By URN
Masindi District’s St. Theresa Girls’ Secondary School has embarked on an ambitious campaign to raise 2.2 billion Shillings to upgrade its infrastructure as it prepares to celebrate a Golden Jubilee on October 1, 2025.
Founded in 1975 by Nyamigisa Catholic Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Albert Baharagate of the Hoima Catholic Diocese, the school was established to expand educational opportunities for girls in Masindi and the wider Bunyoro sub-region, while instilling strong moral and spiritual values.
Over the last five decades, it has grown into a full O and A-level institution and educated more than 6,000 young women, many of whom now serve in key roles across Uganda and beyond.
Despite its rich legacy and a current enrolment of about 630 students, most of them in boarding school, the school is straining under outdated and insufficient facilities. Headteacher Sr. Angella Baganizi told Uganda Radio Network that although the government formally took over the school in 2000, support for new construction has been minimal.
“We don’t have enough classrooms, dormitories, staff quarters or a library. The school is overwhelmed by the number of students,” Sr. Baganizi said. “Implementing the new curriculum requires adequate space, which we simply don’t have.”
To ease congestion, the school began building a four-storey classroom and dormitory block, but work stalled due to a lack of funds. With only 60-day scholars, the boarding population continues to grow, forcing administrators to turn away prospective students.
She adds that the school’s human resources is equally stretched. Of the 78 staff members, including 49 teachers, the government pays salaries for only 19, leaving the rest to be supported through the school’s limited budget.
The upcoming jubilee, held under the theme “Thanking God for 50 Years of Excelling in Nurturing and Giving Hope to the Girl Child,” doubles as a fundraising rallying point. Alumni, local leaders, companies, and well-wishers are being urged to contribute toward completing the stalled building and ensuring that future generations of girls can study in a safe, well-equipped environment.
Fedie Mugisha, chairperson of the Golden Jubilee organising committee, emphasised the school’s impact: “Since its inception, St. Theresa has dramatically improved girls’ education in Masindi and the entire Bunyoro sub-region. We invite everyone whose life has been touched by this institution to join us in securing its next 50 years.”
With its storied past and enduring mission, St. Theresa Girls’ Secondary School hopes that the jubilee celebrations will ignite the generosity needed to finish the multi-billion-shilling project and continue shaping Uganda’s future female leaders.
