January 22, 2017: The ASEC Uganda Alumni Association elected new executive members during their annual workshop and General Meeting held at St. Mary’s National Major Seminary, Ggaba, Kampala- Uganda from January 20-23. Sr. Irene Lucy Onyai, LSMIG, the ASEC Coordinator presided over the elections in which the following were elected:
- Sr. Theresa Nakamya DM, chairperson
- Sr. Petronilla Kyomugisha MSMMC, vice-chairperson
- Sr. Anne jolly GSS Namugga, Secretary
- Sr. Julie Awacango SHS, Treasurer
- Sr. Mary Goretti Nassuuna LSOSF, member
Sixty four women religious, including SLDI and HESA alumni from fourteen religious institutes attended the annual workshop and general meeting. This year's theme was “Called to be united in the mercy of the Heavenly Father.”
Sr. Germina Keneema, Uganda Country Directorm ushered in the alumni on January 20th and the workshop officially commenced with the address on Zoom from Rev. Sr. Jane Wakahiu Phd, the ASEC Executive Director. Sr. Jane appreciated the efforts the sisters put in ASEC programs and encouraged them to utilize the knowledge and skills received. She called upon them to document success stories of the ministries of sisters and send them for them to ASEC to be published on the website, e-newsletters and the annual newsletter.
A workshop on "Conflict management, resolution and transition" was facilitated by ASEC alumna Sr. Judith Athieno SHS and Ms. Mary Paul Atabong. Using Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, the facilitators explored the eight stages of human development. The participant centered presentation, included group sharing which generated life giving aspects concerning proper use of talents both for the Institute and ministries. It was clear that while conflict cannot be avoided completely, it can be managed or reduced and help people to grow.
Among the agenda for the annual General meeting was the Elections and handover of the Alumni Executive of which its inception was 2014. The members were:
- Sr. Mary Kyomukama, DST
- Sr. Judth Athieno SHS
- Sr. Angella Nakitende SMR
- Sr. Mary Grace Nanyanzi DM
- Sr. Leocadia Ayebare OLGC (RIP)
The loss of one of the Executive member, Sr. Leocadia Ayebale (RIP) created a gap that was hard to fill. Sr. Leocadia was present at the time of the handover seated in the chair represented by a beautiful flower. Later, her predecessor Sr. Goretti Nassuuna held the flower with treasure in her hands. Sr. Leocadia will shower the same flowers on all ASEC Alumni. The Country Director Sr. Germina Keneema, on behalf of ASEC, awarded certificates of appreciation to the outgoing leadership team.
The whole process of the workshop which began and ended in a jovial mood and left the participants with zeal to renew their fidelity to religious life in order to bear fruits in their apostolate. The participants acknowledged with gratitude the invaluable work done by ASEC through SLDI and HESA programs in empowering the sisters with profound leadership skills that have contributed to the achievement of a lot of success.
