St. Joseph’s Vocational School Mbarara (JOVOC) hosted schools from across the Archdiocese of Mbarara for the 2nd Regional Debate, Public Speaking and Poetry Competition, held under the theme “Leadership and Environmental Conservation.”

The competition brought together talented young debaters, public speakers and poets for a day of intellectual engagement, creativity and competition, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to think critically, articulate ideas and engage confidently with contemporary issues.

As the host institution, JOVOC did more than provide the stage. The home team stepped onto it and made its presence felt.

JOVOC Speakers Reach the Finals

JOVOC delivered a strong performance in the Public Speaking category, with both of the school’s representatives progressing to the finals.

Ainebyoona Moses distinguished himself with an exceptional performance and was recognised as Best Speaker, while Ainamaani Oscar secured Second Runner-Up in Public Speaking.

Their performances demonstrated confidence, clarity of thought and the ability to communicate ideas effectively before an audience and adjudication panel.

Debate Team Battles to the Final

The JOVOC Debate Team also produced an impressive showing throughout the competition.

Debate Team A carried the JOVOC flag into the final, eventually finishing Second Runners-Up and earning silver medals following a highly competitive series of debates.

The school’s representative in Poetry also mounted a spirited challenge, progressing through the competition before narrowly bowing out at the semifinal stage.

A Day of Leadership and Intellectual Competition

At the conclusion of the competition, the overall trophy went to St. Charles Lwanga, while JOVOC concluded the event with medals, individual honours and certificates across the different categories.

Beyond the awards, however, the competition provided something equally significant: an opportunity for students to strengthen the skills of critical thinking, research, public communication, creativity, teamwork and leadership.

Under the theme “Leadership and Environmental Conservation,” participants were challenged not merely to speak persuasively, but also to engage thoughtfully with questions concerning leadership and responsibility towards the environment.

The event reflected JOVOC’s continued commitment to providing students with opportunities that extend beyond conventional classroom learning and prepare them to express themselves confidently, defend ideas responsibly and participate meaningfully in society.

From debate to poetry, and from public speaking to leadership, the competition offered a powerful reminder that the ability to think, speak and lead is a skill worth cultivating.

At JOVOC, that generation is being built.

We hosted. We competed. We made our mark.

Ora et Labora – Pray and Work.

On 7th July 2026, St. Joseph’s Vocational School Mbarara (JOVOC) sent a delegation of 33 students to Gulu City to represent the school at the USSSA National Ball Games II and Mind Games Championships, joining schools from across Uganda in one of the country’s major secondary-school sporting competitions.

The JOVOC contingent comprised 13 Under-17 basketball players, 10 chess players and 10 Scrabble players, all carrying the school’s colours onto the national stage after qualifying through the preceding levels of competition.

Mind Games Put JOVOC to the Test

Competition began with the individual events in Chess and Scrabble, where JOVOC students faced opponents from schools across the country.

Over 12 demanding rounds, the players were tested on concentration, strategy, decision-making and mental endurance. Following the individual contests, attention shifted to the team events, with each participating school fielding a five-player team in pursuit of national honours.

The competition was intense, but the JOVOC teams remained determined throughout the championship.

At the conclusion of the Mind Games, the Scrabble team finished 7th nationally, competing against formidable opposition that included Jabuloni Issoke Memorial College.

The Chess team finished 9th nationally, gaining invaluable competitive experience against some of Uganda’s finest young chess players.

JOVOC Basketball Finishes Third Nationally

On the basketball court, the JOVOC Under-17 team carried its competitive spirit into the national championship following an impressive journey through the earlier stages of competition.

The boys began strongly, registering victories in their opening two matches and demonstrating the quality that had earned them a place among Uganda’s leading school basketball teams.

As the competition intensified, JOVOC encountered formidable opposition, including Mbogo High School and Seroma Christian High School, providing the players with a stern test at national level.

