RUKUNGIRI- The atmosphere was filled with nostalgia and appreciation as staff, parents, students, foundation body, School BOD and PTA representatives gathered to bid farewell to Sr. Mary Gladyce Kachope Amoti, who is stepping down after 18 years of dedicated service at Immaculate Heart Girls Nyakibale in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
The farewell event, held in the school’s chapel, featured heartfelt speeches from teachers, parents, religious and political leaders as well as current and old students, all highlighting the profound impact Sr. Mary Gladyce Kachope Amoti has had on the school community.
The learners in one of the poems presented during the event pointed out that Sr. Kachope has been the School’s guiding light stressing that her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment has inspired both staff and students alike.
The learners also expressed their gratitude stressing that Sr. Gladyce Kachope has always been approachable and supportive and truly took care about our children’s education and well-being.
As a token of appreciation, the Board of Governors and Parent-Teacher Association presented to Sr. Kachope a Brand New PRADO TX vehicle for her movements and numerous gifts ranging from cash to material as well as a beautifully crafted plaque commemorating her years of service and dedication.
In her farewell speech, Sr. Gladyce Kachope reflected on numerous achievements the school has been able to clock during her tenure including master class infrastructure, Academic excellence, improving School’s enrollment, recognition at the international level to mention but a few.
“It has been a privilege to lead such a vibrant community. I will carry these memories with me as I embark on the next chapter” said Sr. Kachope.
As Sr. Gladyce Kachope moves on to new endeavors at Bonnyconcil Girls School Kyabirukwa, the community at Immaculate Heart Girls School Nyakibale in Rukungiri Municipality remains grateful for their leadership and guidance, ensuring that their positive influence will be felt for years to come.
Mrs. Atuhaire Juliet Muzoora, the Commissioner of Secondary Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports who was the day’s guest of honour, paid tribute to the outgoing Headteacher, Sr. Gladyce Kachope Amoti celebrating her remarkable contributions to the school community over the past 18 years.
Muzoora who was also grateful for the foundation body, Kabale Diocese for supplementing the government especially in the Education sector expressed optimism that the new Headteacher, Sr. Sabina Tumusiime will fully take on the school since she is been working under this setting with her predecessor, Sr. Kachope.
On behalf of Immaculate Heart Girls School BOD and PTA, Hon. Betty Bamukwasa Muzanira Board of Governors Issues Statement on Outgoing Headteacher expressed gratitude for the contributions of the outgoing Headteacher, Sr. Gladyce Kachope.
In their statement, the Board and PTA expressed deep appreciation for Kachope’s leadership and dedication over the past years.
“Under Sr. Kachope’s guidance, Immaculate Heart Girls School has seen significant growth in enrollment, academic performance and community engagement. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and parents alike” said Muzanira.
The Board and PTA highlighted several key achievements, including infrastructural development, academic excellence, student’s discipline and a well-coordinated leadership centered on Spiritual growth.
“Sr. Kachope has not only been an exceptional leader but also a passionate advocate for every student, her vision and dedication have set a high standard for educational excellence at the Mighty Immaculate Heart Girls School Nyakibale” added Muzanira.
The Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon Elisa Rutahigwa reechoed the Guest of Honor’s statements noting that Sr. Gladyce Kachope’s tenure at Immaculate Heart Girl’s School has given Rukungiri Municipality lasting memories since the School has transitioned to an international one in terms of academic excellence.
Rutahigwa rallied other schools from Rukungiri, Uganda and abroad to benchmark from Immaculate Heart Girls Schools in a bid to match the academic standards.
Uganda’s Security Minister, Rtd. Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi Katugugu represented by his Political Assistant Isaac Kaharuza hailed Sr. Gladyce Kachope for putting Rukungiri on the International map, not only in academics but as well as shaping girl child into responsible citizens.
According to Minister Muhwezi, Sr Kachope has been a testimony that women can lead a commendable change in every sector unlike in the past when they were left behind.
Rukungiri Municipality Education Officer Alfred Katabazi Mutuza expressed gratitude for the work done by Sr. Kachope at Immaculate Heart Girls Schools for the time she has held the mantle.
Katabazi asked the learners to keep observing maximum discipline and accord a conducive environment for the new officer bearer, Sr Sabina Tumusiime expressing optimism that she was the perfect replacement for Kachope.
“As Rukungiri Municipality and the entire District, we’re grateful for you Sr Kachope, Immaculate Community and the foundation body “Kabale Diocese”, because Immaculate Girls School has traded the name of our district in all parts of the world” said Katabazi.
The incoming Headteacher, Sr Sabina Tumusiime announced that the School emerged 11th Countrywide in the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education examinations under the new Competence Based Curriculum.
In a function that also featured celebrating the victory of excellent performance for both 2024 A and O level candidates, Sr. Sabina promised to keep a positive performance trend and announced that the best UACE candidate had 19 points.
Best candidates in last year’s examinations went home with cheques, physical prizes and bursaries to those that joined Immaculate Heart Girls School Nyakibale for their A level studies.
Sr. Sabina called for support to complete and put to use the School’s Golden jubilee complex, put up a new administration block and to construct more dormitories to cater for the ever increasing number of learners.
The function commenced with a sacrifice of mass that was presided over by Msgr. Johnny Vianny Sunday the Kabale Diocesan Vicar General who emphasized the role of discipline in academic excellence.
The event concluded with a reception, allowing attendees to share stories and enjoy refreshments together, celebrating the legacy of a beloved leader who has touched many lives.
Other attendants included headteachers of other Schools, students and pupils of the schools Immaculate Heart Girls School has ever given a hand, Municipal and District leaders and technocrats, the Former Rukungiri Municipality legislator Hon. Roland Mugume Kaginda, the President Lions Club Rukungiri Chapter, Old girls, community members and well wishers.
