ST. JOSEPH’S CONVENT – NATTYOLE

Uganda

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  • St. Joseph’s Convent, Nattyole
    P.O. Box 26872, Kampala

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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY

Community Sisters - 2025

Having started our mission at Nakaseke the Bishop of Kasana Luweero diocese requested the sisters to open one more community in his diocese that is at Nattyole since there were no sisters in that parish. Nattyole is situated along Gayaza Zirobwe road which is a distance of 35 kms from Kampala the capital city of Uganda and 60 kms away from Luweero. The Community, Health Centre and the School building are situated in the diocesan land but managed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes.

The foundation stone for the convent was laid by late Bishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga and our dear Sr. Maria Goretti the Provincial on 13th August 2004.

Sr. Jacintha D’Silva who came to Uganda on 29th March 2004 as the 1st member of this community assisted Sr. Rosy Sequeira to see to the work. Srs. Kani and Therese Pinto along with Sr. Maria Goretti our Provincial reached Entebbe airport on 24th April 2005. Srs. Rosy Sequeira and Jessy D’Silva along with Fr. Stephen OFM received them at the airport and welcomed them warmly. Then they journeyed to the new community at Nattyole. As they reached, they were pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful newly constructed house welcoming them. The Parish Priest Fr. Lawrence Kimbowa and the assistant Priest Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga along with the parishioners were eagerly waiting to welcome our new sisters with singing and dance. The Community life began with sisters namely Sr. Kani as the Superior and Srs. Jessy D’Silva and Therese Pinto as members.

6th May 2005 is a memorable day for us as the community was blessed and inaugurated. Late Bishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the Bishop of Kasana Luweero diosece, our provincial Sr. Maria Goretti, local and religious priests, sisters and brothers along with lay people graced the occasion.

In the beginning of our mission at Nattyole, we found the life of the people was very hard in various aspects due to poverty, lack of awareness of the existing situations, irresponsibility of the parents, early pregnancies and school drop outs. As the years passed by, the people have improved in their life style. We see there is a little taste for spiritual life among the people in spite of the tendency to run after other Denominations. The people are very simple, welcoming and joyful in spite of their struggle.

VISION STATEMENT

“Being attuned to the voice of God, recognizing the uniqueness of each sister, we strive to grow in fraternal relationship as SJTs and become effective witnesses of Christ’s Mission as a sector”

  • To live and build communion
  • To empower the powerless in the school, pastoral and medical services at free of costs in order to provide holistic life to the needy an abandoned and to restore human dignity.
  • In view of accomplishing the above, we draw strength from Jesus, wisdom from the Holy Trinity and inspiration from our foundresses through our daily personal and community prayers, silence and solitude.

The Apostolates of the Community: The Community has the following apostolates;

  1. St. Agnes Vocational Senior Secondary School
  2. St. Kizito Health Centre111
  3. Formation for the Candidates
  4. Pastoral Work

The community and the formation are able to sustain on the salary of Sisters working in both the Institutions. However, at times we request the Sector for the financial assistance to the formation.

FORMATION

Formation House: Sr. Sunitha Francis arrived to Uganda on 5th of February 2008 as the formator and started the formation with three candidates. The formation house was inaugurated on 28th April 2008 by Monsignor Matthias Kanyerezi from Kasana Luweero Diocese. We began the formation program with vigorous zeal and enthusiasm, including the pastoral work like visiting the sick at the Health Centre, visiting the families, the poor and the needy, praying with them, counseling them and providing them the faith formation through family prayers and Rosary. We thank God for his numerous blessings upon our formation house from 2008 up to today where we have the joy of seeing the fruits of our Ugandan sisters in the Sector of Uganda.

EDUCATION MINISTRY

ST. AGNES VOCATIONAL SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL – NATTYOLE

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION: The role of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes at St. Agnes Vocational Senior Secondary School, Uganda

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes are called to live in communion and to serve with love and simplicity, especially among the poor and marginalized. At St. Agnes Vocational Senior Secondary School in Uganda, we express our charism by active engaging in the holistic education of young people – academically, spiritually, morally and socially.

Our deep commitment to forming responsible citizens rooted in Christian values is reflected through the diverse leadership and administrative role we hold within the school. Each sister contributes uniquely to the mission of transforming lives through education.

Sr. Peace Najjooga – Head Teacher

As the Head Teacher, Sr. Peace serves as the spiritual and administrative leader of the school. She carries the responsibility of ensuring that the school remains faithful to both academic and the charism of the congregation.

Key Contributions:

  • Provides visionary leadership rooted in Gospel values
  • Oversees the academic programs, school discipline, and general administration
  • Builds strong partnership with parents, education authorities, and the local community
  • Promotes a culture of hard work, prayer, integrity and mutual respect
  • Ensures that the school upholds the indent and values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes
  • Through her leadership, she nurtures a spirit of communion among staff, students and the larger school community.

