Clare N
The Kyembogo Seed Secondary School has officially welcomed its new board members, totaling eleven, who assumed office yesterday following their recognition by the Ministry of Education last year.
The swearing-in ceremony, which marked a peaceful transition of power from the founding board, was held at the school premises in Mparo Kyenjojo district with Key attendees including the District Education Officer of Kyenjojo, the Fort Portal Diocesan Education Secretary, and other notable guests.
In his speech, the outgoing Chairperson of the Board (founding members), Mzee Anaclet Zinkuratiire, reflected on the school’s journey, recounting how the institution began as a primary school in 1993 and overcame significant challenges, including opposition and threats, to establish a secondary school.
He expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church for its unwavering support in the school’s development and thanked the fellow founders for their tireless efforts. He urged the new board to honor the legacy of the founding members by recognizing their contributions, particularly through the inclusion of their names on the walls of the school’s classroom blocks.
Good Relationship with PTA
Judith Akampurira, representing the Kyembogo Seed PTA, emphasized the importance of unity between parents and the school board in driving the school’s growth. She encouraged the new board, led by Brother Acleo Kyomuhendo Sabiti CSC, to continue the vision of the outgoing board and build upon its successes.
Mr. Joram Akankwatsa, the 5th and current headteacher of Kyembogo Seed Secondary School, commended the interim board for its role in developing the school and acknowledged the Catholic Church for donating the five-acre piece of land on which the school stands. He shared the school’s impressive growth since 2010, starting with just 53 students in two classes, and now serving over 347 students at the O’Level.
Mr Joram, He also highlighted the school’s role as an important local employer, with 31 staff members, 16 of whom are on the government payroll and 5 supported by the PTA. However, he noted that despite the school’s rapid infrastructure and academic growth, there are ongoing challenges, including the recent theft of 18 computers, increasing student dropouts, and absenteeism.
Rev. Bro. Acleo Kyomuhendo Sabiti CSC, the Chairperson of the Incoming Board of Governors, praised the smooth transition of leadership from the founders to the new board members, calling on other sectors in the country to adopt similar practices of peaceful transitions.
He thanked the founders for their noble efforts in establishing the school and urged the new board to maintain the founders’ vision and set high standards for the institution’s future. He also acknowledged the Diocese of Fort Portal for its commitment to prioritizing education and holistic formation.
Representing the Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Isabirye CSC, representing the Parish Priest of Kyarusozi, encouraged the new board members to focus on preparing students to succeed in life and contribute meaningfully to their communities. He called on the broader community to collaborate with the school board in supporting education.
During the induction of the new board members, Mr. Aloysius Rujumba, the Fort Portal Diocesan Education Secretary, emphasized the need for confidentiality and transparency within the board. He stressed the importance of aligning the school’s activities with its mission and vision, maintaining a strong Catholic identity, and fostering tolerance for other faiths. He also recommended regular prayers at the school.
In her remarks, Miss Peruce Kyaligonza, the District Education Officer of Kyenjojo, congratulated the founding members for successfully building the school from the ground up, creating an institution now worth billions. She pledged to support and guide the new board in their roles and expressed her appreciation for the Catholic Church’s continued contribution to holistic education, noting that she, too, is a product of Catholic education.
