School History | St. Joseph of Nazareth High School
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The history of our school

St. Joseph of Nazareth High School opened in 2008 at Kavule-Katende with 67 students. This is how it started and how it grew to more than 1,200 students today.

2008School opened
18 yearsOf teaching
1,200+Students today
Joining in 2027

Applications are open for Senior 1, Senior 5 and transfer students.

How it began

A family's wish to give children in Kavule-Katende a good school close to home.

The administration offices at St. Joseph of Nazareth High School Students at St. Joseph of Nazareth High School

In 2008, the late Omulangira Dr. Paul Mawanda Kyabaggu and his wife, Mrs. Margaret Kyabaggu, started St. Joseph of Nazareth High School at Kavule-Katende, 16 miles from Kampala on the Kampala-Masaka Road in Mpigi District. The first intake was 67 students.

Dr. Kyabaggu had seen what a good education can do for a family. He wanted children in this area to have a secondary school that offered strong teaching together with Catholic values, discipline and care for each student.

The early years were not easy. Staff worked with what they had, and some classrooms were still being finished while lessons went on. Even so, students, teachers and parents knew they were building something together.

"He believed that discipline, humility and hard work are not obstacles to a good life. They are the way to one."On the late Dr. Paul Mawanda Kyabaggu

Where the name comes from

Dr. Kyabaggu was baptised at Nazareth Parish in Masaka Diocese and given the name Joseph. He was also inspired by his elder brother Joseph and by his mentor, Rev. Brother Joseph Kyeyune of the Bannakaroli Brothers. St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, was chosen as the school's patron saint. His humility, hard work and obedience are the values the school still teaches.

How the school grew

As more families in Mpigi and nearby districts heard about the school, enrolment kept rising. Parents chose Jonahs not only because it was near, but because of the discipline, focus and faith they saw in their children.

New buildings followed, including the administration block and a computer laboratory, so students could learn with modern tools.

Today more than 1,200 students study here, in O Level (Senior 1 to 4) and A Level (Senior 5 and 6). They are looked after by teachers, counsellors, house staff and support staff. Former students now work across Uganda as doctors, engineers, teachers and public servants.

Dr. Kyabaggu passed away on 20 September 2025 in India. The values he and Mrs. Kyabaggu started with, faith, discipline, hard work and service, still guide the school today.

Milestones

Key moments from the first day to today.

  1. 2008
    The school opensFounded by Dr. Paul Mawanda Kyabaggu and Mrs. Margaret Kyabaggu, the school welcomes its first 67 students at Kavule-Katende.
  2. 2010
    First UCE classThe first Senior 4 class sits the Uganda Certificate of Education exams with UNEB.
  3. 2012
    A Level beginsThe school starts Senior 5 and 6, offering subject combinations in the sciences and the arts.
  4. 2018
    Computer laboratory opensA computer laboratory and digital classroom block open, bringing ICT into lessons for every class.
  5. 2025
    The founder passes onDr. Kyabaggu passes away on 20 September 2025. The school continues under the values he set.
  6. Today
    More than 1,200 studentsA new school management system, parent portal and e-learning platform are being set up to serve families better.

The school in numbers

2008Year the school opened
67Students in the first intake
1,200+Students today
S.1 to S.6O Level and A Level

Admissions for 2027 are open

Senior 1 (P.7 leavers), Senior 5 (S.4 leavers) and transfer students.

Start an applicationRead the Founder's Legacy
© 2026 St. Joseph of Nazareth High School, Kavule-Katende, Mpigi