223/1 O’LEVEL CRE GUIDELINES ON

QUESTION APPROACH
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1.CRE is a living subject; it deals with all the living aspects of human
life.

2. It is therefore important that a student is well versed with the day

today issues of the society.

3.Examinations mean organization and in trying to pass exams the

student should know that the examiner is trying to check and see if
the student grasped the major conceptual ideas in the subject.
5.Therefore prior preparation and recitation of the subject
points is very important and only the steadfast ones become
victorious.

6.A candidate should use strictly 30 minutes for every Question.

This will enable a candidate to have all the (5) questions done in
two and a half hours.

7.Rubric cases: Rubric means failure to follow instructions. You

are expected to answer five (5) questions and one question
from each section. "-unwanted work should be crossed out.
8. Synthetic handling marks: Make sure you pick any three (3) points or
paragraphs and attach a specific example. This is because in most
questions, marks are distributed into two principle marks and SH
marks

9.Avoid negative statements: Words like not, never, avoid ,discouraged

are considered negative words.

10.Even if the situation or event is negative, lessons should be written

in positive language e.g Lessons learnt from the story of Cain and Abel,
disobedience of man lessons should be written in positive language.
11.Avoid Conclusions and definitions simply because they aren't
awarded marks. A short opening statement accompanied with the
qualifiers should be given though no marks are awarded.

12.Avoid being wordy. Be brief and precise i.e. point, Explanation

and an example(PEE), 2-3 lines are enough.

13.Use the right tense in which the question has been set.

N.B use words in the questions e.g. can, learn, has ,should, and
would for example What can Christians learn from the story of
Adam and Eve? The candidate should say Christians can learn to
14.Use the phrase for example whenever giving an example. The example
should at least carry 3 ws i.e. who, Where, what, when, why.

16.Avoid abbreviations e.g O.T, N.T e.g. for O.T to the examiner may
mean Old Trafford.

17.Number your work correctly. Follow the order as per the question
paper.

18.Avoid repetition of points. Draw a sketch / Outline of points to avoid

repetition of points. Below are cases of grouped points and candidate
should give / pick one point from the group.
Otherwise a candidate may give three points which are related and
ends up getting one mark.

Workshop/conferences/seminars )
Corruption / embezzlement / segregation / nepotism / tribalism /
bribery / favoritism .
Bible study /reading the bible/scripture studies.
Charity work/helping the needy.
Forgiveness/reconciliation .
Worship /praise ,singing hymns/choir practice.
Preaching/ evangelism/gospel outreach/spreading the gospel /
gospel teaching.

Pilgrimages/ holy journeys.

Holy marriage/Holy matrimony.

Beatitudes: Being peaceful, humble, poor in spirit, merciful, pure in

heart, unless asked to give beatitudes but if asked teachings then 2
maximum should be given especially when it comes to the New
Testament teaching on happiness, success, justice.
Land, fertile soils, cattle.
food, harvest. etc.
Respect/ honor Prestige/pride.

Be neat by skipping a line every after a paragraph. A student's work

will look smart.
19.Avoid writing the question; just write the question number (9a).This
helps to catch up with time.

20.Bible questions are dominant. So if it's biblical teaching then give Old
Testament teaching and New Testament teaching and the two be
balanced.

The recommended words (qualifiers) are; The bible teaches/calls

upon(Give teachings and not activities.) Teaching are basically Christian
e.g love, prayer, forgiveness, humble ,self-control ,charity etc
Jesus attending a Holly marriage at Can is not a teaching but an activity
which has teachings behind it e.g Christians should help those in need
or Christians should attend social functions.
21.Changes, effects, attitude, achievements, role a candidate should
give both positive and negative. NB: The last two depends on the
activity).
22.For personality questions, a candidate should first give background
of the person in the question e.g date, country of birth, names of
parents i.e. St Augustine was born in AD Numidia in N. Africa.

23.Refer to the question you are attempting to avoid getting lost or off
topic.
24.Avoid having a preference of a certain sub-theme for it may turn
out to be hard in the final exam.

25.Give enough points. At least 13points and above and leave the
examiner to decide on how many points to take and which ones to live
out.
26.keep the question in singular or plural as per the question demands
for example:

How can a student.....,You should phrase the answers as: A student can...
.and not Students can..

27.Always introduce your work or have an opening statement before

writing the answers.

The opening statement should have words/tense used in the question,

but this will not earn you any mark.

28.For suggestive questions, learners should employ words like; should,

can, May, might, etc. But it's better to stick to the word in the question
to stay on track.
29.Do not produce the notes as you have them for example questions
like;
Using the knowledge of the Old Testament, what advise can you give
to the youth who does not want to work?

Such a question do not need the Old Testament teaching on work but
to use the teaching in advising the youth.

