In 1992, Bishop Deogratias Byabazaire, Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese in Uganda, East Africa, recognized the need to raise educational standards and prepare children for Catholic leadership within the Kibaale district. That year, he approached Sister Mary Joell Overman, the Superior General, about sending Sisters of Notre Dame to undertake this work. Sr. Mary Margaret Droege and Sister Mary Amy Hauck, leaders of the Kentucky and California provinces of the Sisters of Notre Dame, approached their sisters about responding to this need. The provinces decided to jointly establish a mission.

In July 1995, four Sisters of Notre Dame arrived in Buseesa, Uganda. By 1998 St. Julie Primary School began and in 2003 Notre Dame Academy Senior Secondary School opened its doors. Young Ugandan women first entered a formation program in 2002. The first novices from Uganda made their profession of vows in October of 2006. With these steps, Notre Dame made a new home in Uganda.

To read more about the history and accomplishments of St. Julie Mission, download our celebration booklet.

Above: Students at St. Julie Primary School raise the Ugandan flag. Below: St. Julie Mission today provides education for nearly 200 students.