Seeds of Hope in the Pearl of Africa - The Growing Mission of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel in Uganda

Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” is a land blessed with rich culture, deep faith, and vibrant communities. In this beautiful nation, the mission of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel from the Province of Pune has been steadily growing and bearing fruit. What began as a humble missionary effort has today become a meaningful apostolate that brings hope, education, and spiritual formation to many young lives.

Inspired by the missionary spirit of our founder, St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, the Brothers believe that education is one of the most powerful means of transforming society. Through dedication, prayer, and collaboration, the Montfortian presence in Uganda has grown into a promising mission that touches the lives of children, families, and local communities.

Today the Uganda mission has two vibrant communities and three flourishing institutions: Montfort Mpala, Montfort Home Kyebando, and Pere Achte Senior Secondary School in Fort Portal. Each of these centres reflects the missionary zeal, sacrifice, and dedication of the Brothers serving there.

Montfort Home, Mpala :

The Montfort Home at Mpala is one of the newest yet most promising centres of the mission. The community consists of two Brothers: Bro. Sandeep Marneni, who serves as the Local Superior, and Bro. Theophile, the Local Bursar. Their tireless dedication and missionary enthusiasm have played a significant role in bringing this mission to life.

A historic moment for the Mpala mission took place on 9th February when the newly constructed school building was solemnly inaugurated. The celebration was deeply meaningful and spiritually uplifting for everyone present. The building was blessed by the Archbishop of Kampala, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, together with the Vicar General, several Priests, and Religious.

The ceremony was attended by parishioners, school staff, and the first group of students. The children and staff members were specially blessed during the celebration, marking the beginning of a new educational journey for the community.

Remarkably, the academic year began immediately the next day. The school currently runs classes up to Grade Three, and already 43 students have enrolled. The warm welcome from the local community has been encouraging, and the school is steadily gaining recognition as a place of quality education and moral formation.

Adjacent to the Mpala community lies a beautiful 4½ acres of land at Kigero, located close to Lake Victoria and near Entebbe International Airport. This land has great potential for future development, especially for establishing a secondary and senior secondary school.

In a moment filled with hope and prayer, Bro. Dhanraj, Assistant General, laid the foundation stone in the presence of the Brothers and the Parish Priest. This symbolic act marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Montfort mission in Uganda.

Montfort Home, Kyebando :

The mission at Kyebando is another vibrant centre of Montfortian activity in Uganda. Here the Brothers run a primary school with boarding facilities, which has quickly become a beacon of hope for many families seeking quality education for their children.

The dedicated efforts of Bro. Jayanth Reddy, Bro. Andrew, and Bro. Sebastian K.M. are clearly visible in the development of this institution. Through their commitment and hard work, the school has grown significantly within a short period.

The number of students has increased from 50 to nearly 250, reflecting the trust and confidence that the local community places in the Montfort educational mission. Parents appreciate the school not only for its academic standards but also for the values and discipline imparted to the students.

Another encouraging development at Kyebando is the beginning of the formation programme. At present, one young candidate has begun discerning his vocation to Religious life, and several others have shown interest in joining in the future. This is a hopeful sign that the mission is not only educating children but also nurturing future vocations.

With its growing student population and the beginning of local vocations, Kyebando is steadily becoming a strong pillar of the Montfort presence in Uganda.

Pere Achte Senior Secondary School – Fort Portal:

A significant milestone in the Uganda mission is the establishment of Pere Achte Senior Secondary School in Fort Portal. This institution was acquired through the combined efforts of the Province of Pune with the support of the Romain Landry Board in Canada and the Generalate in Rome.

The school is a well-established senior secondary institution with boarding facilities for both boys and girls. With more than 350 students already enrolled, the institution serves a large number of young people from the surrounding communities.

The campus includes approximately 20 acres of land along with a residence for the Brothers. This spacious environment provides immense opportunities for further development of the educational mission.

The need for quality education among poor children in the region is great, and the presence of the Montfort Brothers in Fort Portal is both relevant and transformative.

A major administrative milestone has recently been achieved as the land titles for the property have been received, and the process of transferring them to the mission’s company is underway. This important step secures the future stability and development of the institution.

A Mission Blessed by Faith and Dedication:

The mission in Uganda has deeply touched the hearts of many who have visited and witnessed its progress. Several Brothers have expressed how their perception of Uganda changed after seeing the balanced, well-organized, and steadily growing mission.

The success and steady growth of the mission are the fruits of the dedicated efforts of many Brothers: Bro. Jaico Gervasis, Bro. Joseph M., Bro. Sandeep Marneni, Bro. Jayanth Reddy, Bro. Sebastian K.M., Bro. Andrew, and Bro. Theophile. Their commitment, sacrifice, and missionary zeal continue to strengthen and expand the Montfort presence in this blessed land.

This mission would not have been possible without the generous support of the Generalate in Rome, the Romain Landry Board in Canada, and the constant encouragement and assistance from the Province of Pune and the East Africa region, as well as many benefactors and well-wishers.

Indeed, the Uganda mission stands today as a testimony that when faith meets dedication, the mission blossoms bringing hope, education, and transformation to countless young lives.

Guided by the spirit of St. Montfort and the missionary charism of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, the mission continues to grow with confidence in God’s loving providence. Let us continue to pray for the mission in Uganda, that it may flourish further and serve many more generations in the years to come.

For more details: www.montfortbrothersuganda.com