30.Mind about the tense of the question and write your answer in the
correct tense. Any point in the wrong tense is not awarded.

31.Start with any number from any section. Do five questions. Doing
less numbers means that you are failing.
32.Raise as many points as possible. At least ten (13) points and above.

33.Be brief in your points. At least two lines. Any extra explanation should
be aimed at getting an S.H point.

34.Do not write introduction or conclusion. They are not awarded any
mark. Do not waste time.
QUESTION ANSWERING TECHNIQUES
1.The way in which a question is set determines how it is answered.

As I already said, you will need to use the content read in your notes,
your knowledge of the contemporary issues and personal understanding
to answer the question.

However, the following technicalities must be observed and strictly

followed in answering CRE questions.
2. Look at the set-up of the question and do not change it while
answering. For example look at the question below :

What factors people consider when choosing a marriage partner?

A student should start;
People consider……………………….when choosing a marriage
partner.

A student who starts like this; people should consider gets it wrong
because should is not in the question. It is not a suggestive question
like;

What factors should people consider …………………… In which a

student is required to start;
People should consider………………
3. Bible questions;
Bible questions require a student to express his knowledge of the
Bible.

It has been noted that many students do not have Bible

knowledge,(they don’t have time to read the Bible).

Teachers should ensure that all CRE students have bibles and read
them regularly.

If the questions require bible teaching without reference to a

particular testament, then both the Old and the New Testament
must equally be used.
A student who uses only one testament goes with half mark
e.g. What does the bible teach about work?

Answers must come from both the Old and the New
Testament.

In Cases when they specify the testament, a student should

concentrate on that specific testament, e.g. What does the OT
teach about work?, Answers must come only from the Old
testament.

Be careful not to confuse the Testaments. The name Jesus,

church do not appear in the Old Testament
Answers on Bible questions can either be in the present or PAST tense
depending on the way the question is set.

4.Comparison questions take a lot of marks because each point takes

two marks.

They need few points. However it is not easy to compare.

A student must be careful to ensure that he compares very well

When comparing; both sides must come out very well and items must
not be confused e.g.
How does African understanding of happiness differ from that of the
present situation?

The right student should compare items like cows, children, land,
wives, etc. as single contrast.

He may say In African tradition people looked at happiness from

having many cows while today people look at happiness from having
few high quality cows.

In African tradition people look at happiness from having many

children but today people look at happiness few children whom they
can look after very well.
5. Example questions
Questions which start like; with example or by giving examples;

An example must be given on every point given. Any point without an

example is not rewarded.
In such a question a candidate gets 5marks for examples and five
marks for points.

6. Changes required in the question.

Care must be taken when answering questions which require changes
brought about by something. In most cases, these questions need two
sided answers.
In this case, both sides must come out very well e.g.
In which ways did the coming of the missionaries change African ways
of life?
The right answer should be:

The coming of the missionaries changed Africans from worshipping

many gods to worshipping only one God or

The coming of the missionaries changed Africans from using

traditional herbs to using modern medicine.

The examiner is interested to see the change from one state to

another.
7. Words used in the question
Words used in the question such as can, should, may, would etc. Must be
maintained in the answers.

Do not change the meaning of the question by altering the above words
e.g. in a question like this one;

How should a Christian prepare for eternal life?. The answers should be ;

A Christian should prepare for eternal life through/by………….A student

who writes ; A Christian can or may ;gets it wrong because the word
used in the question is not can or may.
8. Two sided questions
Questions which require the student to give ; Effects, Attitudes,
Changes, Affected, require both positive and negative answers.
A student who gives only one side either positive or negative
goes with half marks.
Some questions are more negative or positive than the other eg
what changes were brought about by the Lord’s Resistance war
in Northern Uganda. This requires more negative points than
positive ones.
Sometimes the question of change will require you to show only
the end point eg what changes were brought about by the fall
of man?
What changes did Christian missionaries bring to Africa?
9. Bases of the questions
Questions have bases for example;

What lessons do modern Christians learn from the way Jesus worked or
what makes young people unhappy today?

In this case, modern Christians or young people are the bases of the
question.

These must be maintained. Changing them makes the answers wrong.

10. Applications /lesson question.
They are questions which require application of knowledge.

In this case, both sides must come out well.

First identify the point then apply it to the situation e.g. what
lessons do modern Christians learn from the life of Apollo
Kivebulaya?.
The answer should be;
Apollo Kivebulaya donated his one cow to the church of Mboga;
Christians should donate their property to the church.

A student who keeps the knowledge point in his head and only
gives a lesson either misses the mark or goes with half a mark.
Another example is;
What lessons do church leaders learn from the New Testament teaching
on service?

The answer should be;

The New Testament teaches that humility is important in service, church
leaders should be humble when serving others.
11. Negative statements
Negative statements in answers are not marked. For example in
the question
What are the qualities of a good leader?

