Schools in Ankole-Kigezi that Predate Uganda's Independence

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Schools in Ankole-Kigezi that Predate Uganda's Independence
The Chaapa

As Uganda celebrates its 62nd Independence Day, several schools in the Ankole and Kigezi regions stand as pillars of education, having been established before the country gained independence in 1962.

These schools have produced some of Uganda’s most prominent leaders and continue to shape the nation's future. Below are seven key institutions and their pioneering headteachers.

1. Ntare School (Founded 1956)

Located in Mbarara city, Ntare School is an all-boys’ residential secondary school, founded by Scottish educator William Crichton. Crichton served as the first headteacher from 1956 to 1971.

The school boasts a rich legacy, with notable alumni such as President Yoweri Museveni, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Eria Kategaya, Noble Mayombo, John Nasasira, and Amama Mbabazi, among others.

2. Bweranyangi Girls' Secondary School (Founded 1912)

Originally established by the Church Missionary Society in Mbarara as Mbarara Junior School, Bweranyangi Girls' School has grown into a prominent all-girls' institution located in Bushenyi District.

The school moved to its current location on Bweranyangi Hill in 1954. Humphrey Ahimbisibwe was the first headteacher after the school began admitting middle and high school students in the early 1960s.

Prominent alumni include Janet Museveni, Dr. Miria Matembe, Ann Kansiime, Jacqueline Mbabazi, and Mary Karooro Okurut.

3. Mbarara High School (Founded 1911)

Mbarara High School, also known as "Chaapa," was founded by the Church Missionary Society as a primary school. It is the oldest secondary school in Western Uganda and started as a boys-only boarding institution. J. Kironde was the first headteacher, assisted by Rev. H. Clayton.

Notable alumni include President Museveni, Mwesigwa Rukutana, Eriya Kategaya, Sam Kutesa, and comedian Kenneth Kimuli (Pablo).

4. Maryhill High School (Founded 1961)

Located at Nyamitanga Hill in Mbarara city, Maryhill High School is a Catholic-founded girls' school. Sr. Mary Xavier was the first headmistress, serving from 1961 to 1963.

The school has produced accomplished alumni like Emma Boona, Polly Namaye, and Irene Pauline Batebe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

5. Kigezi High School (Founded 1922)

Situated on Rugarama Hill in Kabale District, Kigezi High School started as an elementary school and became a senior secondary school in 1965. The first headteacher was Zabuloni Kabaza, known for his strict discipline.

Among the notable alumni are D. Kiiza Besigye, Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile (former Governor of the Bank of Uganda), and former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda.

6. Kigezi College Butobere (Founded 1957)

This boys-only secondary school was the only senior secondary school in Kigezi District when it opened in 1957. The first headteacher was C.C. Bowman, followed by Leon Gower and Graham Thomas.

The school was later renamed Kigezi College Butobere. Alumni include former Archbishop Paul Bakyenga and Minister Kahinda Otafiire.

7. Kitabi Seminary (Founded 1935)

Kitabi Seminary is a minor seminary that started in Kitabi, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, with 22 seminarians. The seminary is known for its role in training Catholic priests.

Notable alumni include Archbishop Paul Bakyenga and Minister Kahinda Otafiire, along with numerous priests who have served the Mbarara Archdiocese.

These institutions have not only provided education for decades but also produced influential figures who have shaped Uganda’s political, religious, and social landscape.

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