Kigezi High School Class of 2000-2003 Holds Legendary Reunion

By Bakampa Brian Baryaguma

bakampasenior@gmail.com; www.huntedthinker.blogspot.ug

On Saturday, 30^th September, 2017, Old Boys and Girls of the best class of Kigezi High School a.k.a. Shanka, held a class reunion. Kigezi High School is located in Kabale district, south western Uganda. It was established in 1922.

The badge / logo of Kigezi High School

The reunion was meant for former classmates meeting and interacting again, after 14 years of separation, rekindle old memories, follow-up on current developments in colleagues’ lives, and share future dreams.

The reunion logo, designed by Mr. Tweheyo Brian. Please, ignore the date shown; it was a typing error. The true date was 30.09.2017.

A group photo of some members of our S.4 class, taken in 2003, at Kigezi High School, in front of the S.4 block. This was in second term, around the time of registering for O Level Mock Exams, and registering for final UCE examinations, by UNEB. I am seated, first row, holding papers, on which I was to write an apology to the headmaster, after there was overnight fighting in school, of S.6 boys versus the rest of the school boys (from S.1 to S.5). The arrogant S.6 boys wanted to beat me for urinating in their urinals, but the rest of the school couldn’t allow it. That night, we gave the S.6s a very good beating. Thereafter, I was indefinitely suspended from school, and only came back to sit for and write my final UCE exams. Quite unfair, I think.

The reunion started with a suggestion, on our S.4 class WhatsApp group, by Akansimira Brisco a.k.a. Master, around 12 September 2017, that we urgently need a reunion. This proposal was quickly picked up, and supported by other members.

A screenshot of our WhatsApp group. The current group's profile picture is of wedding arrangements of one of our own, Tweheyo Brian. We are contributing towards organizing his wedding.

Soon after, an organizing committee was set up, which I was privileged and indeed honored, to serve on as convener, in the capacity of spokesman/treasurer/procurement overseer. In my position, I was responsible for coordinating and issuing updates about the reunion, for example, on payments, general progress plans like venue arrangements, buying necessary items, and such other related matters.

Members of the Organizing Committee

People making pledges, and notifications of payment.

A list that I populated of some of the OBs and OGs who funded the reunion

More names of funders. There were some small last minute contributions, on reunion day itself, that weren't captured here

 

Surveying goat meat, to buy for the reunion. Two goats were bought.

Members warming up for the reunion

From left to right: Magezi Edgar, Niwagaba Bright a.k.a. Kabode, and I (yours truly, Bakampa Brian). This was soon after delivering the reunion food items, at the venue, The Gardens (in background).

From left to right: Magezi Edgar, Niwagaba Bright a.k.a. Kabode, and I (yours truly, Bakampa Brian). This was soon after delivering the reunion food items, at the venue, The Gardens (in background).

There was plenty of food to eat, and drinks were overflowing. We bought two goats, and 10 chicken. Other purchases were bananas, irish potatoes, cabbages, tomatoes, onions, ginger, cucumber, pineapples, etc., and other necessaries like cooking oil and spices. The participants drunk lots of beer, sodas, and water, although these drinks were bought individually, since they were not included on the official reunion budget. But the spirit of brotherhood and unity was so strong and prevalent that members ensured that none lacked a drink. Personally, I had a standing order of unlimited supply of drinks of my choice, courtesy of Akansimira Brisco. Then, Aturinda Banet, Tweheyo Brian, and Tumwesigye Alex also bought for me some drinks too. I was well catered for. At the end of the day, the reunion was hailed and acclaimed as ‘legendary.’ Members had utmost fun and enjoyment, meeting after more than a decade.

Group post emphatically praising the reunion as legendary

 

Positive reactions from participants.

More positive reactions from participants

Soon after eating, and drinking, towards the end of the reunion, we had a self-introduction session, where people briefly reminded everyone else their formal name, former high school nickname, what they are doing now, marital status, and any other personal information. Look at photos below.

The reunion was such a huge success that in fact those who missed, immediately made demands for another one, preferably in December this year.

Demands for me to organize another reunion

After this, appreciations to the members of the organizing committee, and to me in particular, started streaming in. Below are some examples.

Our reunion was a great success. My dear brothers and sisters of KHS O Level class of 2000–2003, thank you for making it a blast. We give all glory to God, only through whom all things are possible. Thank you for entrusting me with overall responsibility for managing and presiding over this reunion. It was an honor and privilege for me. I look forward to more occasions with you. As the Kigezi High School motto goes, ‘I serve.’