NICHOLAS A
It was a joyous moment as parents, students, teachers, and well-wishers of St. Joseph’s Vocational Secondary School Rushasha gathered at the school grounds in Rushasha Parish, Nyakagyeme Sub County, Rukungiri District, to celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day—the patron saint and intercessor of the school.
Founded in 2002, with Mr. Kamugisha Dorovoco as the chairperson of the board of governors, the school currently has 1,350 students and has played a significant role in eradicating ignorance and backwardness, empowering many Ugandans to serve the country in various capacities.
Kamugisha Dorovoco, the former Board of Governors Chairperson, shared that the vision to establish the school was conceived in 2000 by himself, former Rukungiri Woman MP Betty Muzanira, and Mr. Sempa. Their efforts culminated in the school’s opening in 2002 with an initial enrollment of 120 students.
He attributed the school’s growth to God’s grace and a supportive government, noting that it has now expanded to accommodate 1,350 students.
The event featured the commissioning a new library building and a Thanksgiving fundraiser to support the completion of boys’ and girls’ dormitories.
Harriet, the school’s headteacher, emphasized their commitment to providing quality education despite facing challenges such as the lack of electricity. She revealed that the school spends UGX 150,000 daily on fuel to run essential activities.
She also proudly announced that all 185 students who sat for the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams passed, qualifying for A’ Level and other higher learning institutions.
In 2024, the school achieved several milestones, including being granted government-aided status, introducing A’ -Level education, upgrading the playground, and participating in the Educate Uganda program. She further outlined plans to construct a main hall.
During his sermon, the Dean of Nyakibale Deanery, Rev. Fr. Dr. Julius Turyatooranwa, urged parents to emulate Saint Joseph’s virtues of love and dedication, as demonstrated in his role in raising Jesus Christ.
He also encouraged students to prioritize prayer, hard work, and discipline as essential elements for success.
As the guest of honor, the Minister for Security, Jim Katugugu Muhwezi, expressed concern over the lack of electricity at a school with over 1,000 students, pledging to resolve the issue before election time.
He also promised to provide 60 computers for the ICT department and donate 200 iron sheets to support the construction of student dormitories.
