(This articles was first published in the New Vision on July 7, 2021)
By Conan Businge
The name Kyambogo College is synonymous with Ann Mary Lubanga. She joined the school as a teacher in 1993 and left it in 2013 as a headteacher. She was a giant in the education sector and like her husband said, the country should celebrate, rather than mourn her.
The country’s successful people are known and celebrated for all different things. For Ann Mary Lubanga, she will be celebrated for having supported one of the country’s renowned permanent secretaries to do his job, educated so many on bursaries off her funds and helped Kyambogo College become one of the recognised schools in the country.
Ann Mary Lubanga, who had been headteacher of Kyambogo College in Kampala before her retirement, passed on last week. Ann Mary married former education ministry permanent secretary, Francis Xavier Lubanga in September 1977.
F.X Lubanga, as commonly known by many and now in retirement, is remembered for having steered the education ministry for decades and as one of the main architects of free secondary and primary education in Uganda, the students’ loan scheme and promotion of a resounding technical and vocational education.
At the time of her demise, Ann Mary had retired and was living with her family in Muyenga, a Kampala suburb.
Ann Mary spent most of her working life at Kyambogo College. She was at the school, for two decades, after having worked in several other schools around the country.
She joined Kyambogo College as a teacher in 1993 and left the school in 2013 as a headteacher, when she retired.
LEAVING A MARK
Ann Mary is credited for having transformed the school’s infrastructure by setting up new blocks, increasing the staff who are on the payroll, stepping up the school’s academic performance and grooming many young people into leadership and career roles.
Dr Joseph Atuhura, a former student of Kyambogo College, now working in Entebbe, says:
“Ann Mary Lubanga was a great woman. She always inspired us to be achievers in life. I am now a medical doctor; thanks to her for the encouragement.”
She also used her resources and friends to secure hundreds of bursaries for bright but needy students. A good number of students testify having gone through her hands to secure fees, especially during the time she was headteacher of Kyambogo College.
Ann Mary, who breathed her last, a week ago, was born in 1953 to Chevalier Paul Ssemakula, now deceased, and Lady Donatina Nakiwala Ssemakula; who lives in Kigungu, Entebbe.
Great Servant
The First Lady and Education Minister, Mrs. Janet Museveni, in her condolence message, said: “Ann Mary Lubanga was a dedicated professional, who contributed a lot to the country’s education; as a tutor, teacher and headteacher.”
“She has left a lasting legacy and we thank her and the family for their contribution to the country’s education sector,” she noted.
“She was a good professional, who contributed to improving this country’s education.”
The state minister for higher education, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, in his message, also noted: “Ann Lubanga was a pinnacle of success wherever she worked. She was instrumental in developing Kyambogo College and raising so many teachers and students. We will always treasure her contribution. She also served well in several other institutions, where she worked.”
Charles Bakkabulindi, the former state minister for sports, described Ann Mary as a committed and loving headteacher, “who always did her work with a high level of integrity.”
The education ministry’s permanent secretary, Alex Kakooza, described Ann Mary as a dedicated professional, “who loved her work and set an example for so many headteachers and professionals in the country”.
“We can only make a difference if many more headteachers dedicate their life to service as she did. We will always embrace the good ethical standards and morals she instilled in her staff,” he noted.
Her former workmate Michael Mugabi said: “I did not manage to make it to the burial due to COVID-19 restrictions. But I worked with Ann Lubanga and she was a friendly and down-to-earth person, who loved to mentor others. She provided springboards to many to achieve their heights”
Christine Kyayonka, the former academic registrar of Kyambogo University, in her message, noted: “May your calmness, wisdom, love and gentility live in your grandchildren.”
Lisa Rebecca Aaca, one of Ann Mary’s old friends, in her message, noted: “I never knew you, but the lives your touched are many and I do salute you. You were a phenomenal woman in life and even in death you attracted people to yourself.”
One of the teachers, whom Ann Mary supervised, said: “Ann was a great head. She allowed many of us to grow professionally.”
Jessica Atulinda, one of the students she helped educate, said: “I know Mummy Ann for having been a very caring person. She helped many go to school. At one time I almost dropped out of school. But, thanks to her, I managed to continue with my studies. She helped pay my fees.”
Family
Ann Mary Lubanga is survived by six children. Speaking about her legacy, her husband, F.X Lubanga, said: “My wife was a loving person, who helped educate so many relatives and non-relatives, who were bright, but unable to raise fees.”
She was also committed to her God, our family and serving the church. She really loved the hymns, When the drums roll up yonder and Daily daily sing to Mary.
He added: “She lived a good life of serving others and I feel we should celebrate her life, instead of mourning.”
Education, Career
- Ann Mary Lubanga attended St Agnes Girls’ Primary School, Bugonga, Rubaga Girls’ Junior Secondary and Trinity College Nabbingo; all girls-only schools.
- She later joined National Teachers’ College Kyambogo in 1971, where she graduated with a diploma in education. From Kyambogo, she joined the Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo and graduated in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in education, before joining Makerere College for a master’s degree in education.
- She first worked as a teacher at Kitante Hill School (1974-1977), then joined Kamuli High School (1977-1979). She moved on and became a tutor from 1979 to 1980.
- She later resumed secondary school teaching at Jinja SS from 1979 to 1980.
- She became a tutor again in 1982 for just a year, before joining Kampala High School in 1982 to 1987 as a teacher.
- She became head of economics at the Institute of Teacher Education in Kyambogo from 1988 to 1989, before joining Kyambogo College as a teacher and senior lady from 1993 to 1996.
- She became head of the English language department from 1996 to 2001
- She became the deputy headteacher in the same school from 2001 to 2004, and was later appointed to head the school from 2004 to 2013, when she retired.
