People from the Kigezi sub-region are set to hold a thanksgiving and homecoming celebration in honour of Uganda’s Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija, at St Mary’s College Rushoroza on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The celebration is expected to bring together political, religious and community leaders, former students, former teachers and residents from across Kigezi to celebrate Dr Zeija’s appointment as Chief Justice and his contribution to the judiciary and the community.
Dr Zeija was appointed Chief Justice on January 22, 2026, after serving as Deputy Chief Justice. His appointment made him the first person from Kigezi to serve as Chief Justice of Uganda.
The event will also coincide with the school’s St Mary’s Day celebrations and a fundraising drive towards completion of the college’s Mega Dining Hall.
In an invitation to former students, St Mary’s College Rushoroza head teacher Monday Christopher said the occasion would provide an opportunity for the school community to thank God for its achievements and celebrate one of its distinguished former students.
‘On behalf of the Board of Governors, Administration, Staff and Students of St Mary’s College Rushoroza, I am delighted to officially invite all our dear Old Students to join us for our St Mary’s Day and Thanksgiving Celebration on Sunday, 18th October 2026 at the College premises,’ Mr Christopher said.
He said the celebration would recognise Dr Zeija’s achievement while also giving former students an opportunity to reconnect and contribute to the development of their former school.
Mr Christopher appealed to former students to support the fundraising campaign for the Mega Dining Hall, describing the project as important to improving the welfare of current students.
‘Dear Old Students, this is your school, your home and your legacy. Your presence, contribution and support will make this celebration even more meaningful,’ he said.
Dr Zeija is a former student of St Mary’s College Rushoroza, where he studied both Ordinary and Advanced levels for six years and served as head boy.
His former classmates have described him as a disciplined and unifying student who demonstrated leadership qualities from an early age.
Margret Ahabwe, a former classmate, said the region and the school had reason to celebrate Dr Zeija’s achievement, describing him as an exceptional leader during his school days.
She recalled that Dr Zeija helped bridge the gap between students and teachers and promoted unity within the school.
According to Ms Ahabwe, his commitment to hard work and discipline also influenced the school community and contributed to improved academic performance and discipline during his time at the institution.
She said his leadership qualities were evident even during his student days.
The celebration has also received support from political leaders in the region.
Eliab Mporera, the Member of Parliament for Ndorwa West and Chief Whip of the Kigezi MPs, said the occasion would give residents an opportunity to celebrate one of their own.
Mr Mporera said Dr Zeija’s rise to the highest levels of the judiciary demonstrated his strong educational background and commitment to the law.
He also called on leaders from across Kigezi to attend the celebration, saying St Mary’s College Rushoroza has produced many prominent Ugandans and remains an important institution in the region.
The October 18 celebration will combine thanksgiving, the school’s St Mary’s Day activities and fundraising for the Mega Dining Hall, while bringing together generations of former students to celebrate their shared heritage.
Preparations for the event are under way in Kabale and Kampala, with organisers mobilising former students, leaders and well-wishers to participate in the celebrations.
For St Mary’s College Rushoroza, the occasion will honour a former head boy who has risen to one of Uganda’s highest judicial offices while providing an opportunity for former students to give back to the institution that helped shape their lives.