EDUCATION - Mr. J.F Kazibwe Deputy Headmaster, King’s College Budo
A COMPLETE PERSON - By Ernest Tashobya Katwesigye (Budonian)
My Budo Experience - By Ntambi John Waswa
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FEATURED: THE BUDONIAN – A COMPLETE PERSON

By Ernest Tashobya Katwesigye (Budonian)

An Advocate (Muteesa House 1995 – 2000, Chairman writer’s club / Editor-in-Chief School Council News Agency 1999 – 2000) 

Thousands of students put King’s College Budo as their first choice both in P.7 and S.4, unfortunately, the majority never get to realise their noble dream. However, ever sat down to ponder over what that is that thousands crave for? About what is unique about the royal hill? Is it just the distinctions and As? I dare say no. It goes much deeper than the World of an Academicia. It’s the status and person of the Budonian. A person above mediocrity, a person a step ahead, that character u’ll read in any true Budonian. Some people call it pride, i call it dignity and character. Walk into any public office and a Budonian will be there to greet it and u’ll recognise hin/her almost immediately. She’ll exude such confidence and status, produce such excellence and exhibit such class that you can not afford not giving hin/her a standing ovation.

This excellence will not be limited to performance but will cover character and lifestyle. Indeed, in today’s commercialised educational system thet over  emphasises As, King’s College Budo is among the few schools that still puts  emphasisis on developing the total person, the kind you would love to put in charge of your company without compromising the intellect. As one goes through the school routine, they will be tempted to take many things for granted or even with grambling. However, it is that very culture that culminates into an individual above the ordinary. In retrospect, many a Budonian are forever grateful for the values and skills acquired from the school. Indeed the routine was of immesurable value. 

Take Chapel for instance. Many of my colleagues who used to really dread the compulsory morning and Sunday services and turned them into a mockery now never miss Church. They even go for Bible study in the middle of the week. A number of rogues have since turned over their lives to Christ. Chapel indeed turned our hearts to God. 

The compact Monday – Monday programme cultivated in us a sense a sense of direction, urgency, organisation and time keeping. You will not find a true Budonian borrowing the omnipresent excuse of rain or jam for being late. While to the rest of Africans time snail-walks, to the Budonian, time runs, time wasted is never regained.  

That brings to mind the balanced nature of the School programme. I get saddened by schools that have classes from 6 am to 10 pm. The old adage, “Work without play makes Jack a dull boy” has never lost its truthfulness. It’s common knowledge that a fit body promotes a fit mind. The variety of sports activities accessible were a blessing. The Saturday morning trots, for instance, that many took as a punishment enabled many that would never have had that opportunity to get onto the track to flex their muscles hence developing. Many were able to discover themselves in the sports field especially with access to the less common games such as rugby, cricket and basketball. I often read with a smile the press when a Budonian is named Most Valuable Player, etc at a tournament. 

The rich diversity of extra-curricular activities such as clubs developed our social responsibilities and sense of patriotism and duty. Clubs such as Environment, Scouting and Interact opened our minds to the Global outlook and believe you me; any Budonian that took part in at least one of these (which literally means every Budonian) has made it in the market place. Debate sharpened our thinking, communication and persuasive skills. Indeed, no true Budonian is a non-starter. The well-stocked library and computer room and laboratories ensured a well-informed and practical person. 

There is one lesson in S.1 and S.2 that every Budonian is forever grateful to – English readers. Those pace-setters that we were exposed to for a double lesson every week indeed inculcated in us the love for reading. Whereas we lament the poor reading culture of the average Ugandan, the Budonian is an astute reader! 

The system of teaching where you are never spoon-fed (I hope that is still the case) developed in us a strong love for research and discovery. This has helped every Budonian in the market place where the governing principle is “survival for the fittest” 

Needless to say, no Budonian is half-baked. They are educated, informed, practical, godly and have high value system. We are indeed grateful to the school administration and staff for maintaining this system.