Through determination, discipline and teamwork, the JOVOC Under-17 basketball team ultimately secured an impressive third-place finish nationally.

The achievement added another chapter to the school’s growing basketball story and demonstrated JOVOC’s ability to compete among strong basketball programmes from across the country.

More Than the Final Position

For JOVOC, participation in Gulu was about more than rankings and trophies.

Competing at national level exposed the students to different opponents, playing styles and competitive environments while providing valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship.

Finishing 3rd nationally in Under-17 Basketball, 7th in Scrabble and 9th in Chess represented a commendable showing for the school across both physical and intellectual competition.

The championships also reflected JOVOC’s commitment to holistic education—providing students with opportunities to develop their talents beyond the classroom while maintaining the discipline and values upon which the school is founded.

St. Joseph’s Vocational School congratulates all the students, coaches and staff who represented the institution in Gulu. Their commitment and determination ensured that JOVOC was proudly represented on the national stage.

Congratulations, Team JOVOC!

Ora et Labora – Pray and Work.

It was a memorable and joyous Sunday at St. Joseph’s Vocational School Mbarara (JOVOC) as the school community came together to celebrate and officially bid farewell to some of its finest academic stars, following their outstanding performance in the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations.

The colourful thanksgiving Mass brought together students, parents, teachers, Old Boys and distinguished guests to recognise the remarkable achievements of the former students as they prepared to embark on the next chapter of their academic journeys at university.

Leading the celebrated achievers were three exceptional students who attained 20 points at UACE, an accomplishment that placed them among JOVOC’s finest performers in the Class of 2025.

Three Students Attain 20 Points

Murungi Timothy, who offered Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics (BCM), attained an impressive 20 points. Timothy secured admission to Makerere University on government sponsorship, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.

Also celebrated was Ahikire Rogers, who equally attained 20 points and will continue his academic journey at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Nakawa, where he will pursue a degree in Business Administration.

Joining them was Barnabas, who offered History, Literature and Divinity (HLD) and also attained an outstanding 20 points. He has been admitted to Kyambogo University, where he will pursue a degree in Psychology and Counselling.

Another remarkable performer honoured during the ceremony was Ahisibwe Arnold, who attained an impressive 18 points in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM). Arnold has been admitted to Kyambogo University, where he will pursue Civil and Manufacturing Engineering.

JOVOC Rewards Academic Excellence

In recognition of their exceptional performance, the school presented the four achievers with cash awards as an expression of appreciation for their hard work, discipline and commitment to academic excellence.

Murungi Timothy and Ahikire Rogers each received UGX 2 million, while Barnabas and Ahisibwe Arnold each received UGX 1 million.

The awards reflected JOVOC’s commitment to recognising excellence while providing inspiration to continuing students that exceptional effort, discipline and consistency do not go unnoticed.

Fr. Julius Caesar Kamukama Challenges Students

The Holy Mass was graced by Rev. Fr. Julius Caesar Kamukama, a JOVOC Old Boy, member of the school’s Board of Governors and the Board official responsible for Academics, who served as the Chief Guest.

In his remarks, Fr. Kamukama congratulated the students upon their outstanding achievements and challenged them to maintain the values of discipline, integrity and excellence as they transition from secondary school to university life.

He also encouraged continuing students to draw inspiration from the dedication and determination demonstrated by the celebrated members of the Class of 2025.

Parents of the award recipients were also present to share in the joy and pride of seeing their sons recognised for their remarkable accomplishments. Their presence added special significance to the occasion and underscored the important partnership between parents, teachers and the school in nurturing academic success.

Leaving Behind a Legacy of Excellence

Beyond being a farewell to the former students, the celebration became a powerful source of inspiration for the entire student body.

Their achievements demonstrated that hard work, determination, discipline and faith can produce exceptional results, while setting a standard for the generations of Jovocists following in their footsteps.

