Jinja College Old Boys Raise 100 Million in Drive towards Ugx 2bn Dormitory Project

Former students of Jinja College have so far raised 100 million shillings in a fundraising drive aimed at supporting the construction of a new dormitory block worth 2 billion shillings. 

During their annual general meeting held over the weekend at the school in Jinja city, the alumni under the umbrella of Jinja College Old Boys Association (JICOBA) emphasized that the new state-of-the-art dormitory will significantly improve accommodation for the growing student population.

The legacy dormitory block, slated to be named after JICOBA, will be a landmark addition to the school’s infrastructure, bringing the facilities in line with modern standards. Founded by Mill Hill missionary fathers nearly 79 years ago, Jinja College has continually upgraded its classrooms but has lagged in dormitory improvements. Currently, the school has over 1,365 students but faces limited accommodation space for new learners.

JICOBA President Yunus Masaba confirmed that the school’s board of governors has allocated and cleared land to commence construction of the ultra-modern dormitory. The structural designs have been finalized and approved to align with the school’s development plans. 

Last month, lightning struck part of the school’s ICT laboratory, destroying computers valued at 25 million shillings, despite the presence of lightning arrestors. Masaba revealed that more arrestors are needed for the school’s higher terrains, and alumni have pledged to finance this safety upgrade.

Jinja College, known for excelling in table tennis, woodball, chess, and scrabble, has also benefited from JICOBA’s donations of sporting equipment aimed at boosting co-curricular activities. Last year, JICOBA donated whiteboards, and this year they plan to repaint the main hall during the second term holidays to maintain the school’s facilities.

School Headteacher Michael Dhikusoka praised JICOBA’s ongoing support, noting that the school continues to achieve outstanding academic results. He highlighted the administration’s active involvement in planning the dormitory construction and acknowledged positive responses from other well-wishers supporting the project. Dhikusoka also revealed that the school is preparing for its 80th anniversary next year, with the dormitory construction forming a key part of the celebrations.

At the fundraiser, Kiira Regional Police spokesperson James Mubi noted that their fire and rescue teams are conducting sensitization drives, encouraging schools to expand dormitories with wide corridors. He emphasized that spacious corridors provide safe escape routes during fires and allow students to store belongings safely, reducing accidents caused by cramped spaces.