Sr. Stella Akello – Deputy Head Teacher

Sr. Stella supports the head teacher by ensuring effective implementation of policies and day – by – day activities. Her role strengthens the school’s internal structure

Key Contributions:

  • Supervises classroom instruction and student discipline
  • Coordinates school events, pastoral activities, and spiritual formation
  • Monitors teachers performance and supports staff development
  • Serves as a bridge between administration and teaching staff
  • She is gentle and firm leadership helps maintain order and spiritual vitality in the school environment

Sr. Mackline Busingye – School Secretary

As the school’s secretary, Sr. Mackline plays a crucial administrative and communicative role in the smooth operation of the school

Key Contributions:

  • Manages school documentation, student records, and correspondence
  • Welcomes visitors, attends to parents, and manages appointments
  • Assists in organizing exams, meetings and key academic schedules
  • Her humility and dedication reflect the values of silent service and presence, so central to the congregation’s mission

Sr. Sunitha Francis – School Bursar

Sr. Sunitha manages the school’s finances with transparency; ensuring resources are used responsibly for the benefit of all learners.

Key Contributions:

  • Oversees collection of school fees and keep accurate financial records
  • Prepares budgets and financial reports in collaboration with leadership
  • Ensures accountability in the use of funds for school development
  • In a Ugandan context where resources are often stretched, her commitment to stewardship and fairness reflects the Gospel call to justice and care for the poor.

Sr. Suguna Jakkam – Dean of Studies and Teacher

Sr. Suguna as a Dean of Studies and Teacher, oversees the academic direction of the school

Key Contributions:

  • Teaches with passion and dedication, fostering critical thinking and Christian values
  • Coordinates curriculum implementation, assessments and performance monitoring
  • Monitors teachers and supports continuous academic improvement
  • Her commitment to academic excellence ensures that students are well- prepared for both vocational success and national examinations, while remaining rooted in Christian values.

At St. Agnes we the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes form a strong and united community dedicated to transforming lives through education. Our presence goes beyond administration- role models of prayer, service, discipline and compassion. Through our collaboration, we offer young Ugandans not just knowledge but formation for life.

This is not just a school- it is a mission, planting seeds of hope, faith and future leadership in Uganda.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO STUDENT’ HOLISTIC FORMATION

  • Spiritual Formation:
  • Teach the students to know and love God through prayer, Mass, retreats and religious education
  • Guide the learners to live with faith, forgiveness, peace and respect for others

  • Moral Formation:
  • We the sisters are the role models of discipline, honesty, humility and service
  • Teach the students to make good choices and live with integrity

  • Academic Excellence:
  • Ensure the students work hard in class and perform well in national exams
  • Guide the teachers plan lessons, and support learning with care and commitment


  • Vocational and Life Skills:
  • Offer vocational training such as tailoring, hairdressing, catering, carpentry, art and design, music and drama, agriculture and computer skills… to prepare students for life after school
  • Encourage the learners to be self-reliant and creative

  • Emotional and Social Growth:
  • Listen to students and provide counseling and support
  • Create a safe, friendly school where leaners feel loved and accepted.
  • Help the students to become responsible, faithful and hardworking citizens.

Values- Based Education:

Provide education that shapes both the mind and heart of the leaner. Key values taught include

  • Faith and prayer – Learners grow spiritually through daily devotions and mass
  • Discipline – Learners are trained to be orderly, respectful and responsible
  • Hard work – Students are encouraged to work smart and aim for excellence
  • Compassion and service – Learners are taught to care for others and serve with love
  • Honesty and humility – truthfulness and simplicity are part of school life

This values- based education prepares students not only for exams but for life, leadership and service.

Inclusive Education Practices:

The school believes that every child matters regardless of background, ability, tribe and culture

  • Welcoming learners from all walks of life – rich or poor, catholic or non- catholic
  • Support for orphans, single mothers children and vulnerable through reduced fees and care
  • Counseling and guidance for students with emotional and academic challenges
  • Equal opportunities for both boys and girls in academics, leadership and sports
  • Encouragement of students with learning difficulties through patient teaching and extra help

The sisters, through St. Agnes School, are building a generation of learners who are 

  • Well- educated
  • Rooted in values
  • Open to all and
  • Prepared to transform their families and communities

This MISSION continues to bring HOPE, DIGNITY and OPPORTUNITY to young people in UGANDA

School

School Campus

Students in Practical Lesson

MDD – Cultural Dances

Games & Sports Time

Vocational Skills – Tailoring

Vocational Skills – Catering

Agriculture Practicals

Carpentry & Joinery

Livelihood-skill training

PASTORAL APOSTOLATE

We the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes carry out pastoral work as part of our mission to bring the love of Christ to all people. We are deeply rooted in our Charism of communion and service especially among the poor and marginalized.

Spiritual Mission Rooted in Communion:

We are called to live and build communion among ourselves and in the world as we serve. Our work flows from prayer, contemplation and a desire to make Christ known and loved through service.

