Ntare At 70

For one unforgettable weekend, Ntare Hill became a melting pot of cherished memories, warm laughter, deep nostalgia and renewed hope. The familiar sounds of school life were replaced by joyful reunions, heartfelt conversations and emotional embraces as generations of Old Boys returned to the place that had shaped their lives.
On July 25, 2026, Ntare School celebrated a remarkable milestone.70 years of nurturing leaders, moulding character and inspiring excellence. The Platinum Jubilee was far more than a ceremonial anniversary. It was an emotional homecoming that reunited generations of Lions whose lives were profoundly transformed by the institution perched majestically on Ntare Hill in Mbarara City.
For many, it was not simply a return to a school. It was a return to where lifelong friendships were born, values were instilled and dreams first took shape.

A Legacy Born of Vision
Ntare School was founded in 1956 by the visionary Scottish educationist William Crichton, who became its first headmaster. Established as a government boys’ boarding school, the institution was named after Omugabe Ntare, one of the kings of the Ankole Kingdom.
Crichton dreamed of creating more than an institution that excelled in examinations. He envisioned a community that would produce young men of integrity, discipline, humility and service leaders whose character would be as outstanding as their academic achievement.Seven decades later, that vision continues to define Ntare School.
The school’s motto, “Better Your Best,” is more than an inspiring phrase. It is a lifelong philosophy that challenges every student and every Old Boy to strive for continuous self-improvement. Equally symbolic is the school’s lion emblem, representing courage, resilience, confidence and leadership.

Life at Ntare always revolved around its iconic houses namely;New House, Crichton House, Aggrey House, Africa House, Nile House, Pearl/Annex House, Golden House, Mbaguta House and Pioneer House. Each carries its own traditions, identity and fiercely defended pride.
Within these houses, strangers became brothers. Friendships were forged during early morning prep, evening discussions, seminars, inter-house competitions, sports fixtures, debate contests, music festivals and countless moments of shared triumph and adversity. The bonds created in those years have endured long after school uniforms were folded away.
House rivalries became one of the defining features of Ntare life. Whether on the rugby pitch, the football field, the athletics track or in academic contests, every house competed passionately for honour. Yet beyond the trophies lay lessons that would shape lives forever: discipline, teamwork, sacrifice, resilience and the grace to accept both victory and defeat.
Even decades after graduation, Old Boys still proudly identify themselves by the houses they belonged to. A simple introduction such as, “Guy, I was in Mbaguta,” or “I’m a New House man,” is enough to spark instant recognition, laughter and stories that bridge generations.

There is something about Ntare School that words alone struggle to describe. Visitors often speak of an unmistakable aura the moment they pass through the school gates. Perhaps it is the majestic avenue of trees leading into the campus. Perhaps it is the breathtaking view from Ntare Hill overlooking Mbarara City. Perhaps it is the iconic buildings, the immaculate compounds, the tarmacked roads, the famous lion statue or the quiet culture of discipline that has defined the institution for generations.
Whatever it is, the feeling is unmistakable.
Walking through Ntare is like walking through living history. Every classroom tells a story. Every corridor has witnessed dreams taking shape. Every sports field carries memories of glorious victories, painful defeats and life lessons that reached far beyond the classroom.

For alumni returning after ten, twenty,thirty, forty or even fifty years away, stepping back onto the campus was an emotional journey through time. Familiar rooms, classrooms and assembly grounds stirred memories that had never truly faded. Many admitted that the years seemed to melt away the moment they walked through the school gates.

Ntare is not merely a school. It is a lifelong identity.
The Platinum Jubilee attracted Old Boys from every corner of Uganda and from across Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Many crossed continents solely to celebrate the institution that had shaped their lives.
Some had not returned to Ntare Hill for three, four or even five decades.
They arrived not only as OBs but also as opinion leaders,professors, judges, diplomats, entrepreneurs, engineers, doctors, lawyers,scientists, military officers, clergy, educators and distinguished public servants. Their careers had taken them to the highest offices and boardrooms around the world.
Yet the moment they walked through the school gates, titles quietly disappeared. Everyone simply became a Lion once again.
Grey-haired classmates embraced with the excitement of teenagers reunited in the den.Former teachers were celebrated with heartfelt gratitude for the wisdom, discipline and guidance they had imparted. Laughter echoed through familiar corridors as old friends revisited classrooms, dormitories and sports fields where lifelong dreams had first taken root.

It was impossible not to notice the deep affection that every returning Old Boy still carried for his alma mater. Conversations flowed effortlessly from stories of classroom pranks and unforgettable teachers to sporting triumphs and lifelong friendships. Every handshake seemed to carry decades of shared history.
The celebrations were a powerful reminder that while life may scatter Ntare’s sons across the globe, the brotherhood forged on Ntare Hill remains unbreakable.
For seventy years, Ntare has remained a beacon of academic excellence, discipline, integrity and service.
The Platinum Jubilee celebrated an extraordinary past, reaffirmed a proud present and cast an optimistic eye towards the future. It reminded every Lion that while buildings may age and generations may pass, the spirit of Ntare remains timeless.
Ntare School my shield my strength.
The Lion roars.
A Narration by Brian B Barigye.