As these academic giants leave JOVOC for various universities, the entire school community wishes them every success in their studies, careers and future endeavours. Their achievements have earned them a proud place in the school's academic story and will continue to inspire other students to pursue excellence.

Congratulations to the JOVOC Class of 2025.

Once a Jovocist, always a Jovocist. May God guide you and grant you abundant success throughout your university journey and beyond.

Ora et Labora – Pray and Work.

Saturday, 20th June 2026 will remain a memorable day in the history of St. Joseph's Vocational School as the school hosted its highly anticipated English Variety Show 2026, a vibrant celebration of language, culture, creativity, and student talent. The day-long event brought together students, staff, parents, alumni, and friends of the school in an atmosphere filled with excitement, entertainment, and healthy competition.

The event officially commenced at 9:00 a.m. with welcoming remarks from the Information Minister, who appreciated the guests for honouring the occasion and emphasized the importance of co-curricular activities in nurturing learners' confidence, leadership, communication skills, and creativity.

The Headteacher, Rev. Fr. Christopher Katono Bafaki, then led the opening prayer, entrusting the day's activities to God and encouraging participants to compete with discipline, respect, and excellence.

Eight houses—Eagles, Elephants, Tigers, Cranes, Lions, Leopards, Zebras, and Annex—competed passionately for the prestigious championship trophy and the coveted grand prize of a cow. Throughout the day, learners captivated the audience with exceptional performances in a wide range of categories, including Set Piece, Miming, Folk Songs, Traditional Dances, Plays, and the ever-popular Fashion Show.

One of the day's highlights was the Fashion Show, where participants demonstrated remarkable creativity through three distinctive categories: Office Wear, Creative Wear, and Cultural Wear. The students displayed confidence, originality, and elegance as they showcased their designs before an appreciative audience and a distinguished panel of judges.

The Set Piece performances reflected impressive mastery of the English language, while the plays and miming presentations entertained spectators with compelling storytelling, humour, and outstanding stage presence. Traditional dances and folk songs celebrated Uganda's rich cultural diversity, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience throughout the performances.

Following a full day of spirited competition, the event concluded at approximately 8:30 p.m. During the closing ceremony, Rev. Fr. Christopher Katono Bafaki commended all participants, teachers, coaches, and organizers for their commitment and teamwork, noting that every house had demonstrated remarkable talent and determination.

After careful deliberation, the judges announced the overall results:

• Champions: Eagles House

• First Runners-up: Elephants House

• Second Runners-up: Tigers House

• Fourth Place: Cranes House

• Fifth Place: Lions House

• Sixth Place: Leopards House

• Seventh Place: Zebras House

• Eighth Place: Annex House

Individual excellence was equally recognized, with awards presented to outstanding performers across various categories, including Best Actor, Best Dancer, Best Mimer, Best Office Wear, Best Creative Wear, and Best Cultural Wear.

In recognition of their exceptional performance, Eagles House received the grand prize of one cow, generously awarded by the Headteacher, Rev. Fr. Christopher Katono Bafaki. Elephants House received UGX 500,000, while Tigers House were awarded UGX 250,000 to facilitate their respective victory tea parties and celebrate their achievements.

The English Variety Show once again demonstrated St. Joseph's Vocational School's unwavering commitment to providing a holistic education that extends beyond the classroom. The event offered learners a valuable platform to develop public speaking abilities, creativity, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and appreciation for cultural heritage.

As the curtains fell on another successful edition of the English Variety Show, participants and spectators departed with cherished memories, inspired by the remarkable display of talent and eagerly anticipating an even bigger and more exciting celebration in the years ahead.

June 25, 2026 marked another milestone for St. Joseph's Vocational School as the school's Science and Robotics Club participated in the Science and Robotics Exhibition hosted by Rutooma Secondary School. The event brought together young innovators from various schools to showcase groundbreaking projects aimed at addressing real-world challenges through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

A total of 85 innovative projects were exhibited during the competition, with only 20 projects selected to advance to the regional level.

