By KT Reporter
Janet Kataha Museveni, Uganda’s First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, has urged alumni associations across the country to take an active role in addressing the misuse of digital platforms and online communication among students.
The First Lady’s message was delivered by the Minister for General Duties, Justine Kasule Lumumba, during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations at St. John’s Secondary School, Nandere, in Luwero District. Museveni expressed concern over the unregulated access to internet-enabled devices and social media, noting that the digital age has ushered in both opportunities and serious moral challenges for young people.
“Young people consistently need positive role models,” she noted, adding that alumni associations are uniquely positioned to guide students and help instill strong values. She also congratulated St. John’s on its 75th anniversary, praising the school for its commitment to environmental conservation, particularly its tree-planting initiative involving students.
On his part, the Right Reverend Lawrence Mukasa, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luwero, thanked the government for its sustained support of the school. His message, delivered by Vicar General Msgr. Francis Xavier Mpanga, emphasized that government contributions had helped the school address key development challenges and foster a better learning environment.
Development Plans and Institutional Legacy
Head teacher Portase Muhimbise revealed that the school is currently seeking UGX 4.5 billion to construct a new multi-purpose building. He expressed gratitude to both the founding body and the government for their contributions over the decades, which have supported the institution’s holistic development.
Muhimbise reaffirmed the school’s commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and the promotion of skills through co-curricular and extracurricular programs. He said the future of the school following its 75th anniversary looks “much brighter.”
A Storied History Since 1950
Founded in 1950 by the White Fathers as a junior school, St. John’s has grown into a fully established secondary institution. Early influential leaders included Pere Robillard and later, headmaster Sebastiane Kibuuka. Initially under the jurisdiction of Church offices in Lubaga, the school offered P.5 to Junior 3 classes, with certificates issued by Cambridge, UK.
Significant reforms occurred in the 1960s, transitioning the institution to include P.7 and Senior 1–4. After Uganda’s independence, the government began overseeing education, and St. John’s officially became a government-aided school in 1964.
The Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate later collaborated with the East African Examination Council to manage assessments. During this era, inspection levels declined slightly, though student teachers from Makerere University—including Rev. Fr. Musomero—conducted their teaching practice at the school. In 1967, St. John’s formally attained Senior Secondary School status. It was initially led by Fr. Lynch Kakande and later by Mr. Leonard Joseph Kivumbi.
Prominent parents such as Vincent Ssebuloolo played a vital role in advocating for Catholic schools’ autonomy through engagements with church leadership, including the late Archbishop Joseph Kiwanuka.
Current Status
Today, St. John’s Secondary School has a student population of more than 800. Its legacy continues to be shaped by the dedication of numerous head teachers over the decades.
Bannakaroli Brothers (1960s)
Fr. Lynch Kakande
Mr. G. Tikiba (1969)
Brother and later Mr. Leonard Joseph Kivumbi (1971-1978), who oversaw the transition from Junior to Secondary School in 1973.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Mbogo (1978-1979)
Mr. Kibuuka Pelgrino (1978-1985)
Mr. John Kabogo (during the war)
Mrs. Kaddu Teopista (1986-1991)
Mr. Mayanja Charles (1992-1995)
Mrs. Ssekwe Elizabeth Nambalirwa (1996-2001)
Mr. Kyasanku Charles Lukubo (2002-2006)
Mr. Mwanje Joseph (2007-2009)
Rev. Fr. Ssekalegga Joseph Mary (2010-2012)
Rev. Fr. Robert Mayega (2012-2024)
Mr. Portase Muhimbise Begumya (2024 to date)
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