The right answer can be; A good leader should be impartial when
judging cases
.
A negative statement/answer can be;

A good leader should not show sides when judging cases; avoid
not in your answers.
12. Answers which come from syllabus points

There are questions which require getting answers from the syllabus
points.

A student should be careful not to give syllabus points instead of

getting answers from those points e.g.

Explain the advantages of changes that have taken place due to

science and technology?

Note that there are changes brought about by science and

technology. These are syllabus points.
But the question above does not need these changes but the
advantages of these changes. Hence; a student should first give the
change and then show its advantages e. g.

Science and Technology has introduced modern medicine which has

helped to treat and cure peoples diseases.

A student who says ; Science and Technology has brought modern

medicine and stops there gets it wrong.

Another example can be;

What are the advantages and disadvantages of African traditional ideals
about work?
Do you know the African ideals about work?
Can you give their advantages?
13. S.H marks
Some marks are reserved for S.H mark. From each question at least
2-5 marks are reserved as S.H marks. These marks act as control
marks to cause students individual differences.

An S.H mark is given to a student who gives a well detailed example

in his point. A detailed example shows ‘who’, ‘where’, and ‘when’
For example; what were the effects of the Christian missionary work
in Uganda?

A student can say; missionaries constructed schools in Uganda. This

student gets a point right but misses an S.H mark hence he takes
one point instead of two.
To take an S.H mark a student can say missionaries constructed
schools in Uganda . For example, the missionaries from the church
missionary society constructed Mengo Secondary school in central
Uganda.

A student who says. For example Mengo SS misses the S.H mark
because that example is not detailed.

Some questions however do not carry S.H marks and a student need
not waste time thinking about an example.

He should just give plain points.

Take note of the following questions;

14.Questions which carry S.H marks ;you need to give examples in
about 3-4 points here out of 13points.
Questions which carry S.H marks start with
What reasons, Why , Explain ,How ,Give reasons ,In what ways
Don’t give examples in each and every point here its wastage of time.

Questions which do not carry S.H marks start with

Give, Show, Mention, Identify, Outline, List down, Point out, What,
Who, When, Describe, State, suggest, Give the similarities etc.

Questions which require SH in every paragraph

With examples ,differences, what lessons, questions that require
answers from syllabus points, solution questions in most cases
15. Monotonous answers
Try to alter the words used in your answers to avoid monotony of words
For example; a question like;
What can the church do to fight injustices in society?
A monotonous student will say ;
The church can encourage hard work
The church can encourage justice
The church can encourage reconciliation
The can encourage impartiality etc.

In most cases the word encourage becomes monotonous and here a

student is given a maximum of two marks even if he has ten point. To
guard against this, alter the words instead of using encourage only, you
can use: can advise, can promote, can help etc.
QUESTION QUALIFIERS
1. Knowledge questions;

These are questions that require a candidate to have knowledge of

the subject matter; such questions do not carry SH marks

A candidate is required to give direct answers only e.g.

What changes that were brought about by the fall of man in the
Old Testament?

However a candidate should be careful of the tense.

In this category we have questions that do not carry SH already
seen above.
2. Questions on personalities:
The questions on personalities requires background of the person, this
carries an SH mark.

Most questions on personality require past tense and what these

people did e.g.

How was Apollo Kivebulaya an agent of change?

The above question requires the activities of Apollo Kivebulaya.

3 Question interpretations:
What should a Christian put into consideration when choosing work
today?

Note the following about the above question;

A candidate must use should as a qualifier

The question is in singular form i.e. “a Christian”; a candidate who says

“Christians” gets it wrong because he/she has changed the question to
a plural form.

Therefore a candidate needs to take note of the language of the

questions.
4. Questions of “how”, In what ways etc.
These in most cases require qualifiers .The most recommended qualifiers
are; Through & By e.g.

1. In what ways did Jesus use His authority to serve people around him in
the New Testament?

2. How was Job a successful man in the Old Testament?

3. How is the Church successful today?

4. In what ways is the church successful today?

Qn1.Jesus used his authority to serve people around him through healing
them of their diseases
Qn2.Job was a successful man through being faithful to God.

Job was a successful man through suffering from terrible skin diseases
but kept his faith.

Job was a successful man through resisting the advice of his wife i.e. to
curse God and die

Job was a successful man by keeping in close relationship with God

against the advice of his friends.

Job was a successful man through keeping hope in God although he had
lost all his children
Qn3.The church is successful today through building schools
Through constructing financial institutions
Questions of why:
The qualifier in these questions is the word “because” e.g.
Why is unfaithfulness common in marriages in Uganda today?
Possible responses
Unfaithfulness is common in Uganda today because of domestic violence
in homes.
Questions on understanding:
In questions of understanding, the following phrases should be used;
Understood as…………
Seen as/to be……………
Viewed as…………………..
Considered to be/as…………….
Believed to be……………
Regarded as…………..
1. What was the general understanding of a successful person in
the Traditional African Society?

