An old boy makes a case before the Kyabazinga
Jinja, Uganda – Members of the Jinja College Old Boys Association (JICOBA) have paid a courtesy visit to the Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV, at his Igenge Royal Palace in Jinja District.
The delegation included JICOBA President Dr. Mas Yunus Masaba, Chairperson of the Jinja College Board of Governors Fr. Godfrey Etolu, and the school’s Head Teacher Mr. Dhikusooka Michael, among others. They were warmly received by the Permanent Secretary of Busoga Kingdom, Godfrey Samanya Ssajjabbi.
During the visit, Dr. Masaba presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to the Kyabazinga in recognition of his exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to education and youth empowerment in Busoga and across Uganda.
Mr. Dhikusooka expressed JICOBA’s interest in spearheading a boy-child mentorship initiative. The proposed program will teach young boys how to navigate life in Busoga, embrace cultural values, and become productive members of society.
He also pledged JICOBA’s support to the Kyabazinga’s “Abasadha n’Empango” campaign, which aims to restore men’s roles in community leadership, education, and cultural preservation.
“JICO has already offered five scholarships to the Kingdom and we are adding one more, bringing the total to six,” Dhikusooka announced. He also extended an invitation to the King to be Guest of Honour at an upcoming JICOBA dinner scheduled for next year.
Dr. Masaba emphasized that JICOBA is committed to running mentorship programs in the Kingdom, particularly targeting the boy child. He lauded the Kyabazinga for his relentless advocacy for education and described him as an inspiration not only in Busoga but also on the national stage.
In his remarks, Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV expressed gratitude to JICOBA for its efforts in sustaining academic excellence in the region.
“As Old Boys of Jinja College, we are grateful for your continued investment in educating the boy child. The school has played a crucial role in producing responsible leaders for this country,” he said.
While acknowledging his own background as an alumnus of Busoga College Mwiri, the Kyabazinga reassured the delegation of his inclusive leadership:
“As Kyabazinga, I am a parent to everyone — you need not worry that I am not an Old Boy of JICO.”
He welcomed the proposed “Ekigangu” (Boy’s Camp) idea and urged JICOBA to develop a formal concept that could be rolled out as a Kingdom initiative, starting at Jinja College.
The visit concluded with renewed commitment from both the Kingdom and the alumni to work together in empowering the youth, preserving Busoga’s cultural values, and advancing education in the region.
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