King’s College Budo has won a prestigious international award in science and innovation, beating competitors from over 12 countries, including Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, at the International Science Olympiad held in Greece.
The winning team, comprising Senior Two, Three, and Four students, emerged top in a series of science-based contests that tested practical innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving, an achievement school leaders have hailed as a major victory not just for the school, but for Uganda’s revamped competence-based curriculum.
“This is not just a win for Budo, but also a win for Uganda’s curriculum,” said Asumpta Kasamba, a mathematics teacher who lead the Ugandan students delegation. “We aim to take science out of the classroom and apply it to real life. These are the skills being tested, collaboration, critical thinking, and competence.”
The Olympiad competition attracted participation from some of Uganda’s top academic institutions including Mengo Senior School and Mount St. Mary’s Namagunga, with King’s College Budo standing out as the gold medalist.
Speaking of the victory, the Deputy Headteacher, Mr. Godfrey Kasamba, said the recognition affirms their long-standing vision.
“We now have global winners. That fits into our vision to be a hub of globally enlightened men and women, rooted in Christian values. This was only our third time participating, and to return with a gold medal, it’s extraordinary.”
The students, overwhelmed with emotion and pride, credited their success in the global competition to dedication, rigorous training, and the opportunity to compete on a global stage.
“To be honest, it was spectacular from start to finish,” said Aman Kasamba, one of the student delegates. “I’m so grateful to everyone who enabled us to reach this far.”
Another student highlighted how the Olympiad had sharpened their intellectual abilities. “It’s changed how I think. Competing internationally showed me that we can match and even exceed the standards set by students from more developed countries.”
The International Science Olympiad is an annual global academic competition that brings together some of the brightest young minds to test their abilities in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and Mathematics, through both theoretical exams and practical experiments.