2. What was the Traditional African understanding of Happiness?

3. How was Happiness understood in African Traditional Society?

4. What was the African Traditional understanding of marriage?

Possible responses on questions 1, 2, 3, & 4 above:

Question one is in a singular form therefore a candidate who uses

plural form gets it wrong e.g.
People in African Traditional Society who had many cows were
considered to be successful .

Note: This point is wrong because the candidate has used the word
people (plural) yet the question requires a person (singular).

Qn2.
In question two, a candidate should give an understanding of
happiness e.g.

In African Traditional Society happiness was understood as or viewed

as or seen as having many cows.
Note: one of the underlined qualifiers in the response should be used.
Qn3.
Question 4 is approached in the same way as question three. E.g.

In African tradition, polygamy (having many wives) was seen as an ideal

form of marriage.

In African Tradition, marriage was considered to be sacred and ordained

by the gods and the ancestors.

Marriage in African tradition was viewed as being permanent; here

divorce was rare and discouraged.

In traditional African society, marriage was considered to be compulsory.

Questions on source:

In questions on sources, the following phrases should be used i.e.

Through, By, From.

For example:
What were the general sources of success in African traditional Society?

2What were the sources of happiness in African traditional society?

3. How was happiness attained in African traditional society?
Possible responses to questions 1, 2, & 3
Qn1.
Please note that question one is in “singular form,” use a person or one or
he or she.

Possible answer to question one

In African traditional society, a person attained success through/by/from
having many cows.
Possible answer to question two;
In African traditional society, happiness was attained through or from or by
having many wives
Note: use any of the above qualifiers underlined.
Question three is answered in the same way as question two.
Questions of what:
These questions require a candidate to start with a point.

They are more like general questions already seen above.

They might use wordings similar to those above. However, a candidate

should know that they are different and should at all times avoid use of
by, or through, or from when giving answers. E.g.
1.What brought happiness to the people in African traditional societies?

2.What were sources of success in African tradition?

3.What qualities were considered when choosing a marriage partner in

African societies?
Possible responses to questions 1, 2, & 3
Qn1.

Having many wives brought happiness to people in African traditional

societies

Qn2.
Having a lot of wealth was a source of success in African tradition

Qn3.
Hard work was considered when choosing a marriage partner in
African tradition.
Questions of occasions, Areas, Events

In the above questions, the following words may act as qualifiers

depending on the wordings of the questions:

During , when, where, In, while such questions may include but not
limited to the following:

In what areas has the church been successful in Uganda?

Give the occasion when the Israelites were happy in the Old
Testament?

In what areas has the church failed its work?

Possible answers to question 1, 2, & 3
Qn1.
The church has been successful in the field of health.

The church has been successful in spreading the gospel.

Qn2.

The Israelites were happy during or when or while celebrating the

Passover;

Qn3.
The church has failed in the field of fighting Immorality. For example
many Christians are practicing adultery.
Questions of explain:
It is important to note that all answers are written full sentences ;

Therefore using the word explain in the question does not

necessarily mean that a student should write many words or
sentences but it is to remind him/her that the question has an SH
mark.

Therefore a student should look for the relevant examples in order

to earn that mark.
Outline questions:
When the question is outline, it does mean that a student should
just give single words or two words as the answer .

But it is just to show that the question does not carry an SH mark .

Therefore a student should not struggle giving examples .

Otherwise all answers must be in full sentences.
Questions with hidden answers:
Such questions may include but not limited to the following;
Qn1.
How can a Christian spend his leisure time profitably?

In answering this question, a student should show how a Christian can

use his/her leisure.

In simple terms give a leisure activity and its benefits e.g.

A Christian can spend his leisure time by going to church which

strengthens his faith.

A student who only gives a leisure activity gets it wrong.

Qn2.
How did Jesus promote the value of leisure during his life time?

Show how Jesus spent his leisure time and the benefit of this; e.g.

Jesus promoted the value of leisure by feeding the 5000 people which
strengthened their faith in him.

Jesus preached the word of God which gave people hope in God

In other words give the activities of Jesus and its benefits.

The language of the question should be adhered to .Use only the words in
the question and do not put there yours as they may change the meaning
of the question. For example;
1. In what ways were some people unjustly treated in African society?

The question asks about some people, therefore a student who writes
“people” gets it wrong.

2. How did Christians in the early church prepare for unending life?

The question asks about “Christians”. A student who writes “A Christian”

gets it wrong.

