A simple but heartfelt response from students at Kitende Secondary School became the defining moment of Bishop Rt. Rev. Moses Banja's pastoral visit, as he challenged the school community to build a permanent chapel for worship.
During his visit to the school, where he confirmed students into the Anglican faith, the Bishop commended the school's commitment to Christian fellowship but noted that holding services on the school playground was both inconvenient and costly.
Drawing comparisons with schools such as Mengo Senior School, King's College Budo, and Gayaza High School, which all have dedicated chapels, Bishop Banja asked the students what Kitende Secondary School had. Their spontaneous reply brought smiles across the congregation: "We have a chaplain without a chapel."
Touched by their response, the Bishop appealed to the Board of Governors to make the construction of a school chapel a priority beginning next year. He emphasized that a chapel would provide students with a permanent place for prayer, worship, and spiritual growth.
Preaching from Mark 8:1–9, the account of Jesus feeding the four thousand, Bishop Banja reminded the congregation that Christ's compassion extends to every human need. He said Jesus' love is unconditional and has the power to transform lives, lifting those considered insignificant into people of great purpose and turning weakness into strength.
"The moment you speak to Jesus," he told the students, "He can change every situation for good."
The Bishop also shared a personal testimony, revealing that he had recently been struggling with severe sciatic nerve pain that had left him with sleepless nights. However, after praying the previous evening, he experienced relief. His testimony encouraged students to trust God even in difficult circumstances.
Speaking to parents and teachers, Bishop Banja urged them to continue supporting students academically by encouraging disciplined study and hard work as they prepare for their end-of-year examinations.
Reflecting on his own days as a teacher at Gayaza High School, he recalled spending countless sleepless nights preparing lessons. His dedication became so well known that students coined the expression "to Banjarize," meaning working tirelessly through the night in pursuit of excellence.
Addressing the godparents of the newly confirmed students, the Bishop reminded them that they had accepted a sacred responsibility to nurture the young Christians in faith, guiding and supporting them throughout their lives.
As he concluded his sermon, Bishop Banja made an altar call. More than 300 students responded by giving their lives to Jesus Christ, marking a powerful moment of spiritual renewal that many present will remember for years to come.
The service was attended by the Dean St. Paul's Cathedral Namirembe The Very Rev. Can. Dunstan Kiwanuka Mazinga, Diocesan Secretary Rev. Can. Henry Ssegawa, Entebbe Archdeacon Ven. Can Henry Segawa, Namirembe Diocesan Education Secretary and Archdeacon of Kazo Ven. Can David Mpagi, Kitende Parish Priest Rev. Samuel Muwonge, Rev. Kato Lubwama, Rev. Katuba and Rev. Mpoza plus a number of Lay Readers from Kitende Parish.
There was also dedication of Senior four and senior six students.
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