![H.E. Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala in a group photo with the Workshop participants](https://amecea.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Cardinal-Wamala-centre-pose-with-the-participants-for-a-group-photo-300x169.jpg)
with the Workshop participants
On Friday, 4 March 2016, the Education Department of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) held a National Workshop and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the Archdiocese of Kampala, to discuss key issues in education that impact on the Ugandan society.
The workshop, which was graced by His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, who is a member of the UEC Education Commission, was organized for the Diocesan Education Secretaries and Religious Education Advisors from the 19 Dioceses in Uganda.
It was conducted under the theme: “Renewing Our Commitment to Reflections and Guidelines on the Education of the Human Person (REGEP) 2016/2017” which highlighted the five chapters of ‘Reflections and Guidelines on the Education of the Human Person – The Catholic Perspective (REGEP)’ and the leading Education issues including the Message of Mercy in Misericordiae Vultus and Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy by Pope Francis.
Cardinal Wamala called on all the participants to recognize this year as a unique gift with a special character as Year of Mercy and to promote Peace in all their Institutions.
“The growth of society comes with new ways in technology, science and other related challenges but God’s Word should remain our Guide,” he said. “It is part of our mission to promote Catholic values, give direction and guidance as well as offer any possible inputs,” he added.
Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kotido and Moroto Dioceses were thanked in a special way by the Education commission for their efforts and their Diocesan Education Secretaries were presented with gifts.
The Cardinal also expressed his gratitude for the good work done by the Uganda Catholic Education Department (UCED) team especially in the mobilizing and networking efforts towards attaining a successful workshop.
In his message, the Chairman of UEC Education Commission, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Wanok, Bishop of Nebbi, who did not attend the event due to other commitments, emphasized the need for holistic quality Education and the urgent role to promote Catholic values in our Education Institutions.
Meanwhile a detailed report (14 pages) on UCED recent Education activities, updates, challenges and future plans was presented by Fr. Dr. Lucian Arinaitwe, the National Executive Secretary for UCED.
“This workshop becomes indeed a historical and first seminar of its kind because of its stance, scope and unique focus whereby, it was serving as climax of prior analysis and discussions on identified leading 10 issues at the Diocesan Level,” Fr. Luciano explained.
The workshop was also attended by experts from the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), who gave inputs on Education System Analysis: Reform and Assessment Challenges.
A discussion was later made by participants who made a number of interventions, raised a number of questions and recommendations.
By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference