In a powerful display of community dedication and partnership, St John Bosco Secondary School in Kamuli officially unveiled a magnificent new school gate this morning, a facility valued at 85 million Ugandan Shillings.
The project, a collaborative effort between the school’s Old Students Association and BAPS Charities Uganda Indian Association, was hailed as a symbol of protecting educational gains and securing the future of the students.
Ghanshyam Patel, the Chairman of BAPS Charities, led the handover ceremony, stressing that the commitment to education and security transcends political boundaries and serves as a guiding norm for communities.
“Today, in the Spirit of Service, we are here at St John Bosco SS Kamuli to hand over the school gate and to ensure a better protective environment for all students now and in future,” Patel announced. “Together with your partnership and participation we aim to bring even more hope, dignity and opportunity to the people we serve.”
Patel further urged schools to focus on cultivating portable and practical skills, alongside strong morals and values, ensuring students are equipped to “serve their communities with humanity, respect and dignity.”
The donation is part of BAPS Charities’ broader focus on strengthening education and health initiatives in local communities through a combination of material support and volunteer commitment to achieve lasting change.
Ajay Singh, who supervised the construction, noted that BAPS Charities is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to selfless giving, operating across nine countries and working to uplift communities through health awareness, education, and humanitarian relief.
Landmark of Homecoming and Future Security
The St John Bosco SS Old Students Association viewed the gate as a symbolic gesture of appreciation and continuity.
James Malinzi, Chairman of the Old Students Projects, described the gate’s completion as a “landmark homecoming” meant to inspire current students and concretize the strong foundation the school built in them.
“This landmark monument not only protects our gains as Old Students of this glorious school but also lays a strong symbolism of a secure gate to the future of students,” Malinzi stated, immediately outlining future goals.
He emphasized the continued need to secure the institution with a perimeter wall and a modern staff room where teachers can “ably sit to prepare, watch over and impart skills and knowledge to the students.”
Dignity and Commitment
Headteacher, Peter Deo Mulamba, commended the generous input from the Old Students and the BAPS Charities, noting that the gate significantly enhances the security of the learners and the dignity of the institution.
“It is a great moment celebrating the generosity, love, gratitude and commitment of our Old Students which leaves an indelible mark of appreciation and give back to your mother institution,” Mulamba said, adding that the new structure makes the school “a home of peace and justice in line with the School motto: Success, Obedience and hardwork.”
The headteacher encouraged the alumni to continue actively contributing to the development of the school.
Call for Equal Opportunity
Adding a social dimension to the ceremony, Kamuli Municipality MP candidate and Vice Chairperson of the Women’s Council, Mastula Namatovu, challenged alumni and community leaders to prioritize the young generation.
Mastula specifically called for increased protection of the girl child, advocating for equal opportunities and an enabling environment that allows girls to enroll, stay, and complete school successfully.
“Let us ensure the girls are given every opportunity to secure their future, guarded against inhibiting factors and be given equal chances in all spaces,” Mastula said, concluding her address by making a personal contribution toward the welfare of the candidates.
