St Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK), one of Uganda’s most prestigious boys’ schools, has honoured several of its former students during an annual awards dinner organised by the St Mary’s College Kisubi Old Boys Association (SMACKOBA).
The event, held on Friday evening at Hotel Africana, brought together hundreds of alumni from different generations, many of whom now serve in influential positions across the country.
Among those recognised for their distinguished service to the country was Prince Kassim Nakibinge, the titular head of Kibuli Muslim faction. Others were David Mutabanura, the executive director of Cavendish University Uganda. Mutabanura received a distinguished service award for what the association described as his exemplary leadership, integrity and professionalism.
Also honoured was Prof Patrick Ogwang, the pharmacist and researcher widely known in Uganda for developing Covidex, a herbal treatment that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ogwang’s recognition highlighted the school’s tradition of producing alumni who contribute to science, innovation and public health.
Other award recipients included Charles Mbire, a businessman, Mark Ssali, a sports journalist and a number of other old boys celebrated for achievements in business, public service, academia and community development.
The SMACKOBA annual dinner is regarded as one of the most prestigious alumni gatherings in the country. It serves both as a celebration of success and a platform to reinforce the school’s values of discipline, excellence and service.
Every year, the association selects a group of old boys whose work has had a noticeable impact on society. The awards are meant to inspire current students and remind the alumni community of their shared responsibility to give back.
This year’s ceremony was graced by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, himself an alumnus of the school. In his speech, Mayiga praised St Mary’s College Kisubi for its long-standing reputation for nurturing disciplined and ambitious young men.
He noted that many of the country’s most influential figures in business, politics, the arts and public administration passed through its classrooms.
Mayiga urged the old boys to continue supporting the school and to remain role models in their fields. He said the achievements of the award recipients were evidence that the school’s cultural ethos, which emphasises character as much as academic success, continues to bear fruit.
The evening included performances from the school choir, speeches from former head teachers and a fundraising event aimed at supporting infrastructure upgrades at the campus in Kisubi. Old boys shared memories of their time at the school.
