Tiger FM

Schools dedicate candidates to God ahead of UNEB final exams

27 October 2024, 6:02 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the announcement of the dates for the commencement of final exams by the authorised government body responsible for setting and marking exams, the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), various schools across the country began preparing for the dedication of learners to God in hopes of their success.

In this context, a few days ago, Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni, the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, led prayers during a dedication service held at St. Peter Cathedral, Bweranyangi. In his sermon, the Bishop thanked God for how far He has brought the candidates and encouraged them to be steadfast and not to fear, as God will guide them during their examinations, which will commence with a briefing on 4th November 2024. “Have a positive mindset, do not fear, and write well,” he said. Teachers, parents, and learners also surrendered the forthcoming examination period before the Lord.

Additionally, Hormisdallen Schools in central Uganda held a successful dedication service at their main campus in Gayaza, Wakiso district. The dedication was led by Bishop David Kiganda, the lead pastor of Christianity Focus Centre, Mengo Kisenyi in Kampala district.

Kiganda’s words echoed those of other preachers in various regions where similar events were held. He explained the significance of the occasion, stating, “The reason for dedicating candidates to God is because the Bible says that unless God builds the house, the builders labour in vain.” He referenced Psalm 127:1, which states, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain; unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.”

Kiganda continued, emphasising that without God’s protection, the devil can disrupt one’s life for his own purposes. “Paying school fees for your child does not guarantee that they will automatically succeed in life. Not everyone who pays school fees succeeds, and not everyone with money in this life is successful. That is one of the many reasons we hold this service today,” he preached. In conclusion, he, along with other spiritual leaders from different faiths, including the Muslim and Catholic communities, as well as teachers and parents, stretched their hands towards the candidates and prayed for them.

One of the directors of Hormisdallen Schools, Mr Kizito Mukalazi, informed the media that they hold such events every year, and since they began, they have witnessed God helping their candidates to succeed. “We do our part and leave the rest to God. That’s why we gather and ask God, who grants wisdom, to bestow it upon our children and to remind them during the examinations. We are thankful to God because He has been faithful; that is why we were number one in Uganda last year, and we believe we will achieve that again,” he said.

According to the director, they are going to sit over 950 candidates this year in all the campuses combined.

UNEB continues to remind heads of centres not to engage in examination malpractice. “While high levels of integrity are expected from those involved, UNEB strongly warns against any form of examination malpractice. Our security team has already apprehended some individuals,” stated Jennifer Kalule, UNEB Spokesperson.

Simon Kobwemi, a primary seven candidate, along with his peers, expressed gratitude to their parents and guardians for supporting their education since nursery and pledged to perform well, believing that God is on their side. They will start with Mathematics. A total of one million two hundred twenty-four thousand three hundred seventy-one (1,224,371) candidates are expected to sit for their primary leaving examinations this year, with 51% being female and 49% male, according to UNEB.

Candidates during prayers.
Candidates during prayers.
Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni, the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese at a prayer service.
Bishop David Kiganda of Christianity Focus Centre.