Archbishop Ssemogerere lauds St Mary’s Kitende as school marks silver jubilee

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The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has commended St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende (SMASK) for its strong discipline, academic performance and commitment to quality education.

He made the remarks during Holy Mass as the school marked the beginning of its 25th anniversary celebrations on July 4, 2026, in a colourful event that formed part of celebrations for its silver jubilee at St Mary's Stadium.

The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, blessing students before the mass marking 25 years of academic and spiritual excellence on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

The thanksgiving Mass, which was affected by restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak, attracted limited dignitaries, students, staff, alumni and a few well-wishers.

It was presided over by Archbishop Ssemogerere, assisted by his private secretary Fr Remigius Kayiira, the school chaplain Fr Stephen Muyanja Balikuddembe, Fr Emmanuel Ssewanyana of Lweza Parish, Fr Edward Kabanda, Fr Gerald Zzinda, Fr Ssentamu of Kabulamuliro Parish, Fr Remigius Kasibante of Mpigi Parish, Fr Deogratias Kateregga Kiibi and other clergy.

The celebrations were held under the theme, “a legacy for the future,” and were attended by former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, trade, industry and cooperatives state minister and long-time parent Tom Alero Aza, among other guests.

The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, greets the former Vice-President, Hon. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, before the Mass he led to kick off celebrations marking 25 years of academic and spiritual excellence of St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende (SMASK). (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

Archbishop Ssemogerere praised the school for maintaining discipline and academic excellence, saying his visit confirmed what he had observed at the institution.

“You can’t study from here and get failures, use this chance you have been given by your parents, guardians and benefactors and study well.”

He urged students to make productive use of their time in school to become responsible and successful citizens.

“Dr Lawrence Mulindwa invited me to come and celebrate with them the milestone of 25 years and also to see SMASK; I was moved by what I saw,” the Archbishop said.

He added that he had known Dr Mulindwa as a faithful person and appreciated his contribution to the school’s development.

He further noted that he had attended the event while also marking his own fourth anniversary as Archbishop.

The prelate said the 25-year milestone represented more than time, describing it as a journey of faith, sacrifice, commitment and transformation.

“As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, let us join the psalmist in proclaiming the Lord who has done the great things to us, surely God has blessed this school and enabled it to become an inspiration of academic excellence, moral formation, leadership, developed and holistic education in the country.”

He also highlighted the school’s contribution to the community, including support to the elderly and needy, such as Bakateyamba’s home in Nalukolongo, praising it as a sign of social responsibility.

Students entertain guests during the celebrations to mark 25 years of academic and spiritual excellence of St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende (SMASK). (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

He urged students to embrace discipline and focus, quoting Pope John Paul II.

“Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence.”

He encouraged learners to remain active and confident in their studies.

Simon Ssekanja Nsubuga, speaking on behalf of parents and suppliers, testified that the school had grown significantly under the leadership of Dr Mulindwa, whom he described as hardworking and determined.

“Thank you for being so generous, you changed many people’s lives, and also thank all who stood with him.”

Director’s remarks

Dr Lawrence Mulindwa said the school was celebrating 25 years of impactful existence and gave glory to God for its progress.

“Today they are celebrating 25 years of vivid existence with impact, glory be to God.”

He thanked teachers, staff and parents for trusting the institution since its early days, noting its humble beginnings in a rural setting. “This was a tropical village and forest.”

He added that the school had overcome early scepticism about private education and had now become a leading institution.

He also appreciated alumni for representing the school globally.

The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, poses for a photo with the Director of St Mary’s SS Kitende (SMASK), Dr Lawrence Mulindwa, choir members and other priests after the Holy Mass kicked off celebrations marking 25 years of academic and spiritual excellence of St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende (SMASK). (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

“We celebrate a school that has not only educated learners, but has also produced dreams, leaders, athletes, and champions.”

He recalled that the school opened on February 6, 2001, with infrastructural challenges and a small number of students, but grew steadily through dedication.

“The vision to transform education. However, the pioneers sat in 2005, and they settled the standard for excellence, today the school has grown into a beacon of holistic education in Uganda and beyond, and has infrastructural and smart classrooms,” Dr Mulindwa said.

During the event, Dr Mulindwa contributed sh30m towards the Ssaabasumba Annual Appeal Fund to support the construction of a home for elderly and sick priests at Bweya.

On behalf of the alumni, Busoga kingdom justice minister Alex Luganda said the school has produced more than 10,000 graduates serving in Uganda and abroad.

“We have old students who were doctors, teachers, lawyers, businesspeople, accountants, among others.”