3. Who was considered successful in African traditional society?

Possible answer:
A person who had a lot of cows was considered successful in African
tradition . A student who writes “people” gets it wrong.
 DETAILED ANSLYSIS OF SYNTHETIC HANDLING(SH).
The marks put at the end of the question are divided into two i.e. principle marks and synthetic
handling marks. (SH).

So students should balance up the two though the principle marks outweigh the synthetic handling
marks in order to score highly. It should be noted that different questions have different demands
i.e. some may require simple and many SH, more principle marks (knowledge questions).

Emphasis should be put on principle marks by giving as many points as possible. S.H mark is awarded
under the following circumstances;

When a candidate gives a relevant example. This should at least carry 3WS (who, when, why, what)
e.g persons, society, and church etc.

When a candidate gives a background in case there is a personality in the question. A personality
may be a monk, nun, king, prophet, apostle etc. The background may be about the year he/she was
born, name(s) of the parents, infancy experiences etc.
When a candidate gives a clear explanation.

When a lesson is well connected to the stem / teaching / character / personality.

Clear contrasts in case of giving differences.

TYPES OF QUESTIONS
Generally there are two types of questions, namely;

KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONS

These normally have introductory words like; Give, Show, Mention, Identify, Outline, List down,
Point out, What, Who, When, Describe, State, suggest, Give the similarities etc.

NB; Such questions demand a number of points for a candidate to score highly in most cases
examples are not needed. Examples (SH) should be given depending on the further demands of
the question for example if the setter says what reasons or Give reasons here you give SH .
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
Such questions carry such words (at the beginning or middle of the sentence) like How, Why,
Explain, Differences, with examples, solutions to the above problems / teaching.
NB; The first three (3) words / terms (how, why, Explain...) may require simple SH whereas the
last three terms require balancing the points and the SH.

EXAMPLES(SH)

PRESENT SITUATION (PS)

This dimension concerns with the present times (today). It deals with events that are happening
currently in our society they include but not limited to the following;

CORRUPTION: It’s alleged that Jim Muhwezi embezzled global fund money meant for HIV/Aids
patients.

David Chandi, Jamwa the former managing director of NSSF caused a financial loss of 3 billion
shillings in 2011.

Hon. Gilbert Bukenya used CHOGM Funds for his personal interests yet they were to pay up nice
vehicles for the presidents who were to come for the CHOGM
Witchcraft: It's alleged that Pastor Kakande Samuel of the synagogue church uses witchcraft to
perform miracles.

Alleged that Kato Kajubi sacrificed Joseph Kasirye to a witch doctor in Masaka to accumulate more
wealth.

Adrine Muguluma was sacrificed by Kintu Mapeera in Nakulabye in 2006 and was imprisoned in
Luzira prison.

CHILD ABUSE: Aisha Nabukeera was burnt by her step mother (Sophia Ndagire) in 2006.

The late Ssebanga Enock of Mukono was starved and tortured by his step mother.
DIVORCE: Former vice president Wandera Kazibwe divorced her husband (late Eng.
Kazibwe) Hon. Judith Babirye divorced her husband (Samuel Niiwo) for alleged carrying out
domestic violence over her.

HORMOSEXUALITY: (Doing it) Mubiru, Chris ,the former manager SC Villa was reported to
have Sodomised players in 2013

In support Bishop Senyonjo Christopher of the Anglican Church came out and supported
the act. Its alleged that Pr. Kayanja Robert of Rubaga Miracle Cathedral Sodomised the altar
and usher boys.

ADULTERY: Haddijah Nassejje former wife to Pr.David Kiganda caught in adultery with a
chapatti baker.
MIS USE OF CHURCH FUND: Pr. William Muwanguzi of former Holy fire ministries used church funds
to buy an expensive hammer car.

BULLYING AND TEASING: in 1992, S.l boy of Namilyango College was beaten to death by the old
boys.

CHURCH PROJECTS: Centenary Bank owned by the Catholics church that has created jobs to the
youth and given loans to the people.

FALSE PROPHESES: Fr. Baaka of Masaka diocese prophesized a newly born child spoke to him and
ascended to heaven. PR. Robert Kayanja prophesized that one of the presidential candidate would
die in 2006 but none died.

REVENGE: Pr. Augustine Yiga A.K.A Abizaayo encourages revenge among his followers instead of
forgiveness.
MATERIALISTIC: it's alleged that Pr. Imelda Namutebi of liberty worship Centre international
discourages her followers from offering coins as offertory.

MURDER: Brig. Noble Mayombo (It's alleged) that he was poisoned and later died.
Joseph Kibwetere (in March 2000) of the former restoration of the Ten Commandments cult set
his followers on fire.

PEER INFLUENCE: In 2012 Joseph Mayanja commonly known as Dr. Jose Chameleon converted to
Islam was influenced by his peer.(Haruna Mubiru) .