St. Joseph's Vocational School presented nine outstanding projects, demonstrating the creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities of its learners. In an exceptional performance, six of the school's projects qualified for the regional competition, making the school one of the top-performing institutions at the exhibition.

The projects that qualified for the regional level are:

• ICU Smart Monitoring Bed

• Smart House

• NOVA AI Teaching Assistant

• Fire Fighting Robot

• Water Level Indicator

• HydroBot Smart Vending Machine

The school's most remarkable achievement came through the HydroBot Smart Vending Machine, an innovative project designed by Bakwesiga Brent and Arinaitwe Ivan. The project was ranked first overall among all exhibits, earning the highest recognition at the exhibition.

The judges praised the project for its innovation, practical application, technical excellence, and its potential to address real-life challenges using modern technology. The achievement reflects the students' commitment to innovation and demonstrates the effectiveness of the school's emphasis on STEM education and project-based learning.

The outstanding performance at the exhibition is a testament to the dedication of the students, the guidance of their teachers, and the school's continued investment in nurturing innovation, research, and technological advancement.

St. Joseph's Vocational School congratulates all the participants and wishes the six qualifying teams every success as they prepare to represent the school at the regional Science and Robotics Competition. The school remains committed to empowering learners to become creative thinkers, innovators, and future leaders capable of providing solutions to society's challenges.

On Friday, 1st May 2026, students officially broke off for their Term One holidays, marking the end of a productive and engaging academic term.

Throughout the term, learners actively participated in both academic and co-curricular activities, demonstrating commitment, discipline, and growth in various areas of school life. The break offers them a well-deserved opportunity to rest, reflect, and spend quality time with their families.

Students are expected to return to school on Monday, 25th May 2026, ready to resume studies for the next phase of the academic calendar.

The school administration wishes all students a safe, restful, and refreshing holiday.

On Sunday, 19th April 2026, the school community had the great honor of welcoming back the Nsikye Saints, Class of 2005–2010, for a memorable and spiritually uplifting visit.

The alumni joined students and staff for Holy Mass held at the school, creating a moment of reflection, unity, and gratitude. During the service, members of the Nsikye Saints shared their personal journeys, recounting how their time at the school shaped their character, discipline, and faith. Their message strongly encouraged current students to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to their studies, emphasizing that the choices they make today will determine their future.

Their interaction with students went beyond storytelling it was a powerful motivational session that inspired many to aim higher and embrace the values that define a true Nsikye Saint.

The highlight of the day came in a moment of excitement and gratitude, as the alumni unveiled a magnificent Golden Tabernacle for the school’s new chapel. This generous, multi-million contribution marks a significant milestone in the development of the chapel and will serve as a central symbol of faith for generations of students to come.

More than just a physical gift, the tabernacle stands as a sacred tribute of faith and gratitude, reflecting the enduring bond between the alumni and their former school.

The school administration, staff, and students expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Nsikye Saints for their generosity, inspiring words, and continued support.

As a community, we are deeply grateful for their visit and contribution. May God bless them abundantly for their kindness and commitment.

Once a Nsikye Saint, always a Nsikye Saint.

St. Joseph’s Vocational School, Mbarara (JOVOC) has once again made history after its basketball team, Wakanda, emerged champions of the Ankole Regional Qualifiers, defeating Ntare School in a thrilling final.

The journey to victory began on 7th April 2026, when the Wakanda team, led by Captain Amanya Arnold, delivered an outstanding performance in the group stages. The team won all four matches, demonstrating skill, discipline, and strong teamwork to secure a place in the semi-finals.

In the semi-final clash against Mbarara High School, JOVOC Wakanda dominated the game with an emphatic 54–12 victory, sending a strong message to their competitors.

The highly anticipated final took place on 12th April 2026 at Ibanda Secondary School, where Wakanda faced a formidable opponent in Ntare School. The match lived up to expectations, with both teams displaying high levels of competitiveness and resilience.

