St Henry's College Kitovu has launched the construction of a sh3.5b education complex to mark 100 years of the school's existence.

The project initiated by the old students and well-wishers supported by Vision Group, has so far raised close to sh700m, according to the school head teacher, Bro. Augustine Mugabo.

Bro. Mugabo and Jude Muleke inspecting the initial progress on the complex’s construction. Photo by Dismus Buregyeya

During the press conference chaired by Buganda kingdom Pokino, Jude Muleke, at the school on June 13, Mugabo said President Yoweri Museveni is expected to preside over the climax of the event on July 16.

Flanked by the school's alumni, former Masaka District Council chairperson, Joseph Kalungi, Eng. Ronald Namugera, and  Eng. Baptist Ssegawa, Mugabo said they have organised a fundraising dinner at Hotel Brovad on June 17.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja is expected as the chief guest on the day.

The 2,000-seater complex will house a vocational and skills development centre. Youth, women and the general community are expected to enrol during school holidays free of charge.

Muleke said the initiative to support the community through vocational skills developments will help to fight poverty in the area.

He commended the school for the 10-year strategic plan, which includes infrastructure expansion to increase the school enrolment capacity.

The school started with 23 students in 1922 and its enrolment has risen to over 1,500 students.

New Vision has learnt that the school receives close to 300 applications for S1 enrolment per year, but restricts admissions due to space constraints.