Mandela Gardens at Kololo open to public

KAMPALA - The public and the community of Kololo Secondary School can now access Mandela Gardens constructed at the school premises in memory of the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

The gardens, an initiative of Always Be Tolerant Organisation, were set up at a cost of sh6m to provide the public with a conducive environment to reflect on the deeds of Mandela and hold functions like board meetings, among others.

Plants like mangoes, oranges and coconuts have been planted in the gardens, which according to Rose Lwamasaka, the school's deputy head, will provide fruits to the school community.

She said the gardens would also be used to promote patriotism, like by hosting patriotic club meetings.

Moses Musana, the chairman of Always Be Tolerant Organisation, said the gardens were set up to also encourage the public to plant trees to conserve the environment.

A sculpture of Mandela will be built, among other memoires, at the gardens so that Ugandans can remember what the anti-apartheid hero stood for as far as promoting peace and fighting injustices is concerned.

The gardens were launched on the day the world is celebrating Mandela International Day.

The chairman of ABETO, Moses Musana (right) leads teachers of Kololo Secondary School as they inspect the gardens. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18 Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former South African President's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.

Prof. Syed Abidi of Makerere University advised students to emulate Mandela's character of perseverance when he was released after 27 years in jail.

He also encouraged them to protest against injustice and adopt the principle of patriotism to build the country.

Edward Ssebukyu, the assistant commissioner of private schools and institution, said the Mandela Gardens will enable citizens to reflect on the need to keep the environment green. "I urge everybody to at least plant a tree in your homes."

What students said

Abdu Kawooya, who is in S.5, said the garden shade will provide them with a good study environment.

Also an S.5 student, Patience Amuno said the gardens remind her of what Mandela did as a freedom fighter.

Sports prefect Joseph Mubiru said the gardens are the greatest thing to happen in Kololo Secondary School as it will inspire them to work hard without giving up as Mandela did.