King’s College, Budo (KCB) has made a remarkable debut at the 2025 International Young Mathematicians Convention (IYMC), returning with an impressive haul of medals, trophies, and global recognition.
The biennial competition, hosted by City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, India, ran from November 3 to 6 and attracted hundreds of participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia, with the majority drawn from India.
Mr James Lubega, Head of the Mathematics Department at the school, told this publication on Tuesday that the school fielded 17 students, all of whom demonstrated exceptional skill across both individual and team contests.
In the individual category, the following students secured Silver medals: Otile Jensen (Junior), Atamba Jayden (Junior), Kizito Cleophas (Junior)
Those who secured bronze were: Kasiima Joshua (Senior), Kasirye Sira Nsibirwa (Junior), Namakula Skyler (Junior)
Competing under the national banner Team Nebula (Uganda), the students also earned several team accolades, including: First Runner-Up – Mathmania (Team contest), Second Runner-Up – Mathmania (Team contest) – twice, Second Runner-Up – Crack the Code (Puzzle contest), and Second Runner-Up – Junior Category (Overall)
The delegation was accompanied by five mathematics teachers: Mrs Margaret Kabuye Nabunya, Mr James Lubega, Mr John Walusimbi, Mrs Grace Muwanguzi Nakiranda, and team leader Mrs Assumpta Kasamba.
Beyond the mathematics arena, Team Nebula also emerged as champions of the intercultural performance competition, earning a trophy for Best Cultural Presentation after showcasing Uganda’s vibrant heritage.
Mr Lubega said the school’s participation aligns with its vision ‘to be a hub of globally enlightened men and women’ and noted that Budo has built a strong tradition of excellence in mathematics.
‘The school has always competed in several mathematics competitions. This year, two students-Nyakamatura Shahidah and Arinda Alvin-represented Uganda at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad in Botswana. Shahidah also competed in the East African Mathematics Olympiad, where she emerged second overall,’ he said.
He added that mathematics remains Budo’s strongest subject.
‘We hardly fall beyond the 12th position nationally, according to the statistics,’ he said.
However, he noted that mathematics performance at the national level remains low due to factors such as community attitudes and limited resources.
‘The teacher-learner ratio is still too big for teachers to effectively demystify mathematics concepts,’ he said.
He encouraged schools to establish vibrant mathematics clubs to enhance peer learning and improve participation in national and international competitions.
Mr Lubega also applauded the school headmaster, Canon John Fred Kazibwe, whose support has enabled students to access global platforms that enrich both their academic experience and future university prospects.
Certificates from IYMC, he said, are expected to boost students’ applications for further studies abroad.