Students of Kibuli Secondary School have been encouraged to face their exams with focus, courage and self-belief rather than panic, because both success and failure are part of the journey.
Speaking as chief guest at the Kibuli SS Students Awards Gala 2025, Alhajj Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega, chief executive officer of the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) and an old student of the school, reminded learners that perseverance is key.
Quoting Winston Churchill, he said: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
He urged students who excel not to become complacent, and those who fall short not to give up.
“If you fail today, don’t fear to fail tomorrow. Don’t fear to fail again and again—it may be the very path to your success,” he said.
“Your strength must rise after failure. Push while others are resting. Believing in yourself is what defines your journey.”
He told students to stay committed to both academics and co-curricular activities despite challenges.
“No one can take away your resilience if you want to succeed,” he said. Reflecting on his school days, Kaddunabbi said the environment was far tougher.
“During our time, some students would sneak guns into dormitories, others escaped to discos and returned drunk. Many failed because of such habits. You are lucky. If those who abandoned their bad behaviour made it, so can you.”
The colourful 10th Kibuli SS Academic Awards ceremony, organised by Kibuli Old Students Association (KOSA), honoured students in 19 categories including academics, leadership, sports and Qur’an recitation.
Abdu-Wahab Nyanzi, who chaired the 1997 student cohort, said outstanding achievers received plaques and, in some cases, cash. He said more categories would be added next year along with bursaries.
“We believe this will encourage competition and boost performance,” he said.
The awards are named after retired teachers who shaped Kibuli SS into a powerhouse in academics, leadership and sports. Head teacher Hajj Ibrahim Ssemakadde said the recognition motivates both learners and teachers.
“These awards will push Kibuli to remain among the giant schools,” he said. He also advised students to carefully read exam questions before attempting them.
“Failure isn’t falling down—it’s choosing not to get up.” Retired head teacher Hajj Abbas Kaawaase Mukasa, who led the school from 1978 to 2002, said the awards also nurture discipline.
“Discipline is essential for success in both academics and sports,” he said.
Former Gayaza High School head teacher Victoria Serunkuuma Kisarale, also once a Kibuli SS matron, said the initiative helps students set new goals and stay committed. IRA, which regulates Uganda’s insurance sector, is overseen by Kaddunabbi, a prominent figure pushing for growth and innovation in the industry.
“You can be the most stubborn student, but the moment you change how you see the world and how you treat yourself, your future begins to open,” he told the learners.
For many students at Kibuli SS, the message was simple: don’t panic—prepare, persist and believe you can do better.
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