Gayaza H/M quits to join politics

By Hamis Kaheru The long-serving headmistress of Gayaza High School in Mpigi district, Mrs Ruth Kavuma, is leaving the school this year to join politics. Kavuma joins another famous headteacher, Sist-er Cephas Cormack of Mo-unt St Mary's Namagunga, who retired last year. Mrs. Kavuma was non-committal when contacted on Tuesday. "I am just looking ahead but I wouldn't rule out the possibility of wanting to do other things," she told The New Vision. She said she could not deny reports that she was joining politics. "I should say I am still testing the waters," Mrs. Kavuma said. Sources said she would leave Gayaza in April to prepare for the parliamentary elections due in May. When asked if she intends to represent Kalangala women in Parliament, she said, "I wouldn't mind to represent my people if I happen to leave Gayaza." "Having served for over 20 years, one can run out of ideas. I think it's time for younger people to take over," Mrs Kavuma said. She said she wanted her greatest achievement of high academic standards at Gayaza to be maintained. Mrs. Kavuma holds a BSc (Physics) degree and PGDE from Makerere University. She joined Gayaza as a teacher in 1980 and became the first black headteacher in 1990. Mrs Kavuma is also one of the founders of Forum for African Women Educationists (FAWE), a local NGO advocating for the education of girls. She said poloitics would enable her boost FAWE programmes. Ends.