📷 Namagunga Girls recall 50-year journey

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It was an evening of giggles, merry-making, and hearty laughs as Mt St. Namagunga class of 1974 to 1979 came together to celebrate their 50th year anniversary.

The girls now in their 60’s, travelled from the US, UK, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana to attend the function.

An air of excitement was the first thing that struck you when you stepped into the hall at the Kampala Serena Hotel, the place where the dinner was held.

Whenever a former old entered, and they recognize the face they would shout and hug.
All the old girls present seemed easy with each other, casually wrapping hands around each other's shoulders and loudly cheering each other. It was a joy to watch.

"Banange how have you kept young, you look good, how are the children? When did you come back to Uganda?" That was the kind of conversation at the event.

Mt St Marys College Namagunga old students class 1974 to 1979 dance to celebrate golden jubilee at Serena Hotel in Kampala on April 20, 2024. (All Photos by Maria Wamala)

The chairperson of the day, Agnes Kamya Kijjambu, a former banker with Bank of Uganda, explained how the idea of organising the Golden Jubilee was birthed.

"Two people met at a workshop and they were excited to meet each other, so they decided to make a WhatsApp group through social media they managed to get other old girls" Kijjambu said.

She said that they have been having small unions at each other's residence but they hadn't met everyone like it was during the event.

"This is like a thanksgiving. Everyone has a journey and it is interesting to hear those stories," Kijjambu noted.

Gertrude Byaruhanga, the co-ordinator of the event, narrated how they pulled off the event by organizing the old girls in the country and outside Uganda. She noted that since they all embraced the idea of meeting, they have had an amazing time together.

"We started off by a mass at st Charles Lwanga, we awarded our former teachers and we also visited our former school and for sure the girls were inspired when they saw us still going strong," Byaruhanga said.

The day was crowned by a dance which opened with some gospel songs and music of the 50's. And it goes without saying that this made the crowd get out of their comfort and started dancing.

Byaruhanga revealed that when they visited the school, the girls shared their problems, fears and worries with them and they left when they had inspired many to pursue their dreams.

During the event, the girls remembered their departed friends and teachers. It was an emotional and sad moment.

"That moment when we remembered our departed friends, it made us realise how precious life is. This is like a celebration of life for us who are still alive. This may be the last time we are meeting because another 50 years might not be possible," Bobby Tibahurira, a technical support specialist for medical devices in the United States, said.

Asked how the day had gone, Dr Flavia Mugala Mukungu, who works in Katutura Hospital in Namibia, said their class was special because most of the classmates and their fathers were killed by Amin.

"Some of our classmates did not go to University because of the 1979 war. HIV was at its peak and we lost many girls so it was important for us to meet," Mugala, said.

The day was crowned by a dance which opened with some gospel songs and music of the 50's. And it goes without saying that this made the crowd get out of their comfort and started dancing.

One thing is for sure, most of the girls before retirement were on top of their chosen careers, had perfect families, stayed in the right neighbourhood, and had children and grandchildren in the right careers.

The list of those who attended read like who is who in Uganda's Public, Private, and academic sectors.

Theodora Bitature Webale, a legal consultant, described the day as a fantastic one which surprised many because of the many old girls they managed to get in and outside the country.

“The day has brought back memories of our earlier years. When we went back to our school, I advised the girls to make good friendships, to avoid competing with others but instead look at each other uniqueness and embrace it. The girls at Namagunga were shocked to see that our class has lived a purposeful life,”

Some of the women who shared their stories left many in stitches and their stories were interesting.

Dr Nightingale Rukuba-Ngaiza, a senior lawyer at the World Bank stationed in Pretoria South Africa, said it was an emotional reunion but a reminder to celebrate life, family, and friends every day. She emphasised the message of keeping fit and staying healthy.

About the School

Namagunga is a prestigious girls boarding school for O and A-level and was founded in 1942 by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa, a congregation of nuns originating in Ireland.