NACOBA’s 5th Awards Dinner Champions ICT Competence in Education
The 5th annual Namilyango College Old Boys Association (NACOBA) Awards Dinner, held on 1 August 2025 at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, brought together more than 300 alumni, dignitaries, and friends of the College under the theme “ICT-Competence Based Education in Namilyango College.”
The evening was marked by a strong call to reimagine Uganda’s education system, away from an exam-obsessed approach toward one that embraces holistic competence and critical thinking.
Mao Calls for Educational Overhaul
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Nobert Mao, himself an alumnus, urged stakeholders to overhaul Uganda’s exam-driven education culture. He stressed that true education must go beyond memorization, cultivating creativity, inclusivity, and the ability to apply knowledge to real-life situations.
Mao reflected on his own journey as a student at Namilyango in the 1980s, when cramming was discouraged and curiosity was nurtured. “Today’s system risks shutting out many who, like me then, came from humble backgrounds but had the capacity to thrive if given the chance,” he noted. He further pledged to stand firmly with Namilyango in its development agenda.
College Sets ICT Targets
Head Teacher Constantine Ssajabbi Mpuuga highlighted the urgent need to scale up ICT resources, noting that the school currently has just 105 computers for over 2,000 students, supported by 80 newly acquired tablets. He revealed plans to convert the staff room into a computer laboratory and to construct a new block housing modern ICT labs and a well-equipped library.
Former Chief Justice Bart Katureebe also applauded Namilyango’s values-based education and emphasized the importance of producing men of integrity and service.
Honouring Legacy and Raising Support
The dinner also celebrated alumni and staff who embody the College’s enduring values of honesty, integrity, innovation, dignity, and Christ-centered formation.
Importantly, the funds raised during the night were channeled through the Namilyango College Peregrine Kibuuka Foundation Ltd. The Foundation invests these resources prudently, ensuring sustainable support for three core objectives:
- Bursary Initiatives – providing scholarships to deserving students.
- Staff Support – enhancing staff welfare and capacity.
- College Rehabilitation – upgrading infrastructure to meet modern standards.
Through this approach, the Awards Dinner reaffirmed Namilyango’s commitment to merging tradition with innovation, ensuring that future generations benefit from both strong values and 21st-century competence.