As national secondary schools continue to embrace lavish prom and ‘sosh’ parties, a growing number of international schools are deliberately steering away from the trend.
Instead, they describe such events as outdated and inconsistent with their educational philosophy. In recent weeks, schools such as St Juliana High School, Seeta High School, Elite High School and Makindye High School have hosted colourful and costly celebrations featuring music, fashion showcases and high-energy social gatherings. The parties fly in the face of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education and Sports, which caution schools against practices that may compromise discipline or place unnecessary financial pressure on learners and their families. Despite this, prom-style celebrations continue to gain popularity in many secondary schools.
Students typically arrive in elegant gowns, tailored suits and designer-inspired outfits, transforming school compounds into venues resembling formal social galas. However, administrators in international schools say such celebrations are not central to their learning environment. International schools, on the other hand, are increasingly focusing on structured, value-based events such as graduation ceremonies, themed dinners and parent-student engagements. Mr Ahmed Lwasa, the director of Kabojja International School, said prom parties belong to a traditional school culture that does not align with the operational model of most international schools. ‘Prom is an old-school tradition. We have dispensed with those kinds of parties. We are focused on graduation and transition ceremonies,’ he said.
He noted that most international schools operate as day schools, with learners returning home after classes, unlike boarding schools, where social traditions such as prom parties may emerge more naturally. ‘In many international schools, students go home after school. There is no boarding culture that naturally supports such parties. Instead, we organise graduation ceremonies and sometimes dinners where parents are involved,’ he said. According to him, parental involvement remains central to school activities, making elaborate student-only celebrations less relevant. ‘Everything is guided by vision. We ask ourselves: what is the purpose of the event, and what comes next?
Graduation speeches, for example, are meant to motivate learners for the next stage of life,’ he added. While international schools prioritise structured ceremonies, etiquette and parental engagement, many national schools view prom-style events as an opportunity for student expression and celebration. Mr Lwasa said that where celebrations are held in international schools, they are usually formal dinners rather than parties. ‘If there is any celebration, it is usually a dinner with parents. Students interact with their families in a formal setting. But we do not organise parties like prom or leavers’ events in the traditional sense,’ he said. He added that any additional celebrations are typically initiated through consultation between students and their parents. ‘If students want something, they consult their parents. If parents agree, it can happen. But as a school, we do not prioritise parties,’ Mr Lwasa said.
Themed and structured events
Some schools, including Mengo Senior School, have reportedly discouraged or limited such events, opting instead for formal academic ceremonies and structured school programmes. At Vienna College International, administrators say their approach is focused on themed and carefully supervised events . Ms Susan Nuwatamba, a school administrator, said international schools organise formal dinners and graduation ceremonies designed to bring together students, teachers, and parents. ‘We have graduation ceremonies and welcome dinners. These are not just parties. They are structured events that bring students, teachers, and parents together,’ Ms Nuwatamba explained.
‘In addition, the students develop themes and work with administrators to plan. We may hire an events company for lighting, décor, and entertainment, but everything is structured,’ she said. Ms Nuwatamba explained that students are involved in planning the events through committees, working closely with school administrators. Vienna College has previously organised themed events such as ‘Christmas in August’, allowing students to explore cultural and seasonal concepts within a controlled educational environment.
‘One year it can be a red-carpet night, another year a black-and-white dinner. The aim is not just entertainment but etiquette and learning,’ Ms Nuwatamba said. She added that etiquette training is often incorporated into such events, with schools partnering with organisations such as the Uganda Etiquette Centre to teach students social skills. ‘If you are invited to a formal dinner, you should know how to behave. We teach them dining etiquette, how to sit, how to eat a three-course meal and how to interact respectfully,’ she said.
Cost and structure
Ms Nuwatamba added that most international schools fund the events, unlike some national schools where students contribute towards the costs.
‘For welcome dinners, the school usually covers the cost. For graduation ceremonies, students may contribute to gowns and other logistics. These are part of the school programming. They are not extra parties,’ she said.
Keeping up with trend
Although international schools appear to look down on prom celebrations, many national secondary schools continue to embrace prom-style events, particularly for Senior Four and Senior Six students. Often organised as farewell events marking the completion of academic cycles, the parties have become key highlights on school calendars. However, critics argue that the growing emphasis on fashion, luxury dressing, and entertainment risks overshadowing the academic purpose of schooling while creating financial pressure on parents and students.