Rev. Fr. Christopher Mukidi is a Catholic priest, educator, and visionary social development leader dedicated to transforming education access for underserved communities in Western Uganda. His mission is rooted in a lifelong passion for empowering vulnerable young people through quality, values-based education that nurtures the heart, mind, and body.

Fr. Mukidi’s dream of founding a secondary school began between 1990 and 1992 while pursuing studies in Education at the University of Portland, Oregon, USA. Inspired by the efficiency and accessibility of the American education system, he envisioned developing a secondary school in Uganda where families—regardless of economic status—could access high-quality education at an affordable cost.

During his graduate studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fr. Mukidi lived at St. Mary’s of Mercy Church for five years, where he formed a meaningful friendship with the late Marita Wojdak. In 2003, upon returning to the U.S. for a visit, he shared his vision with Marita, who introduced him to philanthropist Mr. James Immekus. Deeply moved by the mission, Mr. Immekus provided the first financial support needed to begin construction of the first classroom blocks. Through God’s providence, this partnership later opened additional pathways of support, like the Milanovich Trust, that helped turn vision into reality.

In February 2009, Divine Mercy Secondary School (DMSS) officially opened its doors with just 6 students. Despite limited infrastructure and financial challenges, community trust and commitment enabled rapid expansion. By 2012 enrollment had grown to 170 students, supported by increasing goodwill from surrounding communities. Today, hundreds of students have graduated from DMSS, many now serving society as nurses, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. The school continues to provide affordable education, with many students supported through bursaries due to extreme poverty, orphan hood, or family hardship.

Recognizing the ongoing gaps in education access, Fr. Mukidi later founded Divine Optimal Opportunities for Relief Strategies (DOORS)—a nonprofit organization committed to closing the education gap in the Western Region of Uganda through scholarships, skills training, workforce preparation, community partnerships, and resource mobilization. DOORS seeks to build pathways for young people to rise out of poverty and achieve self-reliance through education and life opportunity.

Motivated by faith and guided by the belief that “Every student matters, and every moment counts,” Fr. Mukidi continues to lead efforts to strengthen Divine Mercy Secondary School, expand access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and secure strategic partnerships for sustainable development.

His life’s work reflects the school’s motto, Educating for a Better World—a commitment to transforming society through education and serving God through the poor.

Key Accomplishments

• Founder of Divine Mercy Secondary School, Fort Portal, Uganda
• Founder & Executive Director, Divine Optimal Opportunities for Relief Strategies (DOORS)
• More than 16 years advancing accessible education for underserved communities
• Empowered hundreds of graduates now employed or self-employed in critical professions
• Champion for education equity, poverty alleviation, and community development