Wapa’s Teachers Foretold His Future
THE late James Wapakhabulo joined King’s College Budo in January 1965 from Nabumali High School. At that time schools without A’ level sections would send their best students to Budo and Kisubi.
By Edward Kayondo
The late James Wapakhabulo joined King’s College Budo in January 1965 from Nabumali High School. At that time schools without A’ level sections would send their best students to Budo and Kisubi.
Inspired by Aggrey Awori and Erasmus Amukun (R.I.P.) who had joined earlier, he joined and resided in Nigeria House.
Within weeks he had become Editor-in-Chief of the school Magazine The Budonian, publicity Secretary of Literature Society, Secretary of the Senior Debating Society, Member of the school health committee; member of the Sixth Form Committee in charge of organising inter-house and inter-school parties.
He also played hockey for his dormitory and the school.
His class, teacher, housemaster and Headmaster wrote the following comments in 1965 some of them very prophetic.
“I enjoy this man though I understand he can be a barrack room lawyer. He may yet be Member of Parliament for Mbale.â€
Hugh Sylvester
“Friendly and pleasant shows aptitude and responsibility when approached on an official basis.â€
K.R. Brewster
“He can be an agitator but also very pleasant. He should go far he has a good brain and takes a lively interest in many things. A bit of rule breaker but willing to accept co-operation. In general he has gone the right way rather than the wrong way.â€
BD Bowles
“Very useful and amazing debater - good mind.â€
Ian Robinson ( Headmaster)
Budo has always been sensitive to the political temperature at Mengo. So after the attack on the Kabaka Palace by the Uganda Army (in May 1966), a strike erupted at Budo.
The school divided itself into three groups. the Republicans, ‘The Monarchist’ led by Sulaiman Kiggundu and ‘The Moderating’ group led by James Wapakhabulo.
The leadership of the Republican and Monarchists groups were expelled. Sulaiman Kiggundu was bundled into the school lorry and handed over to Abu Mayanja at Lungujja.
Wapa survived and was praised with the following comments:
“We are expecting him to do really well in Higher School Certificate. I have found him a pleasant and friendly person if he can always remember that responsibilities carry obligations he will do really well in life.â€
Ian Robinson
James Wapakhabulo carried the emblem and Red Lioned flag wherever he went. He rewarded Budo by giving us two sons.
The Board of Governors recognised his contribution to Uganda and awarded him the highest Award The Budo Order of Merit (O.M.) in 1997. May his soul rest in peace.
The writer is mobiliser for the
Old Budonians Club.
The late James Wapakhabulo joined King’s College Budo in January 1965 from Nabumali High School. At that time schools without A’ level sections would send their best students to Budo and Kisubi.
Inspired by Aggrey Awori and Erasmus Amukun (R.I.P.) who had joined earlier, he joined and resided in Nigeria House.
Within weeks he had become Editor-in-Chief of the school Magazine The Budonian, publicity Secretary of Literature Society, Secretary of the Senior Debating Society, Member of the school health committee; member of the Sixth Form Committee in charge of organising inter-house and inter-school parties.
He also played hockey for his dormitory and the school.
His class, teacher, housemaster and Headmaster wrote the following comments in 1965 some of them very prophetic.
“I enjoy this man though I understand he can be a barrack room lawyer. He may yet be Member of Parliament for Mbale.â€
Hugh Sylvester
“Friendly and pleasant shows aptitude and responsibility when approached on an official basis.â€
K.R. Brewster
“He can be an agitator but also very pleasant. He should go far he has a good brain and takes a lively interest in many things. A bit of rule breaker but willing to accept co-operation. In general he has gone the right way rather than the wrong way.â€
BD Bowles
“Very useful and amazing debater - good mind.â€
Ian Robinson ( Headmaster)
Budo has always been sensitive to the political temperature at Mengo. So after the attack on the Kabaka Palace by the Uganda Army (in May 1966), a strike erupted at Budo.
The school divided itself into three groups. the Republicans, ‘The Monarchist’ led by Sulaiman Kiggundu and ‘The Moderating’ group led by James Wapakhabulo.
The leadership of the Republican and Monarchists groups were expelled. Sulaiman Kiggundu was bundled into the school lorry and handed over to Abu Mayanja at Lungujja.
Wapa survived and was praised with the following comments:
“We are expecting him to do really well in Higher School Certificate. I have found him a pleasant and friendly person if he can always remember that responsibilities carry obligations he will do really well in life.â€
Ian Robinson
James Wapakhabulo carried the emblem and Red Lioned flag wherever he went. He rewarded Budo by giving us two sons.
The Board of Governors recognised his contribution to Uganda and awarded him the highest Award The Budo Order of Merit (O.M.) in 1997. May his soul rest in peace.
The writer is mobiliser for the
Old Budonians Club.