help those who disturb the teachers to understand why we must keep quiet and listen during lessons. I will also remind everyone to use kind words like ‘sorry’ and ‘thank you.’”
The school headteacher, Brian Sserugo, said that through the process of electing student leaders, the school is nurturing future leaders and instilling important values, including teaching those who lose elections to accept defeat and move on.
Sserugo thanked the parents for their support, noting that they not only attend their children’s thanksgiving Mass and swearing-in ceremony but also contribute by purchasing special uniforms for the prefects.
The school’s electoral commission, led by teacher Philbert Ejirot, declared Abigail Ndagire as the school president and Serena Ndegeya as the vice president.
The chairperson of the Board of Directors for Seeta Schools, Dr. Moris Tamale, thanked the teachers for organizing peaceful elections, the handover process, and the swearing-in of the new cabinet.
“At such functions, pupils learn that leadership is transitional, with an emphasis on guiding their peers to do what is right while at school,” he said.
One of the day’s guests, Stephen Ndegeya—an official from the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development and father of the school’s elected vice president, Serena Ndegeya—said that learners who begin leadership at a young age are being shaped into future leaders.
He, however, challenged the pupils to avoid behaving like some modern politicians who treat opponents as enemies. Instead, he encouraged them to regard others as colleagues working toward similar goals.
The father of the president-elect, Abigail Ndagire, commended the school for its tremendous work in involving pupils in various activities, including nominations for prefectural aspirants, campaigns, a presidential debate, elections, and the final swearing-in ceremony.
