Ntare School, one of the country’s most prestigious secondary schools and a cradle of some of the region’s most influential leaders, celebrated 70 years of excellence, late July, with the anniversary serving as both a reflection on its distinguished past and a renewed commitment to shaping future generations.
The celebrations brought together hundreds of former students, education leaders, government officials and development partners to honour the school’s legacy, while mobilising support for its future.
Current headteacher Saul Rwampororo said the milestone goes beyond commemorating the institution’s history. ‘This anniversary is about reconnection and shared purpose,’ Rwampororo said during the launch of the celebrations.
‘It gives us a moment to reflect on our proud history while also engaging alumni and partners to help shape the next chapter of the nature story.’ He said the school remains committed to the values of discipline, integrity and service that have defined it for seven decades.
According to Mr Rwampororo, the anniversary presented an opportunity to strengthen partnerships that will support infrastructure development, mentorship programmes and improved learning opportunities for future generations.
The celebrations were also a rallying point for the Ntare School Old Boys Association (NSOBA), whose leaders say the occasion is a call for alumni to invest in the institution that helped shape their lives.
NSOBA chairman Apollo Kashanku described the 70-year milestone as more than a celebration of past achievements.
‘As Ntare marks 70 years of excellence, we are reflecting on a legacy built on discipline, integrity and service. More importantly, we are reaffirming our commitment to the future, inviting all alumni and partners to be part of what comes next,’ he said.
Kashanku said the celebrations offered former students spread across Uganda and the world an opportunity to reconnect while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Over the years, Ntare School has earned a reputation as one of Uganda’s leading centres of learning and leadership.
Its alumni include President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and former Rwandan President Paul Kagame, whose time at the school has often been cited as a symbol of the institution’s regional influence.
The school has produced a long list of prominent public figures, including former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, former deputy premier Eriya Kategaya, former ministers John Nasasira, Elioda Tumwesigye, Tarsis Kabwegyere, Fred Ruhindi, James Nsaba Buturo, Richard Kaijuka, current Internal Affairs Minister Prof Ephraim Kamuntu, Prof Charles Kwesiga, Lt Gen Fred Mugira, and many others.
Other distinguished alumni include former Rwandan Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Mazimhaka, educationist Prof Elly Katunguka and retired Justice Jotham Tumwesigye.
The school’s influence extends beyond politics, with former students making significant contributions in medicine, engineering, academia, diplomacy, literature, entrepreneurship and sports.
With its enduring motto, Better Your Best, Ntare School hopes the platinum jubilee will inspire both its old boys and current students to continue pursuing excellence while preserving the values that have defined it as one of East Africa’s most celebrated schools.