The Archbishop of Kampala His Grace Paul Ssemogerere has implored Ugandans to strive for descent work free from corruption.
Drawing from Saint Joseph the Worker whose feast is celebrated on 1st May, Archbishop Ssemogerere said Joseph the worker valued with dignity and joy his carpentry work from which he managed to take care of his family.
However the virtue of decent work has been compromised where many currently opt for quick fix and elicit wealth generated from unacceptable jobs according to the Catholic teaching which is not divine and unsustainable.
He said this while leading the Eucharist Celebration and celebration of St. Joseph the Worker’s day at St. Joseph’s Technical Institute Kisubi. The day also coincided with the 5th graduation ceremony that sows a total of 630 students graduating with National Certificates in various practical and skills development subjects.
He appealed for mindset change to stop taking students offering technical education and training as academic failures saying these are the solution to Uganda’s high unemployment levels especially among the youth.
He challenged Men to work hard and take care of their families.
The principal of St. Joseph’ Charles Ssebulime highlighted a number of challenges among others outdated instruction halls, limited financial resources, poverty among most Ugandans that has failed many parents educate their children to attain acceptable academic and professional skills levels.
He was proud of the increasing students’ number that stands at 700 out of these 80 are female students offering causes like Automotive Mechanics, Building Construction, Electrical Installation Systems that were originally for only male students.
St. Joseph’s Technical Institute Kisubi was started 115 years ago by the white fathers to offer skills and technical education to support the underprivileged Ugandans to achieve skills for self substance.
On 1 May 1955, Pope Pius XII instituted Saint Joseph the worker feast day to coincide with international workers day that is celebrated on 1st May.
The intention was to provide a Christian counterpoint to the communist-organized International Workers’ Day, highlighting Joseph as a model for workers and the dignity of labor.
On 1st May 1886, a general strike by the Labour Unions started in America that culminated in the announcement of a Labour day where the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, advocated for the eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
This became the internationally acceptable standards as working hours for workers.
National celebrations for 1st May 2026 have been held at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School in Buikwe District, under the theme; “Safeguarding Uganda’s progress: empowering the workforce and promoting decent work for competitive Enterprises,” focuses on addressing youth employment and boosting productivity.
By Jjunju Francis
01st May 2026
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