The NACO-Fund: A Legacy of Giving, Growth, and Sustainability

The Namilyango College Peregrine Kibuuka Endowment Foundation (NACO-Fund) emerged as one of the most prominent highlights of the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Namilyango College Old Boys’ Association (NACOBA) — not only as a strategic financial mechanism for advancing the College’s growth and sustainability, but also as a powerful symbol of the enduring spirit of brotherhood and philanthropy that has defined the Old Boys’ fraternity for generations.

In the Headmaster’s Report, it was noted with great satisfaction that the NACO-Fund has begun translating its vision into tangible impact — a milestone long anticipated by both the College administration and the alumni community. Through generous contributions from Old Boys and partners, the Fund successfully financed bursaries for eight students, who now receive full and partial support for tuition and other school-related expenses — a remarkable demonstration of the power of collective responsibility within the Namilyango fraternity.

Additionally, the Fund donated twenty brand-new computers to the College laboratory, significantly expanding access to digital learning resources and advancing the ICT Competence-Based Education Project, one of the flagship initiatives of the College’s five-year strategic plan.

During the AGM, members commended the administrative diligence of the Fund Administrator and the NACOBA Executive, who have steadily nurtured the Fund’s growth through structured fundraising drives, cohort-based appeals, and enhanced accountability frameworks. The meeting further emphasized the importance of consistent follow-up on donor pledges, wider publicity of the Fund’s achievements, and continued transparency in bursary allocations to uphold equity and sustainability.

The AGM served as a rallying call for Old Boys and well-wishers to deepen their investment in the Fund, which is envisioned as the cornerstone of Namilyango’s future development and inclusivity. President Matayo Alex Asiimwe reminded members that the NACO-Fund should not be viewed merely as a charitable project, but as a living endowment—a permanent institution built upon the legacy of Peregrine Kibuuka and the countless alumni whose success stories trace their beginnings to Namilyango’s classrooms and corridors. He reaffirmed that the Fund’s long-term ambition is to build a self-sustaining capital base capable of financing bursaries, ICT infrastructure, and strategic capital projects without relying solely on annual contributions or short-term fundraising initiatives.

In his closing remarks, the Headmaster appealed to every Old Boy, parent, and partner organization to contribute “in whatever way they can,” reminding the assembly that when each generation invests in those who come after them, they preserve the College’s noble tradition of forming not only great scholars but also compassionate leaders. Contributions—whether monetary or in-kind—go beyond meeting material needs; they nurture character, instill gratitude, and strengthen the shared identity that makes Namilyango a home beyond time and geography.

NACOBA President Meritus Fred Gyaviira Kyaka urged the incoming Executive Committee to regard the NACO-Fund not as an independent entity but as a child of the Association—one to be nurtured and supported to maturity. He further encouraged the team to strengthen connections with the Diaspora community and to focus on building the Fund’s long-term sustainability.

The Chairman of the NACO-Fund, Mr. John Nakedde Ssempanyi, also emphasized that no contribution is too small, reminding members that every act of giving has the power to change someone’s story.

Ultimately, the story of the NACO-Fund is one of continuity, faith, and purposeful giving. What began as a visionary idea—to support bright but disadvantaged students and strengthen the College’s financial independence—has matured into a dynamic institution bridging generations. The eight current beneficiaries symbolize not only academic promise but also the triumph of hope over circumstance. Their success stories remind the fraternity that every shilling contributed reverberates through lives and communities in immeasurable ways.

The Fund’s recent donation of computers has transformed the learning environment, enabling teachers and students to embrace digital platforms, integrate e-learning tools, and engage in technology-driven instruction. This complements the broader ICT project aimed at reimagining education at Namilyango—preparing students not only for academic excellence but to thrive in a digital, interconnected world.

As NACOBA enters a new chapter under fresh leadership, the NACO-Fund stands as a living testament to what unity, vision, and disciplined stewardship can achieve. It calls upon every Old Boy—near or far—to rekindle that same spirit of generosity and belonging that has defined Namilyango’s story since 1902. For as the College motto reminds us, “Nisi Dominus Frustra”—without the Lord, all our efforts are in vain. Yet with Him, and with one another, the dream of an ever-growing, self-sustaining, and transformative Namilyango will continue to thrive for generations to come.