By Ekou Richard
Soroti, Uganda — In a heartfelt and stirring message delivered during a thanksgiving Mass at Katine Orieta B, Soroti District Woman MP Hon. Anna Ebaju Adeke passionately called upon parents and the wider community to place education at the heart of their priorities, citing it as the true engine of transformation for both individuals and the nation.
Speaking as the guest of honour at the celebration for Rev. Fr. Denis Egili, Hon. Adeke emphasized that education is not merely a personal achievement, but a communal responsibility and a legacy every parent must fight to leave behind.
“Fr. Egili stands before us today as a priest because someone gave him the gift of education. I am able to serve you as your Member of Parliament because I went to school. There is no magic to success—it begins in the classroom,” she declared, her voice resounding with conviction.
Her message struck a chord with the congregation, reinforcing an earlier homily by Rev. Fr. Patrick Ochela, the parish priest of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Asamuk, who called on parents to wake up to the reality that without education, dreams perish before they even begin.
“Send your children to school—even when it’s difficult. Education is the light that breaks generational poverty. Look at Fr. Egili, look at our leaders—education paved their way,” Fr. Ochela urged.
The thanksgiving ceremony drew a large and diverse crowd, including clergy, political leaders, educators, and families from across Soroti Diocese, united in celebration of Fr. Egili’s spiritual and social contributions. Described by many as a humble, selfless servant of God, Fr. Egili’s journey stood as a living testimony of what education combined with faith can achieve.
In her address, Hon. Adeke went on to commend the Church, particularly the Catholic Church, for its historic and ongoing role in shaping the education landscape of the Teso sub-region.
“The Church has not only nurtured souls but has built schools, raised leaders, and empowered communities. We must support and protect these efforts,” she said, urging local leaders to work hand-in-hand with religious institutions to uplift education.
Visibly moved, Rev. Fr. Egili thanked the faithful for their prayers and unwavering support. He turned to the youth with a powerful message:
“Stay in school, fight for your future. Education is not just a ladder—it is a calling. When you learn, you serve better. When you study, you honour God.”
Hon. Adeke’s message was not just a political statement—it was a call to action. In a region where many children still struggle to access quality education, her words served as both a mirror and a map, reflecting the challenges while pointing the way forward.
