The Director of Studies (D.O.S) at M.I.K. Secondary School, Kampala, Asiimwe James, recently delivered a heartfelt speech during the UCE Result Celebrations and Senior One Welcome Party. This event which took place on 15th February 2024 brought together students, parents, staff, and special guests to reflect on the school’s achievements, express gratitude, and set the tone for the academic year ahead.

In his address, Mr. Asiimwe highlighted the importance of teamwork, commitment, and the invaluable support from the school’s founders, staff, and parents. He also took the opportunity to congratulate the students for their hard work and success, while urging them to continue striving for excellence. His speech underscored the school’s mission to provide holistic education and develop students into well-rounded individuals equipped for the challenges ahead.

Here is the full speech delivered by the Director of Studies

Good afternoon, esteemed guests, members of staff, dear students, and parents. Protocol observed.

It is an honor to stand before you today at this significant gathering. My name is Asiimwe James, and I am the Director of Studies (D.O.S) at M.I.K. Secondary School, Kampala.

First and foremost, I would like to thank our Creator, God, for this wonderful life. Every day, we are granted 86,400 seconds to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. We are here today because of His blessings, and we should join in gratitude for all He has done for us and for our school. Six years may seem like a long journey, but with God’s guidance, we have persevered and succeeded.

I also take this golden opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the founders of this esteemed institution, Mr. John Bukenya and his family. Without their vision and hard work, none of us would be here today. As Oprah Winfrey once said, “Let’s be thankful for what we have because if we are thankful, we will end up getting more. And if we focus on what we don’t have, we’ll never have enough.” Indeed, we are deeply grateful for their contributions.

To the dedicated staff of M.I.K. Secondary School—both teaching and non-teaching—I thank you. W. Clement Stone wisely said, “If you are really thankful, you share.” Your commitment and tireless efforts in guiding our students have played an instrumental role in our success. We appreciate your contributions, which have made this achievement possible.

To our dear students, past and present, thank you for representing M.I.K. S.S. with pride and excellence. Life is not always perfect, but recognizing the good in our lives helps us overcome challenges. As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “When we remember that as much has been given to us, much will be expected from us.” Your dedication and hard work have earned today’s celebration. For those of you who are continuing in your studies, I encourage you to look up to your successful alumni and draw inspiration from their journeys.

To the parents present today, I appreciate your ongoing support. I encourage you to engage with your children’s class teachers to ensure a smooth academic year. As our candidates continue with their pre-registration and beginning-of-term exams, your support in providing the necessary scholastic materials will ensure a successful learning experience. Additionally, your financial contributions towards the development of the school have been invaluable, and I urge you to continue this support for the benefit of our students.

Our Senior One students have been adjusting well to the new curriculum as per the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) guidelines. The assessments will be conducted termly, and we have seen positive outcomes in equipping students with essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

I want to reassure all of you that choosing M.I.K. Secondary School was a wise decision. We pride ourselves on being the best-performing school in the Greater Mukono region, and our success is well-documented in the media. I thank all media houses for their continued support in sharing our accomplishments.

Finally, as a school renowned for its academic excellence, we expect to maintain this standard this year and beyond. I kindly ask for your continued support in all areas, as we work towards another successful academic year.

Thank you very much for your attention.

For God and my country.

ASIIMWE JAMES
Director of Studies
Dated: Sunday, 15th February 2025