Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr JC Muyingo has urged school founders who are still struggling to establish their institutions to remain committed to the foundations they have laid, drawing inspiration from the 25-year journey of JOY Nursery and Primary School in Kakoni, Luweero District.
Dr Muyingo, who was represented at the celebrations by his Personal Assistant, Wasswa Abdulkarim Tamale, commended school proprietors who have persevered through financial difficulties and other challenges to keep their institutions running, noting that building a successful school requires patience, sacrifice, commitment and a clear vision.

He encouraged struggling school founders to learn from Pastor Lameck Ssemwanga, the Director of JOY Nursery and Primary School, whose determination to provide Christian-based education has seen the institution grow from a humble beginning into an established school serving hundreds of learners.
Dr Muyingo made the remarks on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during celebrations marking JOY Nursery and Primary School’s Silver Jubilee, commemorating 25 years of its contribution to education.
The Minister’s message highlighted the importance of remaining faithful to the original vision of an institution while steadily investing in its growth, infrastructure, academic standards and the future of learners.

As part of his support for the school community, Dr Muyingo offered sponsorship for two outstanding Primary Seven candidates to continue with their education. He also pledged support to a teacher who has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing learners’ talents, enabling the teacher to pursue further studies.
The Minister further contributed Shs1.5 million to Kakoni Deliverance Church and Shs1.5 million to Busoke Deliverance Church. He also pledged support towards school fees for two children at Mpigi Secondary School.
Pastor Ssemwanga expressed appreciation to Dr Muyingo for his continued support to the school and the surrounding community, particularly his contribution to the education and advancement of learners who have passed through JOY.

In his address, Pastor Ssemwanga reflected on the journey that began in 2001 with a single nursery class and a determination to provide quality education grounded in Christian values and good morals.
The school expanded gradually, introducing one class at a time until it developed into a full primary school. This deliberate approach enabled the founders to manage the costs of infrastructure development and recruitment of teachers without placing excessive financial pressure on the institution.
The early years were challenging. According to Pastor Ssemwanga, school fees collected during the first three years were insufficient to pay the five teachers who were then serving at the institution. He therefore relied on additional resources from other sources to supplement their salaries and keep the school operating.
Despite the difficulties, the founders, teachers and parents remained committed to the vision. Their determination laid the foundation for the institution’s gradual transformation over the past quarter-century.
Pastor Ssemwanga acknowledged the contribution of his wife, Lydia, who encouraged him when he first shared the vision of establishing the school and later joined him in the work. He also recognised the support of the church, early teachers, parents and community members whose contributions helped the institution grow from its humble beginnings.
The school’s first pupils included a child entrusted to Pastor Ssemwanga by a parent who believed in his vision, alongside three children from his own household, bringing the initial enrolment to just four learners.
Today, that small beginning has developed into an institution with 14 classrooms, an enrolment of more than 400 learners, a boarding section for boys and girls, a borehole and water storage tanks, electricity and a standby generator.
Located on four acres of land, the school has 16 teachers and 11 support staff. It is registered with the Ministry of Education and Sports and serves as a Uganda National Examinations Board examination centre.
The journey illustrates how a school can grow through gradual investment, community participation and sustained commitment to its founding purpose.
Pastor Ssemwanga also recognised Dr Muyingo for his visits and support over the years, particularly his role in helping outstanding learners from JOY access opportunities in good secondary schools and higher institutions of learning. Some of these former pupils have since developed into professionals contributing to different sectors of the country.
Looking ahead, the school plans to construct a storeyed building to accommodate its anticipated growth, expand its computer laboratory to 30 computers, strengthen vocational skills development and promote agriculture to equip learners with practical knowledge.
The school also intends to intensify talent identification and development, recognising that education should prepare children academically while helping them discover and develop their abilities.
Madam Naluja Shadia, Director of Unique Junior School in Kakoni, urged parents to take a more active role in supporting their children’s education and nurturing their talents.
She commended school founders for their perseverance and dedication to educating children, acknowledging the contribution of Pastor Ssemwanga and his wife to the community.
Madam Naluja also expressed appreciation for the education her son, Gwanga, is receiving at JOY Nursery and Primary School and contributed five bags of cement to support infrastructure development at the institution.
Her contribution reflected the importance of cooperation among school founders and the willingness of education stakeholders to support one another in improving learning environments for children.
The Silver Jubilee celebrations also highlighted the role of churches, parents, teachers, local leaders and other community members in sustaining educational institutions, particularly during their formative years when resources are often limited.
As JOY Nursery and Primary School celebrates 25 years, its journey offers an important lesson to emerging school founders: lasting institutions are not built overnight, but through a clear vision, prudent planning, sacrifice and the determination to keep moving forward despite challenges.