Namugongo — On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Vienna College Namugongo welcomed back generations of its graduates for the school’s first-ever alumni dinner. The milestone event was part of its yearlong silver jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years of academic excellence, community building, and transformation.
The evening was marked by elegance, excitement, and emotional reconnections. Alumni from across the years reunited to celebrate their shared history, relive fond memories, and envision the future of their growing community.
In a time when phone screens often dominate gatherings, this event stood out, filled instead with warm conversations, laughter, and nostalgic stories that only fellow students of Vienna could understand. For many, it was their first time returning to campus since graduation.
Speaker after speaker expressed appreciation for the initiative and encouraged those in attendance to rally behind the formal launch of the Vienna College Namugongo Alumni Association.
One of the night’s keynote speakers, Okello Baldwin, chief technical officer at Hamilton Telecom—Uganda’s first mobile virtual network enabler—urged alumni to view their involvement as a long-term investment.
“Each of you represents years of Vienna’s investment in developing leaders,” Baldwin said. “But here’s what’s truly exciting: When Vienna alumni collaborate, we don’t just add our individual strengths—we multiply them.”
“Our alumni network represents decades of accumulated wisdom, billions in collective economic impact, and most importantly, thousands of success stories waiting to be shared. We are not just Vienna graduates—we are Vienna’s continuing legacy in action.”
Larry Okutho, in his opening remarks, described the dinner as “a spark in the alumni community,” igniting energy and momentum for ongoing engagement.
Another keynote speaker, Prof. Rachel Mindra Katoroogo, head of the Faculty of Commerce at Makerere University Business School and a proud alumna, called for continued mentorship and service.
“We are surrounded by proof that the Vienna legacy is alive and thriving,” she said. “Each of us here is a living chapter of that legacy. We must harness this community not just for ourselves, but for those who come after us.” “Let us mentor. Let us speak to students. Let us offer internships and open doors. We shape minds, yes—but we also shape memory. Let us be the storytellers of our school’s journey.”
“At Vienna, we learned more than math, science, and literature. We learned integrity, discipline, and empathy,” she added. “This 25th anniversary is not the end of a chapter—it is the beginning of a new one. And it is ours to write.”
For alumnus Alex Busingye, the dinner was not just a reunion, but a recommitment to the school that shaped them. From high school slang and tales of mischief to roaring laughter and group hugs, the evening was rich with nostalgia. The iconic “jaba dance” crowned the celebration, bringing together alumni of all ages in a joyous expression of identity and unity.
Isaiah Daniel Juuko, president of the newly launched alumni association, offered heartfelt thanks to alumni from around the world for their contributions to the dinner’s success and the vision for the future.
Principal Mohammed Kakiika praised the alumni for their initiative, resilience, and continued support for their alma mater.
In classic Vienna fashion, the evening closed with the announcement of the best-dressed gentleman and lady, who were awarded a special treat courtesy of Brovard Sands Beach Hotel, co-owned by a Vienna alumnus.
A special thank-you goes out to the evening’s sponsors: Stanbic Bank, Centenary Bank, Kibona Safaris, Nile Valley Communications, Brovard Sands Beach Hotel, ISBAT University, and Cornerstone Asset Managers. Your generous support made this milestone celebration possible, and we look forward to your continued partnership.
