St Mark's College Namagoma alumni launch constitution

Jul 28, 2018

'The Board of Governors was pursuing a strategy of establishing a strong body of alumni, who would commit themselves to the promotion of the school’s holistic development in the next fifty years'

PIC: Alumnus Prosper Lumu delivers the message of the alumni as his colleagues look on. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

 

SCHOOL EVENT

The association of the alumni of St Mark’s College, Namagoma (Smacon, has attained legal recognition following the official launching of its constitution.

The inaugural function took place during the school’s alumni’s networking dinner, which took place at the school in Wakiso district, on Saturday July 21.

It was presided over by Rotarian Kenneth Mugisha, who was also the chief guest. The function was graced by an impressive number of the school’s old boys/girls, current students, staff-members, parents and friends.

In his address, the director of the school, Daniel Ddamulira, said the Board of Governors was pursuing a strategy of establishing a strong body of alumni, who would commit themselves to the promotion of the school’s holistic development in the next fifty years.

“Our school is just fifteen years old. We thus don’t have affluent professionals yet. But we have taken the strategic decision to bring all the stake-holders on board with the view of giving the school a firm foundation, which will enable it to prevail strongly even after we have gone. We have taken the initiative to bring together our alumni and initiate them into the culture of loving and supporting their school when they are still young,” said Ddamulira. 

The chief guest, Rtn Kenneth Mugisha asked the alumni and current students to always have positive attitudes and big dreams in order to prosper. “Dreaming big is the secret of success. During my youth, I always had big dreams, which was why I managed to build my first house in the up-scale residential area of Muyenga, when I was just 25 years. In fact government ministers like Hon Tom Butime and Dr Crispus Kiyonga, who stayed in the same area then, initially thought that the house was not mine, that I was simply an agent of some Nkubakyeyo in Europe or the US.”

Mugisha later asked the Smacon alumni to have financial discipline if they want to progress. “Don’t be reckless spendthrifts. There is no reason for you to take expensive drinks like Black Label or Blue Label just because you have seen me taking it. I have worked for so long and I can afford it. On the other hand you have just started working. You will end up spending all your salary in one night! Be responsible and plan wisely for a better future.”

PIC: The chief guest, Rtn Ken Mugisha, delivers his speech as the Smacon Board chairman, Peter Jjemba (left) and the director, Daniel Ddamulira look on


Earlier during the same function, Babra Katende, a motivational speaker and don at Makerere University also advised the Smacon alumni and students to always establish strategic networks. “Today people give jobs and opportunities to people they know and love. Your net-work is your net worth. Always remain connected to the school and also, remain in touch with your peers so that you can help each other to find jobs and opportunities.” 

The President of the alumni, Apollo Wandera, explained that the association was the brain-child of some old-girls and old boys, who felt obliged to give back to their former school and also discover new opportunities for themselves and the school.

The function started with a thanksgiving service led by the Rev Canon Diana Nkesiga (from St Francis Chapel, Makerere University), who also encouraged the alumni to always keep in touch with their friends and the school. She also encouraged them to form a think-tank for the development of their school.

 

Katende, Nkesiga, Mugisha and Ddamulira cutting the cake with members of the executive committee of Smacon alumni's association


The function was also graced by the school’s headteacher, Paul Kaye Senfuma, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Peter Jemba Kaggwa and Rt David Kasingwire.

During the function, the alumni’s association also gave out awards to some outstanding teachers, support staff-members and students. An ensemble of former Smacon students provided cabaret entertainment during the function that ran under the theme: Strategic networking: Connect, Learn, Grow.

 

 Samalie Kemigisha, a staff-member and ambassador of Smacon alumni at the school, delivers the teaching alumni's message of appreciation

 

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