In 1926 Nyakasura School was founded by Commander Ernest Calwell, a retired British naval officer. Before founding the school he taught at King's College Budo. Encouraged by two students from the Tooro Kingdom, Komwiswa and Byara, he asked the Omukama of Tooro for land to start a school like Budo. "Give me children and I will give you chiefs," he said. The Omukama Daudi Kasagama Kyebambe IV offered him three hills to choose from.
Where the school began
The school first stood on the site of today's Kabarole Primary School, next to Kyebambe Girls' School. It later moved for more space to its present site in the northern division of Fort Portal, Burahya County. The name comes from the Nyakasura, a salty stream that still runs through the school grounds.
The Omukama mobilised men to clear the land and introduced a tax in the kingdom to help build the school. He sent his own children to Nyakasura, and Kasagama House, a dormitory, is named after him.
Our motto and pillars
The school stands on three pillars: the Fear of God, Hard Work and Talent Development. Its motto, "To Minister and not to be Ministered Unto", comes from Mark 10:45. The school community gathers each morning in St. Peter's and Calwell's Chapel to begin the day.
Uniform and tradition
The boys' O-Level uniform is inspired by Scottish dress: khaki kilts, a sporran and a striped white and red belt, with red leg warmers over the stockings. The first girls were admitted in 1955, when the Rev. Perrens was Head Master, and wore round khaki skirts with white blouses and stockings.
Talent and sport
Nyakasura excels in basketball, football, cricket and volleyball, and in debate, music, dance and drama, and agribusiness. It was the first school in Uganda to have a swimming pool and hosted the first cricket match in the country. The debate team has won four national trophies, among many other national and international awards.
Leadership today
The school is led by Rev. Dr. Richardson E.B. Balinda, who succeeded Mr. Frank Manyindo as Head Master in 2020. In 2026 Nyakasura celebrated its centenary, and it remains committed to forming leaders of integrity for Uganda and beyond.