Kakoba Muslim Primary School, rooted in a rich history of dedication to Islamic values and academic excellence, is set to host a meaningful reunion on December 27, 2023. The event, aimed at rekindling the spirit of the school’s founding principles, will also serve as a platform to refurbish the school and announce the inception of Kakoba Muslim Secondary School. The founders of the Muslim school were Juma Sempagala, Hajj Ausi Abdallah, Hassan Marijan, and Abubakar Salim. Mwalimu Ali Kabere, Mwalimu Abdul Sululu, and Hajj Muhammad Makanda are rallying the support of former students and well-wishers for this significant occasion.
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History Of The School | Where The Islamic Roots Began
The school was established in 1948, originally located at Kiswahili Cell near the present site of Mbarara Central Prisons, with an additional branch situated at the current location of Mbarara Municipal Primary School. However, due to the British Government taking over the land, the school was subsequently relocated to Kakoba Central Cell.
The founders of the school were Haj. Ausi Abdallah, Haji Juma Sempagala, Mzee AHMADA Kaffupi, Hassan Marijan, and Abubakar Salim. The pioneering teachers included the late Badiru Weduru, Mzee Iddi Ganyana, Haji Makanda, and Mzee Ali Kabeere, who played pivotal roles in shifting the school to its new location.
How did Kakoba Muslim Primary School Start?
Mwalimu Ali Kabere, one of the founders, reminisces about the school’s humble beginnings. “The school started at the verandah of Sheik Makanda and then eventually we transferred to the mosque. We were only 20 pupils back then,” he recalls. The choice of Kakoba Muslim was motivated by the school’s emphasis on Muslim values and Arabic studies, distinguishing it from other institutions. Originally named “MUJINI,” meaning “TOWN” in Swahili, the school found its roots in government land but swiftly transformed into a community school.
Mwalimu Abdul Sululu, who witnessed the school’s evolution during the 1940s and 1950s, highlights the pivotal role played by Juma Sempagala and Hassan Marijan in its early days. “The school was shifted from the mosque to where it is now. It was in the 80s that I started teaching as a teacher (Mwalimu). I taught SST and Islam,” he shares, reflecting on his dual role as a student and later as a teacher.
Who was the most prominent head teacher of Kakoba Muslim Primary School?
John Kagubire assumed the role of head teacher from 1983 to 1987, during which the school faced queries about its religious affiliations. Kagubire, a Protestant, clarifies, “They always asked me whether I was a Muslim. I always told them I am not a Muslim but a Protestant. My certificate as a teacher permitted me to teach or become a headteacher anywhere regardless if it were a Muslim school.” Kagubire invites old students to join the reunion on December 27, 2023, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared memories.
What do the pioneers and old students have to say?
Hajj Muhammad Makanda, a pioneer of Kakoba Muslim School, sheds light on its origins. “It was started by some older members helped by some white people. We studied our Muslim studies in the mosque,” he recounts. Acknowledging the contribution of figures like Mwalimu Kabere and Drago Ibrahim, he remembers the pivotal moment when the district commissioner granted them land. The school, initially a Swahili school, transformed into Kakoba Muslim School, reflecting the remarkable progress made by the dedicated team.
Teacher Tinka, a Former Kakoba Muslim Teacher Still Cherishes her Career
Teacher Tinka, who has been an integral part of the school from 1985 to 2004. She extends New Year wishes and reflects on 19 years of teaching. “I used to teach classes P1, P2, and P3,” she shares, the commitment of educators who have shaped the academic journey of countless students.
What you need to know
As Kakoba Muslim Primary School prepares for its reunion on December 27, 2023, the echoes of its history resonate with dedication, progress, and a shared commitment to Islamic values. Former students, teachers, and well-wishers are urged to join hands in refurbishing the school and heralding the beginning of Kakoba Muslim Secondary School—a testament to the enduring legacy of a school that has stood the test of time.
