Jubilee Cabinet Signs Off in Style at Murchison Falls
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
One way to keep momentum is to keep setting bigger goals. That was the spirit that drove the 2025–2026 Prefectorial Council, better known as the Jubilee Cabinet.
I am Lawino Mercy, and I had the privilege of serving as the General Secretary of this cabinet. Ours was the first cabinet, since the inception of the school, to adopt the name Jubilee as the banner under which we pursued our aims and objectives. At the heart of our service was a commitment to responsibility, bridging gaps, and helping make the school environment as conducive and convenient for learning as possible.
As our term drew to a close, we crowned it with a memorable trip to Murchison Falls National Park in Northern Uganda. It was the perfect blend of education, adventure, and fun—yes, fun, because no trip is complete without at least one moment when dignity is sacrificed for survival.
The excursion gave us the chance to learn about a variety of animals and birds, including antelopes, waterbucks, buffaloes, and ground hornbills. For many of us, however, the real wildlife competition was not among the animals, but among the prefects trying to outdo one another in photo poses. Every rock, tree, and viewpoint suddenly became a professional photo studio. People were smiling, angling, adjusting collars, and posing, hellbent on making the moment as memorable as possible.
One of the most memorable moments came when the Dean of Students, Br. Kanali James, SJ, together with the prefects, began calling out to buffaloes while singing See You Tonight by Cindy and Omega 256. Whether the buffaloes appreciated the performance remains unknown, but the enthusiasm of the singers suggested they were ready for a live concert in the wild.
Then came the moment that turned a peaceful photo session into a scene from an action movie. Out of nowhere, a huge elephant decided that our gathering was either too noisy or too confident and began moving in our direction. What followed can only be described as a stampede of highly disciplined leaders forgetting, for a brief moment, every lesson in composure. The photo session ended instantly. Some prefects squeezed themselves through a tiny doorway with the flexibility of trained gymnasts, while others disappeared into a nearby toilet for refuge. In that moment, leadership, courage, and prefectural titles all took a back seat to the very simple goal of staying alive.
Once calm was restored, the laughter began. Looking back, it was impossible not to laugh at how quickly a group of proud student leaders had transformed into professional sprinters and emergency acrobats. Yet, despite the chaos, the incident only added to the joy of the trip and gave us a story that will be told for years to come.
Earlier in the day, our guide had told us that the waters of Murchison had the power to wash away evil spirits. That information was received with surprising seriousness. Some prefects immediately scooped up the water and washed their faces and heads, hoping to return to school not only refreshed but also spiritually upgraded. Whether any evil spirits were actually washed away is a matter best left to personal testimony, but one thing is certain: the scene provided plenty of laughter for everyone watching.
Before long, evening approached. So absorbed were we in the excitement of the day that hardly anyone noticed the sun setting. It was only when our driver began waving at us—firmly and repeatedly—that we realized the day was over and it was time to board the bus and head back to school.
At the end of it all, one verdict united us all: the trip was an unforgettable experience. It was educational, exciting, hilarious, and at times slightly dangerous in the most unforgettable way. Above all, it reminded us that leadership is not only about service and responsibility; sometimes it is also about learning, laughing, and discovering hidden skills, especially in death-life moments.
Indeed, if there is one experience one should not wish to miss, it is a trip like this one.
By Lawino Mercy
