Kibubura: School culture reason for OGs’ success
Students of Kibubura Girls Senior Secondary School in Ibanda District during a computer lesson recently. At 38 years, the school can stand out to be counted among other academic giants who have been around for more than 50 years. COURTESY PHOTO
What you need to know:
- The former Ibanda Integrated Primary School was officially gazetted as an O-Level boarding senior secondary school by the then Education minister on June 15, 1981. It was designated as a girls’ only school at a time when girl-child education was a preserve of a few. Although the school started from scratch, within a few years it had registered success in academics as well as co-curricular activities in the region.
The name Kibubura was given to the school in memory of Julia Kibubura. She was the first woman in Uganda to take up a political leadership position as Gombolola (county) chief during the time of Galt, a colonial administrator, who died in 1905 at the hands of Rutaraka, a native of Ibanda District. The instantaneous reaction of Julia Kibubura of holding the body of Galt, epitomised her courage in the face of danger.
Apparently the root word for the name Kibubura in Runyakitara is ‘okububura’ loosely translated as ‘the roaring of a lion’.
School culture
While academic performance was a key parameter of set goals by Kibubura Girls’ governance and administration, it was deliberate that effort was put in ensuring the school curriculum and non-informal curriculum were all aimed at sharpening the intellect while empowering the girls with good Christian moral values, development of communication skills and other competences. Bloom’s taxonomy of education objectives of developing the head, the heart and hands was paramount.
Co-curricular activities were a key aspect of the social and academic life of students. Inter-class drama competitions were religiously held. Coupled with the inter-house drama competitions. Many students who actively participated in these activities honed their communication and leadership skills.
One of my most memorable events was in 1993 when the Mbarara District anti-AIDS competitions were organised through a play called ‘The Hydra’. During this competition held at Mbarara Catholic Social Centre, Mary Hill emerged the best, with Kibubura second, Ntare School third and Mbarara High School fourth! The girls of Kibubura had displayed excellent drama antics and good spoken English language skills that they became the darling of the audience.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of Kibubura Girls S.S.S was the mandatory policy of ensuring that students speak English at all times. Although some disliked the policy, a good number were to benefit from it. Beneficiaries of the policy were the born again students who had to contend with giving testimonies in English instead of Runyankore or other local dialects.
It is not surprising that many of them ended up speaking very good English compared to some of their counterparts who played dumb on the school compound and avoided debates and drama. There is no doubt that there is a strong linkage between English language proficiency and academic excellence, especially in the Arts and Humanities. This might explain partly why the majority of Kibubura Girls SSS alumni have excelled in those fields.
Getting together
While the school is relatively young at now 38 years, it has professionals who have left a mark wherever they serve. Perhaps the most notable one is Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema who during her high school days was also chairperson of school Council and Scripture Union.
As Kibubura Girls SSS old girls re-unite on Saturday at the school at a function expected to be graced by President Museveni and Education minister Janet Museveni, there is a lot to be proud of. Kibubura Girls SSS has been able to stand tall and be counted among schools that are as old as 50 or so years!
The religious foundation of the school reflected in the school culture has left an indelible mark on the character of the students since many women of courage and Christian witnesses have strolled out of the school’s gates and succeeded in the world of life and work.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa (Phd.) was a teacher at Kibubura (1985 to 1987); a deputy head-teacher, chaplain and teacher of English Language and General Paper (1990 to 1994). Currently he is Bishop of Ankole Diocese and patron of the old girls association.
The alumni
Jovrine Kariisa, the MP Ibanda District, Grace Kansiime, special presidential assistant projects, Dr Immaculate Busingye, registrar/ inspector of courts, Craven Barigye principal legal officer NWSC, Teopista Twembi Commissioner Human Rights Commission, Sarah Mwebaze, child protection advisor Plan International, Joan Kamwesiga, spokesperson Civil Aviation Authority, Dr Ann Tinka, Consultant Surgeon, Dr Emily Ninsiima, Mbarara University, Grace Namata Sagi, programme manager DFID, Dr Jenestic Mwende, senior lecturer Makerere University, Pamela Titi, founder Tunaweza Special Needs Education Centre, Ruth Asasira, head Microfinance Opportunity Bank, Annet Mbabazi, Senior State Attorney ministry of Justice, Joan Kabayambi, commissioner status of women network United Nations also chair of Kibubura Girls S.S.S Old Girls Association.