In a dramatic finish, JOVOC Wakanda edged past Ntare with a narrow 67–65 victory, sealing their place as two-time Ankole Regional Basketball Champions and reaffirming their dominance in the region.

A Team Effort

The victory is attributed to the dedication and unity of the players, as well as the guidance of Coach Alex, whose commitment and passion have been instrumental in shaping the team’s success.

The team also extended appreciation to the school administration for their continued support, which has played a key role in enabling the team to compete at the highest level.

Looking Ahead

This remarkable achievement not only highlights the growing strength of basketball at JOVOC but also positions the school as a strong contender in upcoming competitions.

With talent, determination, and a winning spirit, JOVOC Wakanda continues to inspire the school community and uphold a legacy of excellence in sports.

On Easter Monday, 6th April 2026, St. Joseph’s Vocational School came alive with intellectual excitement as students participated in the much-anticipated Inter-House Debate Competitions.

Eight houses Eagles, Annex, Leopards, Elephants, Tigers, Lions, Cranes, and Zebras competed fiercely for the prestigious overall trophy, showcasing talent, confidence, and critical thinking skills.

The event officially commenced at 8:00 AM with opening remarks from the Debate Club patron, Mr. Tusiime Alex, who welcomed participants and briefed them on the structure and expectations of the competition.

The competitions were conducted across three engaging categories:

• Debate
• Public Speaking
• Poetry

Each house presented a team of participants in all categories. Notably, Eagles and Lions fielded two debate teams each—Eagles A & B and Lions A & B—adding an extra layer of competition.

Road to the Finals

The contests progressed smoothly throughout the day, culminating in intense semi-final matchups:

• Eagles A vs Eagles B
• Lions A vs Lions B

After compelling performances, Eagles A and Lions B advanced to the final round.

In a thrilling final, Lions B emerged victorious, defeating Eagles A to claim the debate title.

The awarding ceremony recognized the top three performers in each category. Thanks to outstanding performances, including a winning poet and a finalist in public speaking, Lions House secured the overall championship trophy.

As a reward for their exceptional achievement, the winning team was treated to a tea party hosted by the Headmaster. 

A Celebration of Talent and Excellence

The Inter-House Debate Competitions highlighted the students’ abilities in critical thinking, creativity, and communication, reinforcing the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

St. Joseph’s Vocational School, Mbarara today held a deeply spiritual and reflective Way of the Cross, bringing together students, staff, and members of the surrounding community in a powerful demonstration of faith.

The procession began from Kyera Market Area, where participants gathered in prayer and reflection. Carrying the cross, the faithful journeyed through Nsikye Trading Center, meditating on the Passion of Christ at each station.

The walk concluded at the school premises, where the final prayers were conducted, marking the end of a moving and spiritually enriching experience.

Throughout the procession, participants expressed devotion, unity, and reverence, with many reflecting on the significance of sacrifice, perseverance, and hope in their daily lives.

This annual spiritual activity continues to strengthen the faith of the school community while fostering discipline, humility, and togetherness among students.

Jovoc successfully held its Parents’ Annual General Meeting at the Main Hall, bringing together parents, guardians, and members of the school administration.

The meeting provided a valuable platform to review the school’s academic progress, discipline, and ongoing development programs. Key issues affecting learners’ welfare and performance were discussed, with an emphasis on strengthening collaboration between parents and the school.

In his remarks, the school administration expressed gratitude to parents for their continued support and commitment to the institution's growth. Parents were encouraged to remain actively involved in their children’s education and to uphold the core values of integrity, virtue, and goodness.

The meeting also highlighted the school’s dedication to holistic education, combining academic excellence with vocational skills and strong moral formation under the guiding motto, Ora et Labora (Pray and Work).

JOVOC remains committed to nurturing responsible, disciplined, and God-fearing young men prepared to contribute positively to society.