Buddo Secondary School drama club celebrates 25 years

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Buddo Secondary School's Drama Club marked its 25th anniversary with a memorable concert last Saturday at the Serena Hotel in Kampala.

The event showcased the rich musical heritage that has come to define the school's identity over the years, with performances that bridged generations of students both past and present.

Students of Buddo SS choir singing during the Ffe Buddo Live in Concert at Serena Hotel. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)

Music has long been a cornerstone of Buddo Secondary School's cultural fabric, shaping its reputation and fostering a unique environment that encourages creativity and excellence. This milestone concert brought together old and current students, who united to deliver a series of captivating performances, many of which paid homage to the school’s history by revisiting classic songs from the past.

In a heartfelt speech, Lawrence Muwonge, the Director of Buddo Secondary School, expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the drama club over the past quarter-century.

Children of St. Francis Junior School Buddo perfoming at Ffe Buddo Live in Concert. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)

He acknowledged several key figures, including Martin Nsubuga, who played a significant role in recruiting the club's song composer, Paul Ssaaka, as well as Janat Nabakka, the club’s long-standing trainer. These individuals, along with other friends and alumni, were honoured with medals for their unwavering dedication.

Muwonge highlighted the role Buddo’s music has played in promoting the Luganda language and Ugandan culture globally. "The new curriculum calls for creativity, teamwork, innovation, and cooperation," he said. "As Buddo Secondary School, that’s where our pride lies."

Deputy Katikiro Robert Wagwa Nsibirwa, who represented the Katikkiro of Buganda as the chief guest, congratulated the Drama Club on reaching this milestone. He praised the club for its bold vision in choosing to hold the concert at Serena Hotel, a venue traditionally reserved for large-scale events.

Students of Buddo SS choir singing during the Ffe Buddo Live in Concert at Serena Hotel. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)

"If your dream doesn’t scare you, then it’s not a big dream," Nsibirwa remarked, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big. He also commended the school for its dedication to promoting Buganda’s culture and heritage through its music and poetry.

The concert was a showcase of talent, with standout performances from both students and alumni. Mercy Nsubuga, a senior five student, captivated the audience with her rendition of Celine Dion’s "I Will Always Love You," while Grace Nakamya, a Senior 2 student, delivered an energetic performance of Brenda Fassie’s "Vulindlela," transporting the audience to South Africa.

Teachers, parents and other revellers enjoying the entertainmnet from the students at the concert. (Photo by Ignatius Kamya)

The event also saw participation from other schools, including Clevers’ Origin and the presence of other schools such as; Kibuli Secondary School, St. Mary’s Secondary School Lugazi, St, Marys Kitende, Trinity College Nabbingo and St Franscis Junior School. The night was further enlivened by performances from renowned Ugandan artists Azawi and Cindy, who added a modern flair to the traditional celebration.

Ssaaka, the Drama Club's song composer, expressed his gratitude to Muwonge in a hand-written letter, acknowledging the director's trust and support over the years. "Thank you for trusting me with this work for the past 25 years," he wrote. "Because of you, I earned myself a title, Sir, from the Kabaka of Buganda,” he said. Dignitaries from Buganda Kingdom such as Ssekiboobo Matovu, Nsaba and Yiga Balilonda were present.