Kasule takes over Budo’s rocking boat
Jul 01, 2008
After the Budo Junior School fire in April, the school faced a number of challenges, leading to several changes. Dr. Livingstone Ddungu, who was headteacher at the time of the fire, was shifted to Buloba Primary School Angela Ndagano talked to Tom Kasule, the new headteacher...
After the Budo Junior School fire in April, the school faced a number of challenges, leading to several changes. Dr. Livingstone Ddungu, who was headteacher at the time of the fire, was shifted to Buloba Primary School Angela Ndagano talked to Tom Kasule, the new headteacher...
Hesitancy is definitely what would enshroud you on getting a new assignment as headmaster of a school that recently lost 20 pupils in a mysterious fire. It was not different for Tom Kasule, the new headteacher of Budo Junior, the school in question.
“I wasn’t sure what to say when I was offered the job. But I realised the Wakiso district service commission had put faith in me, so I accepted it,†says an evidently unsure 44-year-old Kasule.
But despite the mountain-high task ahead of him, Kasule’s jolly disposition is not affected, as he leaves a lot of room for jokes. Busy is all that is written all over him as we do the interview. “I don’t think I can sit through an hour-long interview. How about doing it in the car as I drive to my next appointment? I am sure I’ll still be able to think while driving,†he quips.
Unfortunate is how he describes the fateful Sunday night when fire gutted Nassolo dormitory at the Wakiso district-based school, subsequently casting a sombre mood as parents gathered at the school, laden with anxiety as to whether their children had survived.
However, he knows it is time to move on for the sake of the more than 700 children who have reported back to the school.
Kasule was born to George Eram Kasule and Angela Namusoke, in Katakala, Mityana district. He credits his life and achievements to his mother. “I have achieved this level because of my mother, who ensured that I got the best education,†he speaks with deep emotion. “She passed away 10 years ago, but at least she had seen some fruits of her hard work,†he says ruefully.
Kasule’s father was a polygamous man who did not have time for his children. “My father did not care whether I went to school; it was the efforts of my mother,†he narrates, adding: “I had a rough time going to school.â€
His primary school life was characterised by shifting from school to school. Under the care of his grandfather, Kasule attended Telyamutunde, Kitala and Nkumba primary schools. He joined Namara Primary School shortly after his grandfather passed away. “After my grandfather died, my mother took me on,†he says.
Wearing a big grin, Kasule boasts of his old secondary school. “As most of you talk about the Budos of your time, I attended the school of Bishops - Mityana Secondary School.â€
He joined Namutada Teachers College in 1985; in 1993 he attended Kaliro National Teachers College. Kasule joined Gayaza Junior School in 1996, where he began his teaching career. His hard work at Gayaza could not go unnoticed; he was made the director of studies. Impressed by his efforts, the school made him a deputy headteacher.
Timothy Mwesigwa, a former teacher at Gayaza Junior School, describes Kasule as someone who took his time before making important decisions. “Gayaza would have lost a lot of teachers if it was not for him; he always advised management to see the depth of matters before taking action,†Mwesigwa says.
For Kasule, the sky was the limit. He pursued his first degree at Makerere University in 2001. He describes himself as a person who values education. He takes everything he does seriously and does not forget to keep a happy face.
In 2006, he was made the inspector of schools for Kyaddondo, Kira town council. Mamerito Mugerwa, the LC3 chairman for the town council, describes Kasule as friendly and principled. He was still working as an inspector for schools when he was called on for his current job.
“I am a musician,†he reveals. I love music and after Budo has solved its problems, we shall participate in music, dance and drama.â€
As he speaks, it is clear that this is a man with big dreams for the school.
“The headmaster is very hardworking; we are working as a team to create a bright future for Budo,†says Irene Mirembe, the deputy headteacher.
Kasule does not hide his passion for football. “I played football throughout my childhood,†he brags. He took up his passion and later became a referee, until 2004. His last game was between SC Villa and Lugazi Sports Club
“I support the club for gentlemen, Manchester United,†Kasule says proudly.
The father of four is less detailed when it comes to his wife. He refuses to disclose her name. “We are married in church and happy, that’s all I can say.†He is there for his children and is proud to provide for them with what his father could not give him.