CHARITABLE SERVICES-Watoto church under Child care ministries pays fees for the orphans
SEXUAL HARRASMENT; Most female secretaries in Uganda have been sexually harassed by
their bosses.

TRIBALISM; Its alleged that in Uganda Revenue Authority most of the jobs are given to the
westerners.

NEGLECT OF GOD; some taxi drivers have neglected God because they work throughout the
week.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CHURCH TODAY / SUCCESS OF THE CHURCH TODAY
Offering employment opportunities for example the Catholic Church owns centenary rural
development bank which has offered jobs to people as managers, cashiers etc.

Offering guidance and counseling for example the Anglican and catholic churches have
Tuesday classes where those intending to marry and the married are guided and counseled.
Involving in creating peace for example Archbishop John Baptist Odama brought peace in
Northern Uganda during the Lord's Resistance Army and Uganda People's Defense Force
war.

Promoting education by establishing schools for example the Catholic Church has
established Uganda Martyr S.S Namugongo which has offered education.

Promoting mass media through putting up radios and television stations for example the
Catholic Church has radio Maria, Sapiencia.

Promoting people's talents for example Judith Babirye, Baby Gloria have had their talent of
music promoted by the church.
Supporting the youth through putting for them youth Centre like Nsambya youth Sharing
Centre.

Promoting health through establishing and funding health Centre

Offering charitable services for example the Watoto church under the child care project has
paid school fees to the orphans.

Expanding God's Kingdom through building more churches.

Supervising elections which has been done by the Uganda Joint Christian council (UJCC)

Supporting people to join politics for example Fr. Simon Lokodo who is the state minister for
ethics and integrity.
Preaching the word of God which has softened the hearts of many people.

Offering prayers to individuals and the nation during the state function.

Nb. For any question about the church today, the above points could be relevant.

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL SOCIETY (ATS)

This refers to that community in Africa before Christianity and colonialism. However this setting
still goes on up to today. Some practices that are still going on are polygamy, bride wealth,
language and other customs. So learners should use past or present tense depending on the way
the question has been set.
Initiation Ceremony: In Buganda girls would visit the bush to carry out a ritual of pulling.

Male circumcision among the Bagisu Female circumcision among the Sebei

Respect for sacred places; Nakayima tree in Mubende district was highly respected by the
Baganda.
Sacrifices to gods: Among Baganda sacrifices like animals without defects, deformation would be
given to thank God.

Informal Education: Among Baganda and Basoga, Ssengas imparted sex education to their
daughters.

Giving names reflecting God's glory: Banyankole had names like Agaba, Byamukama, Baganda—
Musasizi meaning merciful.

Caring for needy: Among the Baganda, they cared for the orphans, disabled and widows by giving
them basic needs.

Blood pacts: Common among the Banyoro and was highly respected.

WEALTH: Bahiima, Karamojong possessed cattle and the Baganda had land as a sign of wealth.

SHRINES: Common among Baganda and Basoga where the living consulted the dead.
WHISPERING MESSAGES: Bemba people of Zambia whispered messages to the dead.

LIBATIONS AND FOOD TO THE DEAD: Banyankole poured milk, Iteso poured Ajoni, Karamojong
poured blood

BURRYING THE DEAD WITH PROPERTY: Among the Egyptians, the kings (Pharaoh) would be buried
with favorite wife, servant and items.

FOOD TABOOS: Among the Baganda women were denied foods like eggs, Chicken, gizzard yet very
delicious.

HEROIC ACTIONS: Among the Baganda, Killing a fierce lion made someone a hero.

POLYGAMY: Among the Basoga it was prestige for a man to marry many wives.
HELPING THE NEEDY; Among the Baganda of central Uganda the disabled, elderly, sick were given
basic needs of life.
CHURCH HISTORY (CH)
This refers to the period which followed Jesus' ascension to heaven. It’s that time when the
affairs of the church were handed over to the apostles and their followers, Monks and Nuns,
Uganda martyrs etc. It's divided into three (3) segments i.e;
EARLY CHURCH-(EC,
MIDDLE( AGES) CHURCH-(MC),
LATE CHURCH-(LC)

EARLY CHURCH
ACCEPTING PERSECUTION/ENDURANCE- St. Steven was stoned to death for the sake of the
gospel.

WRITING CHRISTIAN Letters Paul wrote 1 st and 2ndCorinthians, Galatians, Romans etc.

FOUNDING CHURCHES: St. Paul founded Christian communities in Corinth, Galatians, and
Ephesus among others.
PREACHING THE GOSPEL (EC): St. Paul and St. Peter moved to distant places and preached the gospel
to many people.

BAPTISM (EC): Peter baptized 3000 converts in Samaria, St Paul baptized Gaius, Crispus and
Stephanus' family.

