Mengo Senior School celebrates 130 years of excellence and growth

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On Friday, July 18, 2025, Mengo Senior School celebrated its 130th anniversary, marking over a century of profound contributions to education and national development in Uganda.

Headteacher Dr. Nantagya Grace Ssebanakitta narrated the school's evolution from Miss Chadwick's house in 1895 to a prominent institution now serving 6,902 learners.

The celebrations, held at the school grounds in Kampala, attracted various dignitaries, including the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni, the Chief Guest.

The day began with a thanksgiving service led by Dr. Samuel Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda. Not even the midday heavy downpour dampened the mood at the celebrations.

The major highlight was the laying of the foundation stone for the nine-storey dining complex, which is the signature project for the celebrations. 

The sh18 billion project, under construction is expected to be completed within two years. The facility which will sit up to 9,000 learners at once will also house a gym, a 1,000-seat computer laboratory, a modern kitchen plus an auditorium.

Meanwhile, the school is seeking support for an international standard swimming pool.

In her address, First Lady Janet Museveni congratulated Mengo Senior School on its remarkable journey and commended its outstanding achievements and contributions to Uganda and humanity.

She attributed the school's resilience to its foundation on "the Rock, God." 

"This is a day to thank God because I believe that Mengo SS built this school on the Rock, God, who became your solid foundation and even 130 years with all challenges that hit Uganda's education in the past, because Mengo SS' foundation was the rock, it could not fall," she said, referencing the Biblical parable from Matthew Chapter 7.

A release from her office states that Mrs. Museveni praised the school's alignment with Government priorities, including its emphasis on science education, practical skills development, and ICT integration, all vital components of the new Lower Secondary Curriculum.

"The curriculum is designed to enable learners to explore their interests through a learner-centred approach, build their capabilities and identify personal strengths for life-long learning, as they prepare for the workplace. This fosters their problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities, thus allowing for the learner's smooth transition into the world of work," she emphasised.

She highlighted the government's commitment to Education through building seed schools and improving infrastructure in existing secondary schools.

The First Lady thanked the Church of Uganda, past and current Board of Governors, school administration, and parents for their excellence in providing quality education.

She urged students to prioritise their studies and embrace the values of integrity, honesty, respect, hard work, and fear of the Lord.

Mrs. Museveni also called for action against what she termed "Acquired Integrity Deficiency Syndrome" (AIDS), advocating for honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. "This is my new battle now, and I stand here to recruit you—let us fight corruption and defeat it just like we have defeated HIV/AIDS," she stressed.

In support of the new dining complex, the First Lady presented Shs 100m from President Yoweri Museveni and pledged continued prayers for the project.

Archbishop Kazimba Mugalu thanked the First Lady for her consistent support of education, particularly infrastructure development and teachers' welfare.

He underscored the church's role in providing holistic education rooted in God's word and noted the Church of Uganda's extensive network of 5,200 primary schools, 630 secondary schools, 5 universities, and 50 vocational training schools across the country.

The Archbishop also requested the ministry to establish a secondary school for the Madudu Church of Uganda area near Sezzibwa Falls in Buikwe District.

Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, praised Mengo Senior School for its enduring legacy in shaping the church's history and Uganda's spiritual, educational, social, and economic development.

She commended the school's culture of discipline, smartness, moral uprightness, and its alignment with government priorities in skills programs and ICT integration.

Dr. Robina Kyeyune, Chairman of the Board of Governors, expressed joy and thanksgiving, noting that the 130th anniversary marks the beginning of an important chapter in the school's legacy. She highlighted students' achievements in academics, arts, science and technology, sports, and personal and social relations.

Headteacher Dr. Nantagya highlighted Mengo Senior School's status as Uganda's oldest school and its reputation for academic excellence, discipline, moral integrity, and holistic education. The school currently has 3,831 male and 3,071 female students.

"We are profoundly honoured to stand before you today as we mark 130 years of not only existence, but excellence, growth, and service here in this great school," stated the Headteacher.

Dr. Nantagya acknowledged the vital contributions of past educators to the school's 130-year journey and praised the current dedicated team at Mengo Senior School for upholding the school's vision to produce competent human resources for the church, state, and world.

The Headteacher recognised former leaders of Mengo SS: Mr. Samuel Busuulwa, Mr. Bunjo Musisi Stephen, the late Patrick Bakka-Male, Dr. George William Semivule, and John Fred Kazibwe.

Dr. Nantagya reported significant growth over the past 130 years, with the school producing generations of leaders, professionals, and change-makers. Facilities now include a chapel, 67 classrooms, seven science labs, four computer labs, skills labs, a sick bay, staff houses, a sports field, four courts, widespread internet, and surveillance systems. The school has also reintroduced agriculture, allowing students to practice farming on campus.

The school leadership expressed gratitude to the founding body, the Church Missionary Society, the Government of Uganda, past and current Boards of Governors, PTAs, parents, and alumni for their unwavering support.

Rev. Canon Dunstan Kiwanuka Mazinga, Dean of Namirembe Cathedral, representing the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, reaffirmed the church's commitment to providing complete education that encompasses knowledge, God's word, and good manners.

During the celebrations, the school recognised Charles Male Bikongoolo, who taught German and Music at Mengo SS for 35 years and composed the school anthem in 1987.

Also honoured was Rev. Canon Julia Elizabeth Katumba Tamale, who served as chaplain without a chapel for many years.

The Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) team delivered a heartfelt performance, and the event concluded with Mengo Senior School renewing its commitment to character formation, servant leadership, and Christian values, building on the strong foundation laid over the past 130 years.