Long-Serving Headteacher, Katungye Given Grand Farewell
Kyabahura 1 Model Primary School in Kazo Town Council, Kazo District bids farewell to its long-serving Headteacher, Gaston Bwesigye Katungye. The event which was held on Saturday May 2 brought together a diverse gathering of staff members, parents, pupils and headteachers, teachers, community leaders, politicians, businessmen and well-wishers to honor Mr. Katungye’s significant contributions.
The main celebrant of the farewell mass, Rev. Fr. Deo Mugisha, the Parish Priest of Kazo Catholic Parish commended the Kyabahura 1 Model Primary School community for their decision to officially recognize and celebrate the efforts of their outgoing Headmaster with such a fitting tribute.
During the Mass, Rev. Fr. Mugisha offered words of encouragement and guidance to the assembled teachers and all who attended the function. He urged them to serve diligently emphasizing the importance of preparing for a fulfilling retirement. The Priest also issued a strong challenge to teachers who “cheat learners” by skipping lessons stressing that such a habit is a detrimental gesture not only to the students but also to the nation as a whole.
Katungye retires after an impressive 37 years of dedicated service as both a classroom teacher and a headteacher. His long and impactful career was in schools including Kashwa P/S, Kinoni P/S, Rwebitakuri p/s, Rwemengo P/S, Kyabwayera P/S, Ibaare P/S and St. Paul’s Kyabahura P/S where he served on two separate occasions. He is retiring this year having reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.
In his address, the retiring Headteacher expressed his gratitude to all the staff and concerned bodies he had worked with throughout his career acknowledging their support in making his work easier.
Mary Kabagambe, the Chairperson School Management Committee lauded Katungye for his “service above self.” She specifically highlighted his “great job in reviving the glory of the Kyabahura 1 Model P/S,” which she noted had begun to deteriorate. Kabagambe extended her best wishes to the outgoing headteacher in his retirement.
Mackline Namanya, Senior Education Officer also spoke at the event praising Katungye for “transforming the school quantitatively and qualitatively.” She pointed to the increase in the number of pupils achieving Grade Ones during his tenure as a key factor that has boosted enrollment at the school.
The outpouring appreciation to Katungye was evident in the numerous gifts he received from all the attendees presented as a token of love and a fond farewell. The ceremony at Kyabahura 1 Model Primary School served as a fitting tribute to a dedicated educator who has left a lasting impact on the school and the community.
