Warren gets new dormitory as Gayaza High School turns 120
The new dormitory, named after Miss Sheelagh Warren, one of the school’s early missionaries and long-serving headteachers, was officially opened by the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt Rev Moses Banja.
Rt Rev Moses Banja commissioning the new Warren House dormitory at Gayaza High School. (Photos by Emmanuel Ssekaggo)
By Dallen Namugga
Journalists @New Vision
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Gayaza High School, on August 2, 2025, marked 120 years of existence and excellence in girls’ education with the commissioning of a new dormitory, Warren House, as a tribute to the institution’s legacy and continued expansion.
The new dormitory, named after Miss Sheelagh Warren, one of the school’s early missionaries and long-serving headteachers, was officially opened by the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt Rev Moses Banja.
Sheelagh Warren was the Headmistress of Gayaza High School for 18 years, from 1972 to 1990. She took over from Joan Cox and oversaw significant developments, including the school's expansion to O' and A' levels and the construction of many permanent buildings.
The new dormitory, named after Miss Sheelagh Warren, one of Gayaza High School's long-serving head teachers, , was officially opened by the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt Rev Moses Banja.
"Miss Warren", as fondly known, is also remembered for composing the school anthem. The Warren Computer Center at Gayaza High School was also named in her honour.
She passed away in the United Kingdom on May 29, 2022.
On Sunday, Head teacher Robina Kizito described the dormitory as a timely response to the growing student population, which currently stands at 1,767.
“This addition responds to the growing student population. The school plans to begin construction of a new classroom block to support Uganda’s new curriculum,” she said.
Kizito opened the celebrations with a note of the institution’s academic strength, noting that Gayaza High School has consistently ranked highest among Church of Uganda-founded schools at both O and A levels.
“Thirty-two out of seventy science students from the 2020 class intake were admitted to university on government sponsorship. Of these, ten 10 joining medical school,” Kizito said.
The head teacher also emphasised the school’s investment in holistic education through music, dance, drama, and sports. She proudly noted that Gayaza students were currently representing Uganda in the ANOCA school games in Algeria.
Paying tribute to past educators, she acknowledged Miss Ann Cutler, who served for over four decades, and whose legacy was honoured with a commemorative bus unveiled during Sports Day.
Kizito also thanked the school board, the parents’ association, and the Church of Uganda for their unwavering support.
“We pledge to continue grooming the girl child into the ladies the world needs, guided by our values of godliness, respect, and integrity,” she said.
A call to expand Gayaza’s High School
Rt Rev Moses Banja, the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, revealed that the diocese had already donated 20 acres of land to support the establishment of a new Gayaza campus.
“Let us not be conservative in our vision. Let us be bigger and better and extend the vision of the founders,” he stated.
The bishop called for boldness and vision as the school embarks on the next phase of growth.
“This is a historical moment. Let us reflect on past blessings and build on them,” Banja said.
He reminded students to remain grateful and work hard in honour of the sacrifices made by their parents.
Highlights for the day included confirmation of several students during a prayer service led by Bishop Banja.
Fathers urged to show up
For grown-ups, Buganda’s Second Deputy Katikkiro, Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa gave a lecture on responsible parenting.
Deputy Katikkiro Owek Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa giving his remarks during the 120-year anniversary celebrations at Gayaza High School.
“We are so available for our 90-minute football matches and businesses, but when it comes to children’s visitation days, we leave the mothers to deal with everything,” Waggwa said.
He used the platform to rally fathers into taking a more active role in their daughters’ lives.
“It is quite distressing to see fathers not taking part in their children’s life,” he added.
He warned against emotionally absent parenting and cautioned fathers against leaving teenage girls under the sole care of housemaids.
“This girl child needs you more than you ever know,” he warned, adding that parenting must be intentional and not outsourced,” he added.
Background
Founded in 1905 by the Church Missionary Society, Gayaza High School was the first all-girls boarding school in Uganda. Originally meant for the daughters of chiefs, the school has grown into one of the country’s most prestigious institutions, producing women in leadership, academia, science, and business.
Gayaza remains anchored in Christian values and continues to evolve to meet the demands of 21st-century education. Its investment in infrastructure, curriculum, and co-curricular programs stands as a testament to its enduring commitment to empowering the girl child for generations to come.