Parish Involvement:

In Nattyole Parish and other surrounding sub parishes:

  • Participate actively in daily and Sunday Eucharistic celebrations
  • Offer spiritual guidance and moral support to parishioners
  • Assist priests in pastoral planning and organizing church events
  • Serve as liaisons between the church and the community especially the youth, the women, and the elderly.

Catechism and faith formation:

In Nattyole Parish and other surrounding sub parishes:

  • Children’s Catechism:  We prepare children for first Holy Communion and Confirmation
  • Adult catechesis: We help adults preparing for Baptism or to return to the faith
  • Youth Ministry: We guide youth through faith- based activities, retreats, motivational talks, encouraging leadership and responsible Christian living.

Liturgical Animation:

  • Training liturgical ministers( altar servers, readers, choir0
  • Organizing special liturgies for feasts, funerals and celebrations
  • Preparing prayer services, rosary sessions, adoration and novenas
  • Introducing creative and contextual ways of praising God using local culture… songs, dance, and language.

Home Visits and Family Apostolate:

  • Visiting the sick and elderly – bringing comfort, prayer.
  • Conducting family prayers in homes, especially in times of sickness, loss and thanksgiving
  • Offering counseling and support for family issues, marriage conflicts and youth challenges
  • Promoting Christian family values, unity, forgiveness and love

Missionary Outreach and Evangelization:

  • Driven by the missionary spirit, the sisters:
  • Reach out to remote and spiritually neglected areas
  • Share the word of God with people who are far from the church
  • Collaborate with parish evangelization teams to organize missions, door-to-door outreach and prayer.

Special Pastoral Activities:

  • Celebrate the liturgical seasons … Advent, Lent, Easter 
  • Organize vocational camps to encourage young girls to consider religious life
  • Celebrate Feast of St. Joseph with the youth of our parish
  • Promote peace, justice, and reconciliation through church teachings.

Collaboration with the Local Church:

  • We work hand-in-hand with
  • Parish priest and other religious
  • Lay movements – St. Joseph youth alive choir, the elderly
  • Support the evangelizing mission of the local church in the spirit of unity and communion.

As Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes, we see our pastoral apostolate as more than just a duty- it is a joyful response to God’s call. 

In Nattyole Parish, we strive to be instruments of peace, love, and communion. We are grateful to be part of this sacred work, and with God’s grace, we continue to sow seeds of hope, faith and love- building a vibrant church and a more compassionate society, one person, one family one community at a time. 

Home Visits

Visiting the Sick

Christmas Celebration

Community Prayer Gathering

Youth Ministry Program

Parish Pastoral Activities

Catechism

HEALTH MINISTRY

St. Kizito Health Center 111- Nattyole

As Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes, we carry forward the healing mission of Christ through our health ministry, with a special focus on the health center 111 in Uganda, Nattyole. In the spirit of compassionate service, we strive to reach out to the sick, the vulnerable and the marginalized with dignity and care.

Health Care Services Provided:

At our health center 111, we provide a wide range of essential medical services aimed at promoting the well-being of individuals and communities. These include:

  • Outpatient Care – General consultations, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses
  • Inpatient services – Basic admissions for cases requiring close observation and care
  • Laboratory services – routine investigations to aid in diagnosis and monitoring
  • Pharmacy services – providing prescribed medications and ensuring proper drug administration
  • Immunization services – regular vaccination for children and adults to prevent communicable diseases.
  • Ambulance services – Emergency transportation to higher-level hospitals for critical cases, maternal emergencies, and accident victims
  • Ultrasound scan services – Diagnostic scans to support antenatal care, abdominal concerns and other medical conditions
  • Dental Services – Basic dental care including extractions, dental hygiene education and pain management
  • ART Clinic (Antiretroviral Therapy) – Ongoing care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS, including counseling, testing and drug adherence support.

Special Programs

We have introduced special programs to meet the specific needs of our local communities

  • Mother and child health care: We offer antenatal and postnatal care, safe deliveries, nutrition counseling, immunizations and growth monitoring to ensure the health of mothers and child.
  • Mobile Clinic Services: Through outreach programs, we bring essential health services to remote villages and underserved populations. These include health education, screenings, minor treatments and referrals.
  • Health education and Awareness: We regularly conduct sessions on topics such as hygiene, nutrition, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and malaria prevention.

Collaboration And Partnerships

To enhance the effectiveness of our services, we work in close collaboration with local health departments, district health offices and other NGO’s. These partnerships allow us to:

  • Access training and capacity-building opportunities for our staff
  • Benefit from supply chains for essential medicines and vaccines
  • Implement government-led health programs effectively at the grassroots level
  • Organize joint medical outreach and awareness campaigns
  • Train our staff in updated clinical practices and public health approaches.

As we continue our health ministry in Nattyole, we remain committed to providing holistic and accessible healthcare, upholding the values of love, compassion and service. Through our health services, we seek not only to treat illness but also to promote dignity, healing and hope among the communities we serve.

Sister Involved in Patient Care

Staff Team in Action

Interaction With Patients

Outreach Activities

Health Center