MULAJJE, LUWERO — The Acting Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo, has celebrated the remarkable 40-year journey of St. Kalooli Lwanga Senior Secondary School in Mulajje, Luwero Diocese, describing its transformation from a small school founded with just eight students during a period of war in Uganda into an institution now serving more than 1,000 learners as an inspiring story of resilience and commitment to education.
Dr. Muyingo was represented at the 40th anniversary celebrations by his Political Assistant, Wasswa Abdulkarim Tamale, who delivered the Minister’s message and support to the school.
The anniversary marked four decades since St. Kalooli Lwanga SSS was established in 1986, at a time when Uganda was going through political instability and war. Despite the difficult circumstances, the school’s pioneers took the bold step of establishing an institution to provide education to young people.
What began with only eight students has, 40 years later, grown into a school with more than 1,000 learners, making the institution’s journey a powerful testimony to the impact of vision, sacrifice and perseverance.
During the celebrations, the Bishop of Kasana-Luwero Diocese, Bishop Lawrence Mukasa, Mulajje Parish Priest Fr. Dr. Gerald Wamala, and the Diocese Vicar General Msgr. Vincent Paul Mukiibi commended Dr. Muyingo for his contribution to education and his continued support towards community development.
In recognition of his service, the religious leaders presented a gift to Dr. Muyingo through his representative, appreciating his commitment to supporting education and institutions in the community.
Through his representative, Dr. Muyingo contributed Shs9 million towards various development activities at the school, including the construction of a girls’ dormitory, aimed at improving accommodation and the general welfare of female students.
A school born during war
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Reflecting on the school’s history, Rev. Fr. Mathias Ssimbwa, the pioneer headteacher, recalled the difficult circumstances under which St. Kalooli Lwanga SSS was established.
He explained that starting a school during a period of war and instability was far from easy. However, the pioneers remained determined to create an institution that would give young people an opportunity to access education.
Fr. Ssimbwa praised those who took responsibility for the school over the years and helped preserve the original vision, allowing the institution to grow steadily.
He noted that the school’s progress from eight students to more than 1,000 learners is evidence that the foundation laid by the pioneers was strong enough to withstand the challenges of time.
Muyingo urges parents to embrace education
In his message delivered by Tamale, Dr. Muyingo encouraged parents in Bamunanika and surrounding communities to make good use of established schools such as St. Kalooli Lwanga SSS by prioritising the education of their children.
He emphasised that education remains one of the strongest foundations for Uganda’s social and economic transformation.
The Minister urged parents and the community to continue supporting schools and ensuring that children have access to quality education, noting that the country’s future depends on how well the young generation is prepared today.
The anniversary celebrations also brought together the school’s Old Boys (OBs) and Old Girls (OGs), who returned to celebrate the institution that played a significant role in shaping their lives.
The former students praised the school’s founders and successive administrators for establishing a strong foundation that has enabled St. Kalooli Lwanga SSS to grow and continue producing graduates who are contributing to society in different fields.
The 40-year journey of St. Kalooli Lwanga SSS — from eight students during a time of war to more than 1,000 learners today — stands as an inspiring reminder that institutions built on vision, sacrifice and commitment can survive difficult times and grow into pillars of community transformation.
