Adeladius Makwega – MWANZA
In human life, God grants each person a chance to live on earth. The key question is this: when you leave, what kind of mark do you leave behind—one that guides others safely through life?
This is a question each of us must ask ourselves.
“There are those who leave behind thorns and obstacles in their footsteps—paths no one would wish to follow. Are your footsteps safe for others to walk in and reach a better place?”
We must strive to leave behind footsteps that others can follow safely.
This reflection comes to Mwanakwetu while thinking about the life of Antony Petro Mayala, who served as Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Musoma (February 12, 1979), and later as Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mwanza (November 18, 1987). He was born on April 25, 1940, in Ibindo, Kwimba (Mwanza Region), and passed away on August 19, 2009.
“Bishop Antony Mayala believed that for a human being to achieve liberation and truly know God, education was essential. He therefore laid the foundation for building educational institutions—from primary schools to universities—both in rural and urban areas, with a strong focus on empowering girls.”
These were the words of Padre Abel, speaking by phone from Uganda, where he was accompanying students from Archbishop Antony Mayala Girls’ Secondary School in Ibindo on a study tour.
Looking at the Mwanza Region, it is a community of farmers and pastoralists who deeply respect both the hoe and livestock.
“The Wasukuma highly value their cattle, ensuring they pass through proper paths. It is rare to see livestock destroying farms—because farmers and pastoralists depend on each other. One needs crops, the other needs livestock products.”
Just as livestock must follow proper paths, so must human beings—especially when guided by education.
This was Bishop Mayala’s philosophy. His legacy lives on through many initiatives, especially in education and health. One clear example is the Archbishop Antony Mayala Girls’ School, which continues to benefit girls in Mwanza and beyond by providing quality education and strong moral upbringing.
“Our school offers science, arts, languages, and life skills, while also nurturing students spiritually.”
Added Padre Abel.
In April 2026, the school organized a 10-day study tour in Uganda. During the visit, they toured several institutions, including:
“St. Aloysius Girls Secondary School, Divine Mercy Secondary School , Bright Future Secondary School , Uganda Martyrs University and
they also visited the pilgrimage site of Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, where the Uganda Martyrs were killed under Kabaka Mwanga II during the early arrival of missionaries in East Africa.”
Padre Abel emphasized the importance of multilingual education at the school, where students learn English, French, Chinese, and Kiswahili—essential in today’s globalized world.
Mwanakwetu’s Reflection Today
The Archbishop Antony Mayala Girls’ School stands as one of the enduring legacies of Bishop Mayala, especially in rural areas of the Archdiocese of Mwanza.
Mwanakwetu notes that Bishop Mayala strongly advocated for girls’ education—recognizing that women often spend more time raising and shaping future generations, yet historically have been denied equal opportunities such as inheritance of land and livestock.
Thus, establishing a girls’ school in that region was a transformative step.The school is a living symbol of Bishop Mayala’s legacy—footsteps that cannot be erased.
Mwanakwetu, are you there? Remember:
“The Unfading Footprints of Bishop Antony Mayala.”
Have a good day.
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