Ntare School Honours Lt Gen. James Mugira at 70th Anniversary Celebrations

MBARARA — July 25, 2026: Ntare School has honoured one of its distinguished former students, Lieutenant General James Mugira, the Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his distinguished service and contribution to the school and the wider country.

The recognition was presented to Lt Gen. Mugira on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the prestigious Mbarara-based secondary school.

The commemorative ceremony was presided over by the Vice President of Uganda, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, himself an old boy of Ntare School.

The anniversary celebrations brought together the school's alumni, current and former administrators, students, members of the Ntare community and other distinguished guests to commemorate seven decades of the institution's contribution to Uganda's education and national development.

Lt Gen. Mugira's recognition was a highlight of the celebrations, with the school acknowledging his contribution and distinguished service as one of its notable alumni.

The honour reflects the institution's tradition of celebrating its former students who have gone on to make significant contributions in various sectors of national life.

As Managing Director of NEC, Lt Gen. Mugira has served in a senior leadership position within Uganda's strategic state enterprise sector. His recognition by his former school adds to the list of Ntare Old Boys whose careers have contributed to the country's public service, security, business and national development.

The ceremony also featured the official launch of a commemorative book titled Legacy of the Lion: Ntare School Since 1956, which documents the history, achievements and enduring legacy of the institution since its establishment.

The book provides a historical account of Ntare School's journey over the past 70 years, highlighting the institution's role in shaping generations of students who have gone on to serve Uganda and beyond.

The cover of the commemorative publication carries a historic photograph of members of the Ntare School HSC Class of 1982, capturing a group of students who would later occupy influential positions in the country's public and private life.

Among those featured in the photograph are the late Brigadier Noble Mayombo, Lt Gen. James Mugira, the late Lt. Col. Hannington Kakura, Col. Sam Bainomugisha Mugyenyi and Mr. Joseph Rwanshote.

The photograph offers a glimpse into the school's history while also symbolising the lasting bonds created among students during their formative years at the institution.

For Lt Gen. Mugira, the recognition at the 70th anniversary celebrations represents a return to the institution that helped shape his early years and contributed to his journey into national service.

The presence of senior government officials and prominent alumni at the anniversary further underscored the significance of Ntare School's contribution to Uganda's education system and national leadership.

The school's 70th anniversary celebrations therefore served not only as an occasion to look back on its achievements since 1956 but also as an opportunity to recognise individuals whose lives and careers reflect the values and legacy associated with the institution.

By honouring Lt Gen. Mugira and launching Legacy of the Lion: Ntare School Since 1956, Ntare School reaffirmed its commitment to preserving its history while celebrating the achievements of its alumni and inspiring current and future generations of students.

The anniversary marked seven decades of Ntare School's journey and highlighted the enduring relationship between the institution and its old students, many of whom continue to play significant roles in Uganda's national affairs.