VP Alupo says investment in leadership can revive deteriorating schools

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Uganda's Vice-President, Jessica Alupo, has called on the academia to invest in quality leadership in order to revive schools whose performance has dropped.

She said it would also help uplift the morale of teachers and support staff.

Alupo made the call on Thursday (October 16) during the launch of a book authored by Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa of Ankole Diocese at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

'Best of the Best: Made in Ntare School' takes the reader through the revival of Mbarara-based Ntare School from the collapse following a political insurgency and then its revival to date.

“I hope this book inspires Ugandans and the global community to appreciate the power of leadership in shaping destinies," the vice-president said.

Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi shares with Vice President Jessica Alupo during the book launch at Hotel Africana. (Photo by Miriam Najjingo)

"Ntare School's story is a testament to the diverse achievements of its Old Boys who have excelled in various fields."

Alupo said the school's significance extends beyond its academic excellence, adding that it is the cradle of the NRA/NRM revolution that transformed Uganda.

“The school's illustrious alumni include His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and His Excellency Paul Kagame of Rwanda, testament to its transformative power. I am grateful to the leaders who revived Ntare School's former glory, particularly Mr Stephen Kamuhanda, Mr Gerald Mwika, and Bishop Mwesigwa himself.

In the book, the bishop shares a story of how Ntare School, which suffered the effects of a change in government collapsed and regained its glory, thanks to the strong leadership, guided by faith of its three school administrators, including headteacher Kamuhanda, his deputy and school chaplain Mwesigwa, and teacher Mwika.

'Decline is not destiny'

Uganda's former prime minister, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, recalled that at the time the team took over, Ntare School in disarray, indiscipline among students was high, many students dodged preps and teachers were demoralised.

He said the trio worked round the clock to restore discipline at the school. As a result, teachers returned to class, and students began working together with teachers to share ideas that later helped revive Ntare.

“This story teaches that leadership is not about authority. It is about guiding others to rediscover their strength and ability. This story also reminds us decline is not destiny. With good leadership, faith and purpose, renewal is always possible,” said Mbabazi while speaking as the guest of honour at the book launch.

'We need each other'

So what motivated Mwesigwa to write this book?

The bishop said he was driven by a desire to show the public that with proper leadership, traditional schools that have deteriorated due to various factors can regain their lost glory.

“Many schools in Uganda have gone to the dogs, and that can happen due to leadership challenges. That is why Stephen Kamuhanda, who joined Ntare when it was completely down, is the hero in this book," he said.

"He became a headmaster, he invested in people on the team like me and another man from Kisubi. God helped us to work together with students to turn around the school."

Mwesigwa advised administrators trying to revive their lost glory to accommodate student ideas if they want to bring about change.

“Students can bring about change. They shouldn’t be left out because leaders cannot manage on their own.

"I wanted people to know that through open discussions, we can agree on the course of action; in some schools, headteachers don’t discuss with students, but in this book I am saying 'Listen to them' and that is the biggest lesson: we need each other,” said the bishop.

Old Boys of Ntare attended the book launch, some of whom shared their experiences back in school and their journeys since leaving to pursue various careers.