The St Mary’s College Kisubi Old Boys Association (SMACKOBA) will hold its annual memorial Mass on Friday, 13 November 2026, at Christ the King Church in Kampala to remember former students, teachers and other members of the school community who have died.
The Mass will also honour the 12 students who lost their lives in a tragic road accident on 14 November 1964, one of the darkest chapters in the history of St Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK).
The accident happened as students and staff returned from Wankulukuku Stadium in Kampala, where the school had defeated St Henry’s College Kitovu in the Buganda Senior Cup football final. What had started as a day of celebration turned into tragedy when the school lorry collided with a military vehicle along Entebbe Road, about 12 miles from Kampala.
The collision caused the school lorry to overturn, killing 12 students and injuring several others.
Historical accounts, including recollections by the school’s then headmaster, Reverend Brother Paul Bourget, indicate that the accident happened during a period of heightened political tension between the Central Government and the Kingdom of Buganda. The school convoy was reportedly mistaken for a politically motivated gathering.
Following the accident, fellow students, school staff and members of the public rushed to rescue the injured and take them to hospital. Two students died upon arrival at Entebbe Hospital, while the bodies of those who had died were taken to Mulago Mortuary.
A Requiem Mass was held at Kisubi Parish Church on Monday, 16 November 1964, attracting about 2,000 people, including government officials, Church leaders, students, teachers and members of the public.
The 12 students who died were Michael Owot, Francis Bbosa, Egidio Obella, Philip K. Kirumira, Romano K.K. Nsobya, Joseph Yawe, Morris J.K. Kitimbo, Victor Kagaba, Vincent Oryema, Remigio Ssemakula, John Kayira and Ladislaos Kamya.
Their memory has been preserved over the years, including through the establishment of a Memorial Library in 1964 in their honour. The library remains a reminder of the tragedy and the school’s commitment to education.
Although the 1964 accident remains central to the annual commemoration, the Mass also remembers other departed members of the SMACK community, including former students, teachers, Brothers and staff.
For SMACKOBA, the annual gathering provides an opportunity for Old Boys from different generations, families and friends of the school to come together in prayer and celebrate the lives of those who contributed to the institution.
This year’s Mass will feature readings from Isaiah 25:6–9, Colossians 3:12–15 and Matthew 25:31–46. The Catholic Centenary Memorial Choir (CACEMCHO) and the SMACK Choir will lead the congregation in hymns and other liturgical music.
