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Over the weekend, St Mary’s SS Kitende celebrated 25 years.
It was a celebration of academic excellence, sporting success and holistic education, with leaders from government, the Catholic church, academia, alumni, parents and the wider community paying tribute to an institution that has grown into one of Uganda’s leading private secondary schools.
The silver jubilee celebrations, held at the school’s stadium in Kitende, began with a thanksgiving mass led by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, who served as the main celebrant. Reflecting on the school’s journey, Ssemogerere described the school as a remarkable example of how a simple vision can transform into an institution that shapes lives and communities.
“What began as an idea has grown into one of the country’s leading centres of learning, producing not only academically excellent students but responsible citizens who continue to serve society,” he said, urging the school community to remain grounded in faith, discipline and service.
The celebration attracted several distinguished guests, including former vice president Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, state minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and Moyo West MP Tom Aza Aleru, education stakeholders, religious leaders, alumni, parents, teachers, students and members of the public.
Aleru recounted his long-standing relationship with the school’s director, Dr Lawrence Mulindwa, revealing that he served as Dr Mulindwa’s campaign manager during the Fufa elections in 2005, after which he was appointed national protocol officer.
Aleru said their friendship has since grown beyond football, noting that he now sponsors children at the school as a way of giving back to both Dr Mulindwa and the community.
Dr Lawrence Mulindwa makes a speech
Alex Luganda, the chairperson of the silver jubilee organising committee, himself an alumnus, praised the school’s contribution to national development through the production of professionals across various fields including medicine, engineering, law, education and business.
He described the school as a dream destination for learners, saying Kitende has consistently nurtured talent, discipline and leadership over the last quarter century. Representing the student body, head prefect Nagawa Kate Daphine said the silver jubilee symbolises resilience, determination and hope for the current generation of learners.
“For us students, these 25 years remind us that excellence is achieved through resilience, discipline and hard work. We are proud to be part of this learners and supports vulnerable groups including widows and the elderly.
As part of the celebrations, Dr. Mulindwa handed over a Shs 30 million cheque to Archbishop Ssemogerere to support the construction of a home for elderly people who have dedicated their lives to serving the church.
Parents and alumni interviewed by The Observer praised the school for its transformative role in shaping responsible and successful graduates. One parent said the outstanding performance of his first child, now excelling at university, inspired him to enrol two more children at the school.
Alumnus Isaac Tumusiime described the institution as life-changing.
“St Mary’s Kitende shaped me into a hardworking and confident person. It taught me critical thinking and gave me values that continue to guide my professional life. These 25 years are a celebration of a strong foundation that has transformed thousands of lives,” he said.
Some of the students perform for the guests
The celebrations, which officially commenced at about 10am, concluded in a festive atmosphere with music, cultural performances and entertainment from invited artistes, bringing together generations of students, alumni and well-wishers in a colourful display marking a significant milestone in the school’s history.
As the school enters its next chapter, speakers challenged the institution to build on its achievements while continuing to produce academically competent, morally upright and socially responsible leaders for Uganda, East Africa and beyond.
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Related
, https://observer.ug/education/st-marys-ss-kitende-marks-25-years-with-grand-silver-jubilee-celebration/
