eng Science and Education Publishing American Journal of Educational Research 2327-6150 2017-04-15 5 4 392 399 10.12691/education-5-4-7 EDUCATION2017547 article Bweyale Josephine jbweyale@cees.mak.ac.ug, nothingutjo@yahoo.co.uk 1 Humanities and Language Education, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda Religion is a fundamental phenomenon in Uganda. It is perceived to be a foundation for spiritual growth and morals in Uganda. Religious education is thus central in Uganda's education system. However, this article concerns the perception and understanding of the purpose of CRE as school subject. Using qualitative methods, CRE teachers, priests and document analysis were used to collect data. Research reveals that there is no differentiation between purposes of religion as a faith and CRE as a school subject. The study unveils that the church influences CRE, dictates that CRE follows confessional pedagogies and that CRE should be compulsory. http://pubs.sciepub.com/education/5/4/7/education-5-4-7.pdf christian religious education perception pedagogies understanding purposes