The Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, has called upon students to desist from acts of indiscipline that will expose them to HIV/AIDS, and asked them to combine efforts in the fight against the spread of this scourge.

The Premier made the remarks while speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of St. Mary’s College, Rushoroza in Kabale District on Saturday, where he represented President Museveni.

“As young people, I urge you to be disciplined and concentrate on your studies. Guard yourselves against the spread of HIV/ AIDS. Desist from engaging in reckless behavior,” he said.

He further commended the school for maintaining an excellent academic record, noting that the school has influential alumni serving the country and students should emulate them.

“We are proud of St. Mary’s College, Rushoroza. It has been consistent in its academic performance, and this has made it an exemplary institution not only among schools in Kabale District but also in other areas. Please keep it up,” Rugunda added.

The Premier also commissioned the Golden Jubilee Complex, under construction, and Ruhumuliza complex at St. Mary’s College, Rushoroza and pledged government’s support to the school.

The Minister of State for Higher Education, John Chrysestom Muyingo, who represented the First Lady, and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, commended the school for its good academic performance, and asked the school to maintain its good image through continuous promotion of good values such as hard work and honesty among others.

Muyingo also noted that government is planning to construct secondary schools in every sub-county, and thus called on the private sector to support government in this regard.

The President contributed Shs 30 Million towards the ongoing construction project and the First Lady contributed Shs 5million towards the function.

The Head teacher of St. Mary’s college Rushoroza, Mr. Byamukama Remigio, thanked government for the tremendous support it has continuously rendered to the School.

“We continue to thank the government for the good programs such as USE, UPE, Compulsory learning of science subjects at O’level, SESEMAT training, provision of cyber-training, and timely payment of teachers’ salaries which have improved the quality of education,” Byamukama said.

St. Mary’s Rushoroza was founded in 1968 by the Catholic Church, and is among the best performing schools in Western Uganda. Today, it has 1,440 students, and has a total of 74 teachers.

Over 170 million shillings was raised in both cash and pledges for the construction of the Golden Jubilee Complex.

Some of the notable alumni include Permanent Secretary Ministry of Gender- Pius Bigirimana, Rukiga county MP- Herbert Kabafunzaki, and ex-millitary police commander- Dick Bugingo.