RUKUNGIRI- The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa has advised school going children to remain focused on their goals of excelling in school since they have the opportunity to study.
Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa said this on Saturday while speaking as the Chief Guest at the Thanksgiving Holy Communion at Immaculate Heart Girls Nyakibale Secondary School who were celebrating the good performance of their last year S.4 and S.6 Examination results.
Hon Thomas Tayebwa narrated his own life experience, growing up from the village in Kigarama Sub County in Mitooma District but since he was focused he managed to attain the education standards he needed which enabled him to become what he is today.
Tayebwa, praised Immaculate Heart Girls School Nyakibale for its excellent efforts in nurturing female students under the leadership of its Head Mistress, Sister Gladys Kachope.
The deputy speaker urged the students to diligently prepare, work hard, and aspire for great achievements in education emphasizing the importance of protecting their bodies and focusing on their studies for a promising future.
As a gesture of support, Tayebwa donated Ugx 10 million towards the construction of their Golden Jubilee complex and awarded one million each to two students who got 20 points. He also pledged to follow up on the government’s unfulfilled pledge of Ugx 1 billion in the next fiscal year, highlighting the government’s recent support to Makobore High School with Ugx 1.4 billion.
Sister Gladys Kachope, the Head Teacher of Immaculate Heart Girls School Nyakibale, expressed gratitude to Tayebwa for accepting their invitation as the guest of honor and reiterated the school’s commitment to holistic education for girls, evident in their consistent improvement in academic performance over the years.
Kachope disclosed that 378 students scored first grade in the Uganda Certificate of Education exams, up from 312 in 2022. Similarly, in the UACE exams, they had notable achievements with students scoring high grades across various levels.
Immaculate Heart Girls Nyakibale Secondary School Headteacher Sr Gladys Kachope said that she was grateful to God who has taken the school this far and thanked all stakeholders who include students , staff, Board of Governors, and Old Students who support the school.
Despite their successes, Kachope highlighted challenges such as inadequate accommodation for the growing student population, urging government support.
During the function the best performing students who excelled in the 2023 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education were given gifts with the best 2 students in Uganda Certificate of Education who scooped 8 in 8 and returned to the school were given bursaries to study in S.5 and a cash prize of Ugx 500,000 each.
Earlier, the Kabale Diocese Vicar General Rev Fr John Sunday Vianey who represented the Bishop Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira said that it was important to give thanks to God for the gift of life and achievements that they get not only on yearly basis but on daily basis.
The alumni of the School, united under their umbrella association NIHOGA, expressed their appreciation for the outstanding performance of their alma mater and encouraged the current students to diligently pursue their studies and strive for excellence to maintain the school’s legacy.
Allen Tushabe, a World Bank employee and alumna, led the group in celebrating the school’s achievements in the 2023 exam results where she commended the school administrators, particularly Head Mistress Sr. Gladyce Kachope, for fostering a culture of academic excellence.
Tushabe emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and vision for students, highlighting that exemplary results pave the way for a promising future.
Former Rubabo county legislator, Hon Mary Paula Turyahikayo, also an alumna, congratulated the school and urged students to intensify their efforts. She stressed the significance of God-fearing discipline and academic dedication for future success.
Echoing similar sentiments, former Ntungamo district Woman MP, Hon Beatrice Rwakimari, emphasized the value of hard work in achieving educational success.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon Thomas Tayebwe, noted the significance of alumni from Immaculate Heart occupying influential positions in society hence encouraging students to dream big and avoid distractions that could derail their prospects.
The Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality, Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa, contributed 50 bags of cement towards the construction of the Golden Jubilee complex, while Rukungiri District Woman MP, Midius Kaharata, donated 1 million shillings. They also thanked Tayebwa for his visit amidst his busy schedule.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including former Members of Parliament who are alumni of the school, such as Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo, Hon. Beatrice Rwakimari, and Hon. Betty Muzanira.