PERFORMING MIRACLES (EC): St. Peter and John healed a lame man at the entrance of the Jerusalem
temple.

HOLY JOURNEYS (EC): St. Peter went to the Jerusalem temple.

MISSIONARY JOURNEY (EC): St. Paul went to Gentile areas like Corinth, Rome, Galatia, and Ephesus
etc
.
MIDDLE CHURCH
BIBLE STUDY: St. Augustine Clement of Alexandria carried out scripture studies (Middle
church)

COMPOSING OF HYMNS OF PRAISE; (Middle church) Bishop Milton Ambrose composed

hymns of praise.

PRAYING (M.C):St. Francis of Assisi Communicated to God through prayer.

SHARING(MC): St. Francis of Assisi shared with the poor after selling of his property
CHARITABLE SERVICES (St. Francis of Assisi helped and cared for the sick people.
Tabitha (Dorcas) helped the needy by giving them clothes (Acts 9:36)

TRANSLATING SCRIPTURES: St Augustine (Middle church),Apollo Kivebulaya (Late church)

translated St. Mark's gospel to the pygmies' language.
REPENTING SINS: St. Clement of Alexandria repented to God when he was searching for God.

LATE CHURCH(WE BASICALLY LOOK AT THE ACTIVITIES OF MISSIONARIES

BUILDING HOSPITALS (Late church) Missionaries built Mengo, Nsambya, Lubaga hospitals for
treatment of sick.

BUILDING SCHOOLS (Late church) Missionaries built Namilyango College, King's College, Budo,
Gayaza high school that educated many Ugandans.
EARLY CHURCH ACTIVITIES (APOSTLES: ST. PETER, ST. PAUL, ST.
JOHN, ST. JAMES)
 Preaching the gospel
 Praying to God
 Establishing churches
 Writing encouraging words
 Setting disputes
 S. Fellowshipping
 Fasting
 Carrying out missionary journeys
 Helping the needy / charitable work.
 Participating in Eucharistic cerebrations
 Performing miracles
 Praising and worshiping God
 Making pilgrimages
 Repenting sins
 Accepting persecution / endurance
 Baptizing new converts
MIDDLE AGES (MONKS AND NUNS LIKE ST.AUGUSTINE, ST. CLEMENT,
BISHOP MILTON AMBROSE)
• Preaching the gospel
• Praying to God
• Fellowshipping
• Fasting
• Helping the needy / charitable work
• Participating in Eucharistic cerebrations
• Praising and worshiping God
• Repenting sins
• Accepting persecution / endurance
• Writing scriptures
• Building children / temples
• Composing hymns
• Promoting health by building dispensaries
• Promoting education by building schools
• Decorating churches
• Growing food and the surplus was given to the prisoners, poor.
• Teaching catechism
• Baptizing new converts
• Participating in trade
• Making missionary journeys
• Making pilgrimages
LATE CHURCH ACTIVITIES OF THE MISSIONARIES
• Built churches
• Translated the bible to local languages
• Taught new methods of farming
• Brought new forms of dressing.
• Introduced new crops
• Modernized the African culture.
• Spread Christianity
• Promoted health by building hospitals.
• Promoted education by building schools.
• Introduced legitimate trade.
• Modernized the African culture
• Introduced foreign languages like French, German etc.
• Introduced fast and quicker means of transport.
• Improved on the communication system by bringing telephones, radio
• Introduced modern techniques of building e.g use of tiles, iron sheets for roofing.
• Introduced new skills in life like carpentry, laying bricks.
• Introduced new ways spending leisure like new games like netball, swimming, football etc.
UGANDA MARTYRS (ACTIVITIES)
• Took on baptism for example Kizito Omuto was baptized by Charles Lwanga.
• Praised and worshiped god.
• Obeyed the ten commandments for example Matia Mulumba obeyed 6th commandment by
divorcing his two wives and stayed with one
• Regularly fellowshipped to encourage each other
• Regularly prayed to God to strengthen them
• Preached the gospel to others.
• Opposed immoral and ungodly practice for example Matia Mulumba sent away two of his wives
and remained with one to practice monogamy as a Christian.
• Laid a foundation to the establishment of the catholic and Anglican churches.
• Endured persecution for example joseph Balikuddembe allowed his arms to be cut off at
Nakivubo for the sake of the gospel.
• Studied God's word regularly (read the bible to understand God better.
• Attended and conducted catechism classes for example Matia Mulumba travelled from Mityana
to Luweero for catechism classes.
THE BIBLE
GENERAL POINTS FOR THE BIBLE TEACHING
• Forgiveness and reconciliation.
• Patience.
• Love
• faithfulness
• Monogamy
• Endurance & tolerance
• Self-control
• Sharing
• Respect
• Submissiveness
• Openness
• Kindness
• Generosity.
• Trustworthiness
• Prayer fullness
• Responsibility
• Mercifulness
• Hard work
• Honesty
• Obedience.
• Permanence in marriage.
GENERAL POINTS FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT / JESUS TEACHING OR DEED OF JESUS
• Forgiving for example Jesus forgave the adulterous women who was supposed to be stoned to
death, he also for gave the men who crouched him.

