MBARARA - President Paul Kagame’s contribution to his former school – Ntare School – has been greatly appreciated by members of its Old Boys (OB) association.

This was said Saturday by the Ntare School Old Boys Association (NSOBA) general assembly, on the event of the official opening of its new Golden Jubilee Hall at the school in Mbarara, Uganda. 

"This is for his [Kagame’s] outstanding contribution to the school’s development,” Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu (a well-known Ugandan politician and OB of the school) said, as Rwanda’s envoy to Uganda, Ambassador Ignatius Kamali Karegyesa, received an exquisite plaque on behalf of the President as a "token of appreciation” –.

The school’s head teacher, Humphrey Ahimbisibwealso expressed appreciation for Kagame’s support in constructing and equipping "the academic unit that houses the library and the computer laboratory.”

"We also record that you led a fundraising drive at the Old Boys’ golden jubilee reunion which raised Shs113, 000,000 towards this hall,” Ahimbisibwe noted.

Karegyesa and Uganda’s transport minister John Nasasira, also an OB, represented the two sister countries’ Heads-of-State, Presidents Kagame and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda – both senior Old Boys.

Museveni’s significant contributions were equally appreciated. Apart from showing gratitude to the two Presidents’ roles, the colourful event also saw some other members of the Ntare community recognised for their exceptional support and hard work.

According to their representatives, the leaders failed to make it to the event due to engagements elsewhere. 

"President Kagame has been receiving messages and he acknowledged them – so he is with you,” Karegyesa assured the gathering. 

"He says he thanks you so much and remembers almost four years ago when the foundation stone was laid – he is extremely happy and will continue to support you in all endeavours that relate to Ntare School’s development,” he said. 

The two leaders officiated at the school’s Golden Jubilee gala in September 2006 and made generous offers towards the construction of the impressive monumental hall.

Ambassador Karegyesa was also conferred upon an honorary membership of the alumni association shortly after expressing his reverence to the school and even contributing to its novel scholarship fund – the Crichton Memorial Ntare School Scholarship Fund.

The fund is in recognition of the school’s revered first head teacher, William Crichton. 

"I respect Ntare School – and I am happy to be associated with this event,” Karegyesa said, pointing out that his contribution "was in good spirit.” 

Members from the NSOBA-Rwanda chapter also travelled to Mbarara to grace the occasion that was also attended by Uganda’s education minister, Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire. 

Four Rwandan Old Boys were elected to the body’s new governing committee. Charles Gahima and Ninyetegeka Kato were elected vice chairman and vice secretary respectively, whereas Arthur Barigye and John Nkongoli made it to the general committee.

Currently, the Rwandan group is fast tracking plans to set up a ‘Rwandan model school’ and similar establishment to Ntare in Bugesera district where land has been acquired.

Ends