Months of anticipation and planning ended on Thursday evening at the Silver Springs Hotel in Kampala, where the St. Peter’s College Tororo Old Boys Association (SPECTOBA) hosted a grand fundraising dinner on June 20, 2024. The event aimed to mobilize support and financial contributions towards a vital cause—the comprehensive renovation and upgrade of St. Peter’s College Tororo.
Attended by several guests, including Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, an alumnus of the school, the dinner marked a significant effort to address the pressing infrastructure needs at the historic institution. The fundraising drive, spearheaded by SPECTOBA, seeks to raise UGX 3.1 billion to refurbish essential facilities such as teaching spaces, laboratories, student accommodations, sanitation, and water infrastructure.
Reflecting on the institution’s rich history and enduring legacy, Professor Pakoyo Kamba, the Chairman of SPECTOBA, highlighted the role that St. Peter’s College Tororo has played in shaping countless lives and contributing to education in the region.
“For several decades, the school was the top contributor of students to Makerere and other universities in the country and the region. Unfortunately, the school infrastructure has been badly worn down and broken after several decades of use with minimal maintenance and urgently needs major emergency works to mitigate a looming catastrophe to the students and staff,” Prof. Kamba said.
Speaking to the Deputy Head Teacher, Francis Emokol, he said that the intervention of SPECTOBA is timely, emphasizing the urgent need to modernize and beautify the school’s structures to attract more students.
He added that key priorities include upgrading sports facilities to meet competitive standards and optimizing utility expenses, particularly by improving the local water pumping system to reduce dependence on costly national water services.
With the student body currently at 1026, expansion of classroom space is critical, necessitating the recent opening of a fourth stream to accommodate rising enrollments in Senior One.
The school employs 57 teachers, of whom 38 are government-appointed and 19 are hired by the board. As the fundraising drive continues, Emokol has called upon all alumni to rally behind the cause and contribute towards revitalizing their alma mater.
The fundraising efforts have garnered widespread support from a diverse range of stakeholders, including high-ranking officials from the government, the private sector, and hundreds of passionate alumni. Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of Tororo, among other dignitaries, graced the occasion, highlighting the widespread reverence and support for the initiative.
Founded in 1941 by the MillHill Missionaries, St. Peter’s College Tororo has maintained its motto “Palma sub pondere crescit” (“The palm grows under the weight”), symbolizing resilience and growth amidst challenges. Over the decades, the school has nurtured talents not only in academics but also in sports, producing national sports icons and prominent figures in various professions.
The fundraising gala also celebrated past achievements of SPECTOBA, including the establishment of the Bernard Onyango Academic Excellence Awards and scholarships, which continue to inspire and support current students in their academic pursuits.
Those willing to contribute to the renovation efforts are encouraged to remit their financial support to the dedicated account:
Account Name: SPECTOBA
Account Number: 3010609494 (UGX)
Bank Name: Centenary Bank
Bank Branch: Entebbe Road
Bank Address: Plot 7, Entebbe Road, Talenta House, P.O. Box 1892, Kampala
Swift Code: CERBUGKA XXX
As efforts continue to gather momentum, the call for support extends beyond alumni to include all individuals and entities passionate about education and community development.
In the words of Chief Justice Owiny Dollo, “Let us join hands to ensure that St. Peter’s College Tororo continues to shine and nurture future leaders who will impact our society positively.”
