St. Mary's Kitende celebrates 25 years of building champions on and off the pitch

As St Mary's Boarding Secondary School Kitende (SMASK) prepares to celebrate its silver jubilee next month, the school's assistant executive director, Claire Mulindwa, has highlighted the institution's sporting success as one of its proudest achievements over the past 25 years.

Speaking on Tuesday during a charity visit to the Good Samaritan Sisters Home in Nalukolongo, Rubaga Division, Mulindwa said SMASK has built a sporting empire that complements its strong academic record.

“There is so much to celebrate as we mark 25 years, but sports is one of the achievements we are most proud of,” Mulindwa said.

“You can agree that we are the best football naturing school in the country. We have five football teams, including the inter-school team, the school academy team, the school competitive team, Vipers Junior Team and Vipers SC (reigning Uganda Premier League champions).

“Our teams have won almost everything there is to win. The school teams have dominated competitions and have won the FEASSA Games many times,” she added.

Through these teams, we have produced many footballers who have gone on to become stars in Ugandan football and some are playing professionally abroad.”

St Mary's Kitende players during a flag off ceremony to Zimbabwe

Beyond football, Mulindwa said SMASK has also excelled in volleyball, basketball and netball, reflecting the school's commitment to nurturing talents outside the classroom.

“We do not focus only on academics. We understand that sports are very important, which is why our director, Lawrence Mulindwa, has invested heavily in sports. We are proud of the results we have achieved over the last 25 years,” she said.

According to Mulindwa, a culture of success has become part of the school's identity, and plans are underway to further expand the sports programme to cater for more disciplines.

The remarks were made during a community outreach activity in which SMASK staff and students donated food, clothing and cash to the Good Samaritan Sisters Home, which provides care and support to elderly and vulnerable people.

“As we celebrate our anniversary, we felt it was important to give back to the community,” Mulindwa said.

Vipers SC

“Sharing what we have with the Good Samaritan Sisters is one way of appreciating the wonderful work they do. We also intentionally brought our students so that they can learn the value of giving and helping others in society.”

Sister Anne Jolly Namugga, the administrator and community superior of the Good Samaritan Sisters Home, thanked SMASK for their generosity and continued support.

“We appreciate everything you have brought for us today,” Namugga said. "May God bless you for supporting this home and the people we care for.”

The Good Samaritan Sisters Home was founded by the late Cardinal Emmanuel Kiwanuka Nsubuga, first Archbishop of Kampala Diocese to serve vulnerable members of society. The facility provides care, companionship and support to elderly people, helping them live with dignity in a caring environment.