Namilyango College marks 123 years of excellence

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The atmosphere at Namilyango College was electric as the school marked its 123rd anniversary.

The air was filled with the harmonious voices of the choir, dancers moved with dramatic flair, and drummers beat their instruments with fervour.

Ululations echoed across the valley, reaching Seeta trading centre, as students, alumni, and guests came together to celebrate this remarkable milestone.

Not even the March 22, 2025, rain could dampen the festive spirit. From 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, a steady stream of cars flowed in and out of the school grounds as parents, alumni, and well-wishers gathered in a jubilant celebration of the institution’s legacy.

The highlight of the day’s events came when Archbishop Paul Semwogerere of Kampala, alongside tourism minister Tom Butime, unveiled plans for a new building at the college.

The structure, set to house A-level students’ libraries, laboratories, and classrooms, marks a significant step in Namilyango College’s continued evolution.

Beaming with pride, minister Butime, representing Vice President Jessica Alupo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the school’s academic infrastructure, particularly to meet the demands of the new curriculum.

“This is one of the best schools in the world. I will engage with the relevant ministries to ensure that the learning environment is conducive for both teachers and students,” Butime said.

“It is no small feat to maintain academic excellence for more than a century, and we will work to ensure that Namilyango College continues to thrive.”

Earlier in the day, during Mass, Archbishop Semwogerere delivered a thought-provoking sermon, urging Christians to embrace the spirit of Lent and live with humility in a world that often glorifies wealth, promiscuity, and reckless living.

He referenced the biblical passage from Luke 8:4-15, where Jesus tells the parable of the sower.

“A sower went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell on the edge of the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some seeds fell on the rock and withered away because it had no moisture. Some fell among thorns, grew with it, and was choked. And some fell in rich soil, grew, and produced a crop a hundredfold.”

A deep silence fell over the congregation as Archbishop Semwogerere paused, allowing the message to sink in.

“In this parable, the seed is the word of God. You are either the path, the rocks, the thorns, or the fertile soil,” he explained, encouraging the audience to reflect on their spiritual journeys and how they respond to God’s teachings.

As the celebrations drew to a close, Namilyango College’s 123-year legacy of academic excellence was not only honoured but also reaffirmed through ambitious plans for growth.

The event underscored the importance of community, faith, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing both intellectual and moral excellence in future generations.