St. Mathias Kalemba’s Secondary School

St. Mathias Kalemba’s Secondary School (also referred to as St. M. Kalemba Senior Secondary School Nazigo) is a well-established educational institution in Nazigo, Kayunga District, Uganda. It began in 1967 when Mulondo Kyeswa, a devout Christian, donated part of his land for a church to help his sick wife avoid long journeys to Sunday services. A school was later built next to the church.

Named after St. Mathias Mulumba Kalemba, one of the Uganda Martyrs, the school had humble beginnings but gradually grew in stature and performance. Significant contributions were made by Fathers Loranger Eugene and Kibuuka of the White Fathers congregation, along with the school’s first headteacher, Augustine Ngobi, who managed limited resources to keep the school running.

Key milestones include:

• 1977: One of the top three students globally in English composition in a postal union competition.

• 1979: Second-best candidate in national O’level exams.

• 1980s: Improved infrastructure, teaching staff, and strong academic results, including excellence in French competitions.

In 1976, it became a government-owned school. Several headteachers — Ngobi, Mugalula, Pelgrine Kibuuka, Charles Lukubo Kyasanku, Adolphus Migadde, and Joseph Mary Mpoza — have been instrumental in its development, supported by dedicated staff and church leadership.

Today, St. Kalemba is regarded as one of Uganda’s more prominent secondary schools, known for its resilience, academic achievement, and strong moral foundation.