• Preaching the word of God for example Jesus preached the gospel at the shores of Lake Galilee.

• Helping the needy for example Jesus fed the 5000 people who were hungry

• Serving others for example Jesus washed the disciple's feet. 5. Encouraging permanence and
condemned divorce.

• Serving all people without discrimination i.e. sewed Jesus and gentiles, men and women.

• Respecting authority for example Jesus paid taxes to the roman authority
• Associated with all people.

• Defending children's rights.

• Died for people's sins on the cross

• Uplifting the status of women for example Jesus praised and defended the women who
anointed him with an expensive perfume

• Loving one another.

• Performing miracles.

• Saving people's lives for example Jesus.

• Jesus saved the life of the adulterous woman

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Give the New Testament teaching about justice/ service/ loyalty.
2.What does Jesus teach about justice, service / loyalty

2. How did Jesus promote service /Justice during his ministry

3. How did Jesus portray loyalty to mankind.

(use qualifies by /through in qn 3 and 4)

BIBLE (B)
This handles two segments, the Old Testament (O.T) and the New Testament (NT).The main
personalities for the Old Testament include God, prophets, kings, patriarchs etc. The New
Testament personalities include Jesus and his contemporaries like apostles, disciples among
others.

OLD TESTAMENT: (Main characters are Israelites, God, Prophets, kings, Patriarchs.

Balancing work and leisure - God worked for six days and rested on the seventh day.

PRAYER: Hannah prayed to God to give her a child and God answered her.

Repent: King David repented to God after committing the double sin of murder and adultery.

.
ADULTERY: King David committed adultery with Bathsheba (Uriah's wife).

MURDER: King David plotted for the death of Uriah, his faithful soldier.

Jezebel (Ahab's wife, plotted for the death of Naboth).

GRABBING: King Ahab grabbed Naboth's Vine yard.

PILGRIMAGES: Israelites visited the Jerusalem temple where they praised and worshipped
God

INTERMARRIAGE: King Ahab married Jezebel who was a Phoenician

-King Solomon married 700 wives and 300 concubines of which many were foreigners.

COMPOSING HYMNS: King David and Solomon composed hymns of praise.

Offering sacrifices: Priest Eli, Moses offered sacrifices to God on behalf of the Israelites.
Circumcision: Abraham accepted to be circumcised as an initial sign.

Respect for God's prophets: King David respected the message brought by Prophet Nathan after
committing the double sin of murder and adultery.

Performing miracle: Prophet Elisha raised the widows son Elijah defeated 400 Baal prophets at the
Mt. Camel contest.

Defeat of enemies: King David defeated Goliath and went ahead and praised and worshipped God
through dancing.

Wealth: Israelites possessing the Promised Land, Job possessed animals and was happy.

Fulfillment of promises: God fulfilled his promises when he gave

Abraham many descendants and gave a son to him at an old age (Isaac).
Repentance; King David repented after committing adultery with Bathsheba.
Praising and worshipping God; King David composed songs that praised God.

NEW TESTAMENT (Main characters are Jesus and Apostles Jesus' contemporaries)

Prayers: Jesus prayed at Mt. Olives to God to take away the cup of suffering.

Forgiveness: Jesus forgave the adulterous woman and those who crucified him.

visiting friends: Jesus visited Mary, Martha and their brother.

Helping the needy: Jesus fed the hungry (5000) on five (5) loaves of bread and two (2) fish.
servant' serving: He (Jesus) washed the disciple's feet.
performing miracles: Fed 5000 people on 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish increased Lazarus, healed
the leper; blind Bartimaeus got back his sight.

The state: Jesus paid taxes to the Emperor and said give to ceaser what belongs to ceaser.

Conversing with people: Jesus conversed with the Samaritan woman and Nicodemus.

Comforting the lonely: Jesus comforted Martha and Mary when they Brother Lazarus.

Resting: Jesus slept in the boat as a way of having leisure

Team work: Jesus worked with the 12 disciples in accomplishing his ministry

Preaching the gospel: Jesus preached about true happiness during the sermon on the mountain.

Attending social functions: Jesus attended a wedding at Cana where turned water into wine.

Examining Parables: Jesus explained the parable of the sower.

Defending the weak: Jesus defended the adulterous woman from Stoned to death.

Raising the dead: Jesus raised Lazarus and Jairus’ daughter the dead.

Pilgrimage. Jesus visited the Jerusalem temple

END