Nyakasura School

In 1926, Nyakasura School was founded by retired British naval officer Commander Ernest Ebohard Calwell. Before establishing this mighty institution, Mr. Calwell served as a teacher at King’s College Budo but left after a disagreement with the then Headmaster. Encouraged by two students from the Tooro Kingdom, Komwiswa and Byara, he sought land from the Omukama of Tooro to set up a school similar to Budo. In his request, he famously stated, “Give me children and I will give you chiefs.” The Ikingura Omukama Daudi Kasagama Kyebambe IV granted him three hills to choose from for the school’s establishment.

Historical Background

The first location of Nyakasura School was at what is now Kabarole Primary School, sharing a boundary with Kyebambe Girls’ School. Due to space constraints, the school later relocated to its current site in the northern division of Fort Portal, Burahya County. The name “Nyakasura” is derived from a salty stream, R. Nyakasura, that flows gently through the school grounds. The Omukama mobilized able-bodied men to clear the land for the school and introduced a compulsory tax in the kingdom to facilitate its establishment. He also ensured that his children attended the school, including 𝑰𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒓𝒂 𝑶𝒎𝒖𝒌𝒂𝒎𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒚𝒐 𝑫𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒅 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒘 𝑶𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒊 𝑰𝑰𝑰, the father of Rukira Basaija Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who resided in Kasagama House, a dormitory named after Omukama Kasagama.

Educational Philosophy

The school is built on three foundational pillars: The Fear of God, Hard Work, and Talent Development. Nyakasura School’s motto, inspired by Mark 10:45, is “To Minister and Not To Be Ministered Unto.” This guiding principle is reflected in the St. Peters and Calwells Chapel, a central gathering place for the school community each morning to commence their day.

Uniform and Tradition

The boys’ O’level uniform is inspired by Scottish Army Combat, featuring khaki kilts, a sporran, and a striped white and red belt. Due to the local climate, boys also wear red leg warmers over their stockings. The first girls were admitted in 1955 during the tenure of Rev. Perrens, the then Headmaster, and they adopted round khaki skirts with white blouses and stockings.

Notable Alumni

Nyakasura School has educated many notable citizens, including Ikingura Omukama Kaboyo Patrick David Matthew Olimi III, Gen. David Tinyefuuza, Hon. Adolf Mwesige, Hon. Beatrice Kiraso, Andrew Mwenda, and Prof. Edward Rugumayo, among others.

Excellence in Talent Development

The school excels in various sports, including basketball, football, cricket, and volleyball, while also participating in co-curricular activities such as debate, music, dance, and drama (MDD), and agribusiness. Nyakasura School proudly boasts of being the first school in Uganda to have a swimming pool and hosted the first cricket match in the country. It has also achieved significant success in debate, winning four national trophies among many other national and international accolades.

Current Leadership

Nyakasura School is currently headed by Rev. Dr. Richardson E.B. Balinda, who succeeded Mr. Manyindo Frank in 2020.

As we approach our centennial celebration in 2026, Nyakasura School remains committed to nurturing leaders of integrity who will shape the future of our nation and beyond. Our history is not just a record of the past; it is a living tradition that continues to inspire excellence in every generation of Nyakasura learners.