Sr Gladyce Kachope (right), the outgoing Immaculate Hearts Girls School, Nyakibale with NMG's Israel Alex Ahumuza in an Interview at the school in Rukungiri Municipality on March 23, 2025. PHOTO/NMG
Immaculate Heart Girls’ School, Nyakibale on March 23 hosted a heartfelt farewell ceremony for Sr Gladyce Kachope, marking the end of her remarkable 18-year tenure as headmistress. Under her leadership, the school registered significant improvements in academic performance and infrastructure, achieving outstanding results in the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations.
The colorful ceremony, held at the school premises in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, was presided over by Msgr. Dr John Sunday Vianney, the Vicar General of Kabale Diocese. He emphasized the importance of balancing quality education with physical development and commended Sr Kachope for her dedication to academic and spiritual excellence within the school community.
Incoming headmistress, Sr Sabina Tumusiime, praised her predecessor’s achievements, notably the major improvements in infrastructure and the establishment of agricultural projects that have enhanced food security for students. She recalled the difficult days before these developments:
"We used to sit under the sun suffocating in the direct sunshine, but Sr Kachope built magnificent structures that shaped the school," Sr Tumusiime said.
She also lauded Sr Kachope’s exemplary teacher recruitment practices, which ensured the delivery of quality education and elevated the school’s reputation. Sr Tumusiime, who was recognized as Africa's best teacher in 2019, stressed the importance of sustainable agriculture, noting that some of the food served to students comes from the school’s gardens.
Reflecting on her 18-year journey at the school, Sr Kachope attributed her success to divine guidance, citing milestones in student enrollment and infrastructure development.
"What I remember vividly is the academic performance of our students, who have consistently achieved high grades that would astonish the nation," she stated.
She expressed pride in the school’s continued dominance in both regional and national performance charts but raised concerns about the government’s push for science education without adequate resources.
"As sciences become compulsory for all students, the government must do more to support schools with the necessary materials and infrastructure," Sr Kachope urged, pointing out the disparity in resources.
She further highlighted the school’s critical staffing challenge, revealing that only 52 out of 110 teachers are on government payroll, placing a heavy financial burden on the school’s board of governors. This is especially troubling given the school’s enrollment of over 2,500 students.
Mrs Juliet Muzoora, the Commissioner for Secondary Education and guest of honor, praised Sr Kachope for her immense contribution to girl child education and the implementation of a learner-centered curriculum. She described Sr Kachope as one of Uganda’s most influential headteachers, whose legacy in transforming educational standards and co-curricular activities will continue to be celebrated.
Rukungiri Municipality legislator, Dr Elisa Rutahigwa, also commended Sr Kachope for her exemplary leadership and called on the government to support ongoing projects, including the construction of a new administrative block.
Sr Gladyce Kachope: An Educator’s Legacy of Excellence and Empowerment
Born to the late Mr and Mrs Daudi Kachope Muntukwonka Achaali in Mahamba Village, Kabarole District, Sr Gladyce Kachope’s passion for education was evident from a young age. She began her education at Kiburarara Primary School, later joining Immaculate Heart Girls’ School for her secondary education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in History and Christian Religious Education (CRE), and a Master’s in Education Administration, both from Makerere University.
Her career started at Maryhill High School in Mbarara District, where she rose to Deputy Headteacher. In a career-defining move, she returned to her alma mater, Immaculate Heart Girls’ School, as headmistress.
"All my life, I was very interested in education," she reflected. "As a religious nun, part of our mission is to care for the lowly and the disadvantaged, and education meets that goal. However, as an individual, I loved teaching, and I still do."
Driven to challenge perceptions of rural schools, Sr Kachope worked tirelessly to elevate Immaculate Heart Girls’ School to national and international recognition.
"One of my strategies was to closely work with students to understand their problems. It’s more effective to collaborate rather than dictate; the burden is lighter when we work as a team," she shared.
In 2019, Sr Kachope received continental recognition, winning the prestigious Continental Teacher Prize from the African Union (AU). She was one of only three winners across Africa, earning a $10,000 award for her exemplary service in promoting quality education and inspiring her peers. The AU stated that the award was designed to "promote teaching as a first-choice profession, celebrate outstanding teachers, and enhance the visibility and status of teachers in Africa."
After assuming leadership at Immaculate Heart Girls’ School on February 8, 2006, Sr Kachope has now transitioned to her new role as headmistress of Boni Consilii Girls’ Vocational Secondary School in Isingiro District, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a community that will fondly remember her contributions.
