St. Mary’s College Kisubi

St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) is a true testament to the power of education. Founded in 1906 by Reverend Raux Modeste of the White Fathers Congregation, the school was established to provide higher education for Catholic youths in the Buganda Kingdom. Today, the Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala owns and operates the school, which is located in Kisubi, along the Kampala-Entebbe Road in Wakiso District, Uganda.

SMACK is renowned for its excellent academic performance and all-around nurturing of its students. As a result, it has been recognized as the most prestigious school in Uganda, according to a 2018 published report. The school offers education that encourages independent thinking and development, which prepares students for the challenges of the real world.

The school’s rich history is evident in its oldest buildings, which include the administration block and the Chemistry Laboratory, which replaced a two-storeyed dormitory for Senior One and Two students. SMACK’s central location on campus makes it the most centralised block on campus.

SMACK’s uniform has undergone several changes over the years, with the current uniform consisting of a white shirt with a plain navy blue tie for ordinary level students and a striped tie for advanced level students. Students wear a pair of grey trousers, with blazers mandatory for all higher school certificate students.

In 1964, Lord Snowdon commissioned the SMACK memorial library, following the death of 12 students in a motor accident. Today, the 12 trees planted in memory of these students still stand tall next to the Senior Six block.

Sports have also played a significant role in SMACK’s development, with basketball, football, swimming, and hockey among the sports introduced to the school. The school’s newest building, a three-storied block valued at Ugandan Shs.2.9 billion, sits atop Kisubi hill as the tallest one yet. It serves as the new HSC block, replacing and outcompeting the older single-storied S5 block, which stood erect since the introduction of the Higher School Certificate in SMACK in the recent past.

The SMACK Old Boys’ Association (SMACKOBA) has been involved in the running of the school since the latter half of the 20th century. Notable alumni of St. Mary’s College Kisubi (Old Smackists) include two Vice Presidents of Uganda, two Prime Ministers of Buganda Kingdom, Cabinet ministers, judges, lawyers, and distinguished academics.

Overall, SMACK is a school that truly embodies the spirit of education, providing students with a strong foundation for success in life.