Nakawa East Member of Parliament, Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi, has remembered his contribution to helping the late Father John Scalabrini secure land for humanitarian and development investments in Uganda. Ruhindi described Father Scalabrini as a selfless man who dedicated his life to serving humanity in Uganda. He made these remarks at Bishop Cypriano Kihangire Secondary School in Luzira, where students, staff, religious leaders, and other guests had gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Father Scalabrini.
Ruhindi's association with Father Scalabrini dates back to the mid-1990s when he was serving as Cooperation Secretary at the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). Father Scalabrini visited Ruhindi's office in search of land for investments intended to benefit humanity. Ruhindi was impressed by Father Scalabrini's ability to connect with people from different backgrounds, recalling an encounter between the priest and his secretary, Eunice, who was from Gulu.
Ruhindi explained that Father Scalabrini told him he was searching for land to establish investments that would serve humanity. The issue resurfaced years later when Ruhindi had become a Minister and Attorney General. Ruhindi worked with senior government officials, including the then Minister of Lands, Hon. Omara Atubo, and the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabasaijja, to support Father Scalabrini's request.
The team presented the matter to the President of Uganda, who supported the initiative. The Emmaus Foundation subsequently received 20 acres of land, which became a foundation for several investments associated with Father Scalabrini's work. Ruhindi said many developments are now situated on that land, making him proud to have played a part in supporting the late priest's vision.
Father Scalabrini, an Italian priest who spent most of his life in Uganda, arrived in the country in 1964 and was assigned to establish a church in Awach, Gulu. During his years in northern Uganda, he helped establish nine bush schools, reflecting his commitment to education and community development. His legacy expanded to several institutions and initiatives, including Bishop Cypriano Kihangire Secondary School and the Emmaus Foundation.
Ruhindi also used the occasion to encourage students to embrace the broader purpose of education, drawing on the four pillars of education identified by UNESCO. He cited learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together, and learning to be as important elements in preparing young people for life. Ruhindi welcomed Uganda's competency-based curriculum, saying it gives greater emphasis to practical skills.
Ruhindi challenged the students to develop confidence and believe in their abilities, urging them to embrace the fourth pillar—learning to be. He remained proud of his association with Father Scalabrini's work, particularly the effort that helped secure land for the priest's investments. For Ruhindi, Father Scalabrini's story demonstrates how individuals who dedicate themselves to humanity can leave lasting institutions and opportunities.
Key points
- Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi helped secure 20 acres of land for Father John Scalabrini's humanitarian investments in Uganda.
- Father Scalabrini dedicated his life to serving humanity in Uganda, establishing several institutions and initiatives.
- Ruhindi encouraged students to embrace the four pillars of education identified by UNESCO.
