Nyakasura marks 100 years with colourful celebrations in Fort Portal

FORT PORTAL - Nyakasura School Centenary celebrations on Thursday highlighted the school’s historic legacy, its alumni impact, and a renewed push to modernise the institution for future generations.

Pomp and excitement filled the school premises, with music, dance, and drama performances by students and staff, setting a festive tone.

The cerebrations of 100 years of academic excellence brought together alumni, students, teachers, government officials, and several other stakeholders.

Government officials and distinguished alumni at the event included: Prof. Edward Rugumayo, Chancellor of Mountains of the Moon University, State Minister for health in charge of Primary Health Care, Margaret Muhanga, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, the retired Justice Steven Kavuma, and seasoned politician Beatrice Kiraso.

Students perform during the centenary celebrations. (All Photos by Jonan Tusingwire)

The centenary celebrations began with prayers led by Rt Rev. Reuben Kisembo, Bishop of the Ruwenzori Diocese, who praised the founders of Nyakasura and called for support to rehabilitate the school’s ageing infrastructure.

“As we celebrate, let us contribute to the school so that they are rehabilitated,” Bishop Kisembo said.  

To kickstart the campaign, he announced Sh1 million contribution from the diocese.

National development and student guidance

President Museveni,  in a speech read by State Minister for Health Margaret Muhanga, lauded Nyakasura’s staff for nurturing young minds and developing practical skills vital for Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

Prof. Edward Rugumayo during the celebrations.

“I commend you for your unwavering dedication. Your role in nurturing these young minds and developing this school cannot be overstated. You are the backbone of this institution's continued success,” he said.

He urged students to pursue careers in science, technology, and the fourth sector, agriculture, industry, services, and ICT to create jobs and wealth.

“The students here today are custodians of this great heritage. The future of Uganda rests in your hands,” he added.

Legacy of excellence

Patrick Bitature, Chairperson of the Alumni Association, reflected on Nyakasura’s rich history and recent resurgence.

“As we mark 100 years of its existence, we do not stand in regret. We stand here in renewal,” he stated.

Students of Nyakasura School during the celebrations.

Highlighting improvements in academics, sports, and community engagement, he stressed that such achievements were a result of great effort, belief, and  the unwavering commitment of those who refuse to let this great school fade into history.”

Calling on alumni and partners to remain steadfast, Bitature, in a speech delivered by veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, said the centenary should mark a turning point for the institution.

Rev. Dr. Richardson Balinda, the head teacher, emphasised the far-reaching impact of the school’s alumni.

“In a hundred years, producing on average 170 students per year at both O and A-Level, we have put into the public about 17,000 human capital,” he said, adding that alumni have made their mark across politics, judiciary, military, business, media, academia, medicine, sports, and religion.

Retired Justice Steven Kavuma was also in attendance.

“There is nowhere in these hundred years that the products of this school have not reached,” he said.

Infrastructure and fundraising

Despite the celebration, concern over the school’s colonial-era buildings was central to discussions. Many of these structures, built nearly a century ago for just 400 students, are now too small for the current enrollment of 542 boys and 464 girls.

It was reported that many of the school’s buildings, constructed during the colonial era, are now dilapidated and no longer adequate for the growing student numbers. 

Responding to the outcry, the Alumni Association launched a sh6 billion fundraising drive for a four-storey centenary building housing science and computer laboratories, classrooms, offices, and a library.

Students perform during the school’s centenary celebrations.

The beginning 

Nyakasura School was founded in 1926 by Scottish retired naval officer Ernest Ebohard Calwell, who had previously taught at King’s College Budo. 

Convinced by two students from Toro Kingdom, Calwell sought land from Omukama Rukirabasaija Daudi Kasagama Kyebambe III, who offered three sites. 

Calwell selected the current location and introduced Scottish kilts as the boys’ uniform, setting a tradition that endures today.