1731: Phiona Ngabirwe on Humanist Education, Women’s Empowerment, Secularism, and Critical Thinking in Uganda
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Medium (Personal)
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2026/08/04
“I am the headteacher at Kasese Humanist Primary School and the chairperson of the Bizoha Women Empowerment Group. I work hard to help girls and young mothers to be well.”
“My stepmothers are Catholic, so I grew up confused. Until, I learnt more about humanism. This made me doubt religions. Now, I am a Humanist. I don’t think I will ever be religious again.”
“I came to Kasese in 2011 after completing my college. I was searching for a school to teach in. Lucky enough, I landed at Kasese Humanist Primary School, where I got a vacancy of teaching and what made me comfortable was that the school was a secular school. I felt at home.”
“Oh, I may say that Kasese humanist schools are so unique. It gives freedom to children and being a Humanist school. It makes it different from other schools in Uganda. We follow Ugandan curriculum while teaching, but we a have a special subject which is humanism. I am proud to teach humanism in this school.”
“The difficulties are not many. We only have one challenge, where most parents are religious. So, they think that school is evil. Maybe, the enemies of the school who try to destroy our name that we are not worthy. The reward is that our school is an international school. Our students are so exposed to technology.”
“Skills and knowledge even to the rest of the world. To me, I have met up with very many Humanists all over the world and teaching at Kasese humanist school has made me to be a very strong woman and focused.”
“Oh, it has been very strange, very many religious leaders have tried their best to fail us in all ways by preaching against Kasese humanist. But good enough, we have stayed determined to serve and to show the truth in us.”
“Yes, our students who complete their studies from Kasese humanist schools are always different from other students from different schools because we help our students to be good citizens, to be an example for others. They go out with skills like sewing, carpentry, and welding. This has helped them to be job creators rather than job seekers.”
“They need first love what they are going to do, determined and they have to read more about humanism books and maybe to have self-esteem in them.”
“I am so happy and excited to have my conversation with you, and talk about my lovely school and myself. I wish everyone to know the truth about humanism and this can make the world a better place to live in.”
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