MBARARA, UGANDA, August 26, 2026: The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mbarara and Chancellor of St. Joseph University Mbarara called on students to use their time at university wisely, uphold integrity and discipline, and pursue education as a means of transforming society.

By Sr. Stella Watsema OLGC

The Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha made the remarks on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, while presiding as the main celebrant at the inauguration Mass for the 2026/2027 academic year for  St. Joseph University Mbarara.

His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha Archbishop of Mbarara and the Chancelor of St. Joseph University together with first year students at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral Nyamitanga.

Education is a privilege and a right

In his homily, the Archbishop welcomed students to the new academic year and reminded them that education is both a right and a privilege. He noted that many parents and families make significant sacrifices to enable their children to access university education. He therefore urged students not to take the opportunity for granted.

“Do not waste your time,” he told the students, warning them against distractions that could jeopardise their future.

He specifically cautioned students against unnecessary business, bad company, alcohol and drug abuse, gambling, violence and other shortcuts that could undermine their academic and personal development. The Archbishop encouraged students to attend lectures, read seriously, think constructively and ask questions. He also urged them to respect university leaders, staff and fellow students and to use social media responsibly.

Education should build character

The Archbishop said university education should go beyond academic qualifications and should produce responsible people who can positively influence society.

He challenged students to become people of history, humanity and science, stressing the importance of humility and being “down to earth.”

According to him, true education should help students become realistic, responsible and compassionate members of society.

He also reminded lecturers and university staff that students learn not only from classroom teaching but also from the example set by their teachers and leaders.

He called for honesty, commitment, respect and patience in dealing with students and urged the university community to make St. Joseph University Mbarara a place where every person is valued and responsibilities are carried out with love.

University should be a place of peace

Reflecting on the biblical message about peace, the Archbishop said the university should provide an environment where students and staff can learn and live peacefully.

He observed that young people today face anxiety, intense competition, economic difficulties and uncertainty about the future.

He therefore called for peace among students, between students and staff, in students’ homes and hostels, and within their hearts.

Students urged to avoid hypocrisy

The Archbishop also reflected on the Gospel reading in which Jesus warned against hypocrisy, comparing those who appear righteous outwardly but are corrupt within to “whitewashed tombs.”

He said the message was highly relevant to university life because it is possible for a student to appear successful while losing direction internally.

He explained that a student may dress smartly, speak excellent English, achieve high marks and post impressive pictures on social media, yet lack honesty, peace, respect for God and concern for others.