St. Mary’s Ediofe Girls’ Secondary School

St. Mary’s Ediofe Girls’ Secondary School (SMEGSS) is a Catholic-founded all-girls secondary school located in Komite Parish, Pajulu Subcounty, Arua District, in the West Nile region of Uganda. Established in 1983 with an initial enrollment of 80 students, the school has grown into a prominent institution with over 1,000 students.

Academic Excellence and Curriculum

SMEGSS is recognized for its strong academic performance. In the 2022 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results, the school had 59 students in Division 1, 91 in Division 2, 18 in Division 3, and 2 in Division 4. At the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) level, 18 students achieved three principal passes, while 25 secured two principal passes.

The school is actively implementing Uganda’s Lower Secondary Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), emphasizing project-based learning, formative assessments, and vocational skills development. Subjects like ICT, agriculture, nutrition, and entrepreneurship are integrated to prepare students for the workforce. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), through its Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCUSAF), has equipped the school with ICT laboratories to support this initiative.

Spiritual and Moral Development

As a Catholic institution, SMEGSS places significant emphasis on spiritual growth. The school is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, serving as a model of faithfulness and commitment for the students. Regular religious activities, including masses and confirmations, are integral to the school’s calendar. For instance, during the 2022 School Day celebrations, over 100 girls were confirmed into the Catholic faith.

Extracurricular Activities and Achievements

Beyond academics, SMEGSS encourages participation in various extracurricular activities. The school has an active ICT club, fostering digital literacy and innovation among students. In sports, the school’s girls’ football team has achieved notable success, including winning regional tournaments.

Infrastructure and Development

To accommodate its growing student population, SMEGSS is undertaking infrastructure development projects. As of April 2025, the school invited bids for the completion of a storeyed girls’ dormitory, aiming to enhance boarding facilities and provide a conducive learning environment.

Community and Alumni Engagement

The school maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Facebook, where current students, alumni, staff, and parents engage in discussions, share memories, and stay updated on school events.

For more information or inquiries, you can contact the school at:

• Email: info@dioceseofarua.org

• Phone: +256 781 480 953

• Address: P.O. Box 143, Arua City, Uganda