By Chris Mugasha
MBARARA: When Ntare School Old Boys gather in Mbarara Today (on Friday, 24 July 2026) for their Annual General Meeting and elections, they will not simply be choosing another chairman. They will be deciding who leads one of Uganda’s most influential alumni associations into its next chapter as the school celebrates 70 years of excellence.
For decades, the Ntare School Old Boys Association (NSOBA) has produced leaders in government, business, academia, the military, law and diplomacy. From the late Rt. Hon. Eriya Kategaya, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, to Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, MP Sheema South and Cabinet Minister and academic; Justice Wilson Kwesiga, Judge of the Court of Appeal; Maj. (Rtd.) Awich Pollar, distinguished military officer (former child Soldier) and Director for External Relations at the NRM Secretariat; Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye, physician and former Cabinet Minister currently MP Sheema North; Eng. John Tusubira Kagoro, Aviation Engineer & Consultant, ; and Apollo Kashanku a Trasport Economist, the outgoing Chairman, every generation has left its mark on the Association.
The next chairman will inherit this proud legacy at a defining moment.
Among those seeking the office is Aggrey Amanyabyoona Marema, currently the Head of Procurement and Disposal at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), who believes the Association is ready for a new era of inclusive leadership built on service, innovation and stronger engagement of Old Boys across generations.
A Life of Service to NSOBA
Few candidates can point to a record of service spanning more than a decade within the Association.
Amanyabyoona served on the NSOBA Executive Committee from 2012, first as an Executive Committee Member before becoming Secretary for Publicity and Mobilisation, a position he held for nearly a decade. During that period, he helped modernise the Association’s communications by embracing social media and digital engagement, bringing together thousands of Old Boys both within Uganda and across the diaspora.
His mobilisation efforts became particularly evident during the landmark Kigali Old Boys Reunion, where he played a central role in rallying alumni—including senior national leaders and professionals—to reconnect with their alma mater. The reunion marked the beginning of fundraising efforts that culminated in the establishment of Ntare School Rwanda, which has since grown into Ntare Louisenlund School Rwanda, officially opened in September 2024.
Beyond communications, Amanyabyoona has participated in virtually every fundraising, welfare and development initiative organised by the Association over the years, earning respect from both senior and younger Old Boys.
He is also Patron of the BweraNtare Solidarity, a network strengthening the historic friendship between Ntare School and Bweranyangi Girls Secondary School.
Leadership Beyond the School Gates
Amanyabyoona attended Ntare School between 1998 and 2003, continuing a family tradition. His father and siblings are all Ntare Old Boys, with his father having been a contemporary of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during their Ntare School days.
Caption: Ntare OBs and School leaders with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame during their visit to Rwanda.
Professionally, Aggrey is recognised in procurement, governance and anti-corruption practice. Those who have worked with him describe him as a consensus builder who combines technical competence with grassroots mobilisation.
He previously served as the Vice Chairman Board Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd among other Boards.
Those qualities, he says, are exactly what NSOBA requires.
“United by Ntare. Driven by Service.”
That is not merely his campaign slogan—it is the philosophy underpinning his vision.
Why Alumni Associations Matter
Across the world, the strongest educational institutions are supported by equally strong alumni organisations.
The alumni associations of Harvard University, Oxford University, Stanford University, Makerere University, King Alfred -UK, and many of Africa’s leading schools have demonstrated that active alumni networks do much more than organize reunions.
According to Amanyabyoona they go an extra mile to;
-Mentor students and young graduates;
-Finance scholarships;
-Invest in school infrastructure;
-Build professional networks;
-Mobilize emergency support for members;
-Preserve institutional traditions;
-Influence national development through leadership.
The world’s great institutions remain great because every generation gives back.
Amanyabyoona believes Ntare should aspire to the same standard.
Building the Next Generation of NSOBA
His agenda extends beyond elections.
If elected Chairman, Amanyabyoona says he will prioritise:
-Strengthening the NSOBA SACCO to improve members’ financial wellbeing;
-Promoting investment clubs and collective wealth creation among Old Boys;
-Establishing vibrant regional and international diaspora chapters;
-Institutionalising alumni engagement within organisations where Old Boys work;
-Strengthening welfare systems to support retired and vulnerable members;
-Expanding mentorship programmes linking established leaders with younger Old Boys;
-Strengthening collaboration between Ntare School Mbarara and Ntare Louisenlund School Rwanda;
-Expanding the successful Ntare League sports programme;
-Reviving the celebrated Ntare–Bweranyangi dances and social exchanges under the BweraNtare Solidarity initiative;
-Promoting scholarships and affirmative outreach to ensure talented students from every region of Uganda continue accessing Ntare School;
-Supporting Ntare School’s ambition to become a continental leader in STEM education, leadership development and holistic education.
He also says the Association should draw wisdom from its Patrons and senior statesmen while empowering younger leaders to take greater responsibility for the future.
The Spirit of Ntare
The founding Headmaster, William Crichton, believed Ntare was meant to produce not merely successful individuals but men of character, courage and service. The school’s enduring ethos has long emphasised discipline, leadership, integrity and responsibility—values that continue to define generations of Old Boys.
As Ntare marks seven decades, many believe that spirit remains its greatest strength.
A Competitive Contest
Aggrey faces strong competition from Dickson Nsiime, an official with the Ministry of Finance and the outgoing Vice Chairman of NSOBA. The former Chairman and current MP Sheema North plans a comeback too
The contest reflects the growing significance of NSOBA leadership. With a membership that includes national leaders, judges, military officers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, academics and professionals spread across the world, the Association has become one of Uganda’s most influential alumni networks.
Whoever wins will lead the Association into its Platinum Jubilee era.
For Aggrey, the election is less about office than responsibility.
“Leadership is service. Our brotherhood is our greatest asset. My commitment is to unite every generation of Old Boys, strengthen our institutions, invest in our members and ensure that Ntare remains Africa’s leading school for leadership, innovation and excellence,” Amanyabyoona assures.
As Old Boys head to the polls on Friday, they will choose not only the next Chairman but also the direction of an Association whose influence extends well beyond the school gates.
United by Ntare. Driven by Service. A stronger brotherhood for every Old Boy.
Happy 70th Anniversary Celebrations!
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