As the new headteacher, Kasule knows his job is challenging and it needs a lot of work. “I have a combined plan with the school and district to make sure we achieve what’s best,†he explains. His plans include better performance and making sure all the stakeholders are on board. “I need the support of all stakeholders if we are to have progress,†he says.
His message to everyone, especially the parents, is to talk less and work for the school.
“A lot has been said about Budo without action. It is time for all stakeholders to act,†Kasule says.
Hesitancy is definitely what would enshroud you on getting a new assignment as headmaster of a school that recently lost 20 pupils in a mysterious fire. It was not different for Tom Kasule, the new headteacher of Budo Junior, the school in question.
“I wasn’t sure what to say when I was offered the job. But I realised the Wakiso district service commission had put faith in me, so I accepted it,†says an evidently unsure 44-year-old Kasule.
But despite the mountain-high task ahead of him, Kasule’s jolly disposition is not affected, as he leaves a lot of room for jokes. Busy is all that is written all over him as we do the interview. “I don’t think I can sit through an hour-long interview. How about doing it in the car as I drive to my next appointment? I am sure I’ll still be able to think while driving,†he quips.
Unfortunate is how he describes the fateful Sunday night when fire gutted Nassolo dormitory at the Wakiso district-based school, subsequently casting a sombre mood as parents gathered at the school, laden with anxiety as to whether their children had survived.
However, he knows it is time to move on for the sake of the more than 700 children who have reported back to the school.
Kasule was born to George Eram Kasule and Angela Namusoke, in Katakala, Mityana district. He credits his life and achievements to his mother. “I have achieved this level because of my mother, who ensured that I got the best education,†he speaks with deep emotion. “She passed away 10 years ago, but at least she had seen some fruits of her hard work,†he says ruefully.
Kasule’s father was a polygamous man who did not have time for his children. “My father did not care whether I went to school; it was the efforts of my mother,†he narrates, adding: “I had a rough time going to school.â€
His primary school life was characterised by shifting from school to school. Under the care of his grandfather, Kasule attended Telyamutunde, Kitala and Nkumba primary schools. He joined Namara Primary School shortly after his grandfather passed away. “After my grandfather died, my mother took me on,†he says.
Wearing a big grin, Kasule boasts of his old secondary school. “As most of you talk about the Budos of your time, I attended the school of Bishops - Mityana Secondary School.â€
He joined Namutada Teachers College in 1985; in 1993 he attended Kaliro National Teachers College. Kasule joined Gayaza Junior School in 1996, where he began his teaching career. His hard work at Gayaza could not go unnoticed; he was made the director of studies. Impressed by his efforts, the school made him a deputy headteacher.
Timothy Mwesigwa, a former teacher at Gayaza Junior School, describes Kasule as someone who took his time before making important decisions. “Gayaza would have lost a lot of teachers if it was not for him; he always advised management to see the depth of matters before taking action,†Mwesigwa says.
For Kasule, the sky was the limit. He pursued his first degree at Makerere University in 2001. He describes himself as a person who values education. He takes everything he does seriously and does not forget to keep a happy face.
In 2006, he was made the inspector of schools for Kyaddondo, Kira town council. Mamerito Mugerwa, the LC3 chairman for the town council, describes Kasule as friendly and principled. He was still working as an inspector for schools when he was called on for his current job.
“I am a musician,†he reveals. I love music and after Budo has solved its problems, we shall participate in music, dance and drama.â€
As he speaks, it is clear that this is a man with big dreams for the school.
“The headmaster is very hardworking; we are working as a team to create a bright future for Budo,†says Irene Mirembe, the deputy headteacher.
Kasule does not hide his passion for football. “I played football throughout my childhood,†he brags. He took up his passion and later became a referee, until 2004. His last game was between SC Villa and Lugazi Sports Club
“I support the club for gentlemen, Manchester United,†Kasule says proudly.
The father of four is less detailed when it comes to his wife. He refuses to disclose her name. “We are married in church and happy, that’s all I can say.†He is there for his children and is proud to provide for them with what his father could not give him.
As the new headteacher, Kasule knows his job is challenging and it needs a lot of work. “I have a combined plan with the school and district to make sure we achieve what’s best,†he explains. His plans include better performance and making sure all the stakeholders are on board. “I need the support of all stakeholders if we are to have progress,†he says.
His message to everyone, especially the parents, is to talk less and work for the school.
“A lot has been said about Budo without action. It is time for all stakeholders to act,†Kasule says.