Kamuli, Uganda: The Namasagali Old Students Association (NOSA) on Saturday consecrated a mausoleum in honor of the late Sir Rev. Fr. Damien Grimes, the founding headteacher of Namasagali College, with a renewed call for alumni to return and revive the school’s lost glory.
The mausoleum, built at Namasagali Chapel in Kamuli District, was unveiled in a colorful ceremony attended by alumni, dignitaries, and the clergy. Over UGX 20 million was raised in cash and pledges towards the construction of a new administration block.
Adorned with sacred Catholic colors, intricate tile finishes, and symbolic designs including a victory sign and River Nile motifs, the shrine was described by NOSA Chairperson Maureen Mwagale as a “living legacy” chosen by Fr. Grimes himself.
“Today we gather not just to unveil a building but to consecrate a legacy—a testament to a life lived in service, love, and unwavering dedication to the people of Uganda,” Mwagale said, urging alumni to safeguard the sanctuary as a place where love, service, and sacrifice converge.
The ceremony marked the first time a missionary priest’s body has been repatriated against Mill Hill Missionary congregation norms, which require that priests be buried where they die. To his students and admirers, the “Bloody Lion,” as Fr. Grimes was fondly called, is only “sleeping.”
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, herself an alumna, hailed the mausoleum as a lasting legacy of Namasagali’s founding hero. “This is how the Old Students have honored their father and mentor. He now rests in peace, harmony, and smiles at his death wish home,” Kadaga said.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Moscow and former Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Moses Kizige, reminded alumni of their obligation to uphold the principles Fr. Grimes instilled through his famous “Sunday Life Safety and Welfare Lectures,” centered on unity, reconciliation, and protection of one another.
Kizige reconciled with Kadaga at the ceremony, pledging to work together in championing Namasagali’s revival.
Fr. Grimes, who served as head of Namasagali College between 1967 and 2000, is remembered for shaping some of Uganda’s most prominent figures. His legacy was further honored earlier this year when Namasagali Catholic Sub-Center was elevated to parish status by Bishop Charles Martin Wamika of Jinja Diocese. Construction of a parish complex is already underway.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
