St. Theresa Girls’ SS seeks Shs 2.2bn in fundraising drive

St. Theresa Girls’ secondary school in Masindi district has launched an ambitious campaign to raise over Shs 2.2 billion to upgrade its infrastructure as it prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee on October 1, 2025.

Founded in 1975 by Nyamigisa Catholic Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Albert Baharagate of the Hoima Catholic Diocese, the school was established to expand educational opportunities for girls in Masindi and the wider Bunyoro sub-region while instilling strong moral and spiritual values.

Over the past five decades, it has grown into a full O and A-level institution, educating more than 6,000 young women who now serve in key roles across Uganda and beyond. Despite its rich legacy and a current enrollment of about 630 students, the school is straining under outdated and insufficient facilities.

Headteacher Sr. Angella Baganizi said that although the government formally took over the school in 2000, support for new construction has been minimal.

“We don’t have enough classrooms, dormitories, staff quarters, or a library. The school is overwhelmed by the number of students,” Sr. Baganizi said.

“Implementing the new curriculum requires adequate space, which we simply don’t have.”

To ease congestion, the school began building a four-story classroom and dormitory block, but work stalled due to a lack of funds.

The headteacher added that the school’s human resources are also stretched, with the government paying salaries for only 19 of the 78 staff members. The upcoming jubilee, themed “Thanking God for 50 Years of Excelling in Nurturing and Giving Hope to the Girl Child,” is a rallying point for fundraising.

The school is urging alumni, local leaders, companies, and well-wishers to contribute toward completing the stalled building. Fedie Mugisha, chairperson of the Golden Jubilee organizing committee, emphasized the school’s impact.

“Since its inception, St. Theresa has dramatically improved girls’ education in Masindi and the entire Bunyoro sub-region. We invite everyone whose life has been touched by this institution to join us in securing its next 50 years.”