SMACK celebrates feast day, unveils new classroom block

St Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) has elevated its spectacle following the official commissioning of its newly-constructed classroom block.

The splendid building was unveiled during the celebrations of the school’s Feast Day (the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary). The function took place at the school at Kisubi (on Entebbe Road), Wakiso district on Friday (August 23, 2024).

Archbishop Ssemogerere (holding a crosier) with the members of PTA after mass.

The solemn thanksgiving mass presided over by the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kampala, the Most Rev Paul Ssemogerere.

The blessing/opening of the new classroom block was evidently the most ecstatic highlight of the celebration. The building was named after the late Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere (a prominent alumnus of SMACK), in recognition of his dedicated service to the school.

The newly-commissioned classroomm block named after Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere.

Great Messages

Delivering his homily during mass, Archbishopship Ssemogerere spoke highly of Dr Paul Ssemogerere (his uncle) describing him as an icon of democracy and social justice.

He said it gave him inner joy to see SMACK recognizing his uncle on the very occasion of the 16th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

The Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga (left) sharing a light moment with Bro Casio Aizire.

 “Dr Paul Ssemogerere remained steadfast in his commitment to the principles of democracy and justice. He personified the virtues of responsibility, humility, transparency, honesty, respect and solidarity. His legacy should inspire our commitment to justice. His recognition and immortalization should always remind us that true greatness does not lie in dominance, but in humble service to others,” Ssemogerere said.

Ssemogerere later asked the students of SMACK to commit themselves to fighting endemic corruption and ultimately enable the country to attain sustainable prosperity.

The school's violinists in action during mass.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga referred to Dr Ssemogerere as a wonderful leader who saw politics as a call to service, not a means of survival.

Counsel Charles Owor (who presented the citation) referred to Dr Ssemogerere as a man of integrity and peace, who loved to live in accordance to his Catholic faith and principles.

Dr Germina Ssemogerere (the wife) said her husband was a true nationalist who desired Ugandans to live in harmony and unity in their diversity.

Dr Ssemogerere’s son, Karoli Ssemogerere announced a number of donations the family had given the school to boost its academic programmes.

The headteacher of SMACK, Bro Simeon Simon Mpanga paid tribute to the school’s stakeholders in their various categories (PTA, Board of Governors, SMACKOBA, the Ministry of Education, the Church, the well-wishers) for their goodwill and support to which he attributed the school’s remarkable improvement in academics, infrastructure and co-cuticular programmes.

He also thanked the minister of education, Hon Janet Museveni for her goodwill/support. Mpanga later proclaimed new projects, such as the proposed Sconce Block, which he said are aimed at boosting the learning environment and convenience of students.

He asked the students to exercise a high degree of discipline and quality in whatever they do.

The Diocesan Education Secretary, Fr Dr Nicholas Kiruma commended the stakeholders of SMACK for their collaborative/cooperative efforts.

The Commissioner, Government Secondary Education, Mrs Muzoora Atuhairwe Juliet commended SMACK on discipline.

The celebration ran under the theme: It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord (Psalms 92). “Surely, we have a new SMACK within SMACK.”