Horizon International School Jinja marked its 10th anniversary in style last Saturday with a vibrant ceremony that showcased academic excellence, musical talent, and inspiring speeches.
The late evening event featured keynote addresses from esteemed experts in education, highlighting the school’s achievements and the importance of quality education.
The area MP Hon Nathan Samson Igeme Nabeta used the occasion to emphasize the need for Jinja City to become a self-contained hub with modern amenities like an international hospital, school, airfield and stadium, among others.
Jinja City already has Nile International Hospital and Horizon International School but other facilities like Kimaka airstrip, Bugembe Stadium officially known as Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe and Kakindu Community Stadium will require pressure from politicians to compel government to take action and upgrade them.
As always a man of few words, Hon Nathan Samson Nabeta Igeme, being an investor with NBS and Smart FM radio stations alongside CI Sand Suites hotel in the city, stressed that such facilities would attract more investors to the city and Uganda as a whole, driving economic growth and development.
“…it’s the reason President Yoweri Museveni has consistently and passionately urged global investors to come to Uganda where they join hands and provide employment to the youth…” he remarked.
The legislator congratulated Horizon International School and assured its managers of continued support from the NRM government and city authorities for value addition in education.
Earlier on the School Principal, Godfrey Sekitoleko gave a heartfelt historical account of the founders’ dream, vision, and mission to establish an affordable international school offering quality education to a diverse range of nationalities.
He proudly announced that, 10 years down the road, the dream has been achieved, with the school now boasting of 210 students from 24 different nationalities.
Sekitoleko also stressed the school’s commitment to a holistic approach, providing students with a well-rounded education that ends beyond the classroom.
He highlighted the school’s participation in extracurricular activities like Cricket, which fosters the spirit of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
The school director in charge of education Ibrahim Yunus told his guests that besides Horizon, they have three other international schools in the country. They are Light Academy SS Lweza, Light Nursery and Primary School, and Galaxy International Secondary School Uganda (GISU).
He paid glowing tribute to the faculty staff and support staff, students, alumni, and the community and leadership in Jinja City for the overwhelming support the school has got from inception.
Jinja City top tycoon Hajji Musa Bashir popularly known as Musa Hared was one of the few guests recognized for playing a critical role in the early days as the directors sought avenues of establishing the school in Jinja.
Musa Hared is known by many as the proprietor of a number of petrol stations under the trade name Hared Petroleum Uganda Ltd in the country and also has dozens of real estate assets.
In the early 2000s he was involved in sponsoring of marathon races whose proceeds were used to facilitate the purchase of equipment and other accessories at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
The audience was also treated to a mesmerizing performance by Busoga’s celebrated singer Sndra K and Band, whose soulful voice kept guests enthralled and on their feet.
Even Kiira Regional Police spokesperson SP James Mubi, who was accompanied by two colleagues including ASP Manara Kepchemut the OC Walukuba police Station could not resist the infectious energy and almost tempted to jump onto the floor before remembering he was in uniform.
His brief moment of hesitation was a testament of the joy and excitement that filled the multi-purpose hall, which also serves as the school’s dining hall.
The ceremony was a testament to Horizon International School’s commitment to providing top-notch education and its contribution to the community.
As the school looks to the future, it remains dedicated to nurturing young minds and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
