Awards and generosity crowned the fourth edition of the NACOBA AWARDS DINNER. Started in 2014 to recognise the gallant Old Boys in their various fields of specialisation and vocations. Friday 28th July 2023 witnessed the fourth edition. A welcome event after a long break occasioned by the COVID 19 pandemic. This year, the event had two items; the awards and fundraising towards the newly launched Namilyango College Dr. Pellegrine Kibuuka Endowment Fund.
Guests waltzed in to the sound of Moments band that gave the event a relaxed and welcoming tone allowing them to network before getting down to the business of the night. The MC of the night, Mr. Patrick Ezaga gave the dinner a very befitting flow and order, laced with jokes and stories from his college day. Among the guests were representatives from Nabingo Old Girls Association and Gayaza Old Girls Association, Namilyango College staff and students.
The Guest of Honour for the night, Mr. Emmanuel Katongole moved the crowd with the mantra, ‘’EDUCATION IS A LEVELLER’’ as he narrated his Namilyango College story and ascendance in life. Arriving at college as a humble Mityana village boy, taking the first bus ride, the first train ride, indoor shower and switching on the lights in Hanlon House and the first dance with a girl during Social. Sweet memories, but most importantly the spur to great life achievements that education afforded him. He gave 10million shillings to the Endowment fund and pledge an annual contribution to the same.
The Minister of Justice, Hon. Norbert Mao also took the audience down the nostalgic lane by narrating stories of his days at the college. He pledged towards the endowment fund too, and in homage to his former headmaster, narrated the competitive environment he found at the college that spurred him to excellence. Trust him to share a story any day, he told of rugby players never letting go of the ball and the ‘’one more round’’ mantra of boxers, formerly a college stronghold.
The President NACOBA Alex Matayo brought to mind the genesis of the Endowment fund and its purpose to fund bursaries, improve infrastructure and staff welfare. He invited members to participate generously in the Endowment fund. He enlisted the various activities NACOBA is involved in within the fraternity and the College and thanked members for always coming through when called upon.
The headmaster of Namilyango College, Mr. Mpuuga Constantine Ssajabi in his speech read out the names of the beneficiaries for the bursary fund to date. The Bursary fund, started to support bright but financially unable students with their tuition, the bursary fund not being sustainable had morphed into the current Endowment Fund. He thanked the Old Boys for their initiative and love for the College and participation in matters of the college.
The Chairman of the Endowment fund Mr. Sempanyi John Nakedde informed the guests about the governing structure, purpose and operations of the Endowment fund. He took the opportunity to introduce the Fund Committee members and then invited guests to generously contribute to it. The fundraising that night raised about 100Million shillings in cash and pledges.
The awards, increased to eight categories from the previous six to include; the young achievers award and cohort of the year award. An Awards Committee chaperoned by Mr. Nsereko Bob and 4 others managed the selection, voting and final awards. The awardees are on the flier attached. Dinner was the last item on the programme and was well served and enjoyed by the guests before departure.
A big thank you to all who made it, awardees, service providers among others for a successful dinne