Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba has urged St Charles Lwanga Senior Secondary School in Mubende District to preserve its founding vision and build on the achievements made during its 40 years of existence.Nabakooba made the call while representing the acting Minister of Education and Sports, John Chrysostom Muyingo, at celebrations marking the institution’s 40th anniversary.She praised the school’s founders and successive administrations for maintaining its focus on education, Christian values and skills development.
St Charles Lwanga was founded in 1986 through the efforts of Rev Fr Richard Ritz, who was serving as parish priest of Mubende Parish at the time.The institution started from the premises of the parish headquarters before growing into a senior secondary school serving learners from Mubende and surrounding areas.Nabakooba said the school was founded with the intention of using education to strengthen Christianity and develop learners who could become responsible members of society.She described the founding vision as one focused on producing complete and well-rounded individuals through a combination of academic education and moral formation.
The minister commended Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa and the Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese for supporting the school throughout its development.She also acknowledged the contribution of the family that donated the land, former students, teachers, parents and other stakeholders.Nabakooba noted that the institution has produced numerous people who are making contributions to the country in different sectors.She encouraged the school’s alumni to maintain their connection with the institution and contribute to its continued growth.“As we celebrate today, we are on a journey towards celebrating 50 years and 100 years. Let’s keep on track and realise our set dreams,” she said.
The anniversary celebrations also highlighted the school’s ambition to become more self-reliant before reaching its 50th anniversary.Bishop Zziwa challenged the school to strengthen its academic, religious and vocational programmes while expanding income-generating activities.He said the institution should develop projects that can provide additional resources to support its operations.The bishop pointed to the dairy farming programme being implemented in Catholic-founded schools as an example of how practical skills can prepare young people for self-reliance.St Charles Lwanga is among the beneficiaries of the initiative, with students receiving practical training in farming and financial management.Bishop Zziwa said students have already participated in agricultural activities that have produced food for school functions and generated income.He added that 20 schools had received cows through the programme, with some already producing milk for sale.
The school is also investing in infrastructure as part of its drive towards financial sustainability.A three-storey building under construction will house administration offices, a dining hall and a main hall, with plans to hire out the facilities during holidays.Bishop Zziwa called on former students, Catholic leaders and other stakeholders to support the initiative by using the facilities for meetings and events.
The school’s head teacher, Grace Lwanga, who has served the institution for 30 years, expressed gratitude to the diocese for its continued confidence and support.She said her leadership had focused on developing learners academically while also encouraging them to discover and develop their talents.The school has recorded achievements in sports, debates, public speaking, essay writing, music, poetry and storytelling, adding to its academic and religious programmes.The 40th anniversary celebrations therefore marked both a reflection on St Charles Lwanga’s four-decade journey and a renewed commitment to its vision for the next decade and beyond.
