On 7th March 2025, a gathering in Kololo honoured the late Eria Kategaya, a former Deputy Prime Minister who passed away in 2013.
The event brought together friends, family, and notable figures who remembered Kategaya’s life and his close relationship with President Yoweri Museveni. During the gathering, Museveni reflected on his early childhood and shared personal stories about their shared school experiences.
One of the most interesting revelations was about Museveni’s early education in a girls’ school. He explained that in 1952, his parents, unfamiliar with the schooling system, enrolled him in 1B, a pre-primary class.
At the time, the education system was not as structured as it is today. As a result, four boys, including Museveni, were placed in a girls’ school in Kyenkobe. Museveni said that at the time, if a child was considered too young for regular school, they were sent to the girls’ school.
The school was small, with just three classrooms: 1B, 1A, and P2. The head prefect, a woman named Mrs. Butajira, was in charge. Museveni humorously noted that while she wasn’t “very democratic,” she was effective in her role. He also recalled how the boys spent their days learning alongside the girls.
Across the road was a boys’ school, but at the time, it only catered to older students. Those at Kyamate had to go to Kinoni or Kitunga for higher classes like P5 and P6.
Museveni also shared some geographical details about their local context. Kyamate, where he and Kategaya grew up, was located in Ntungamo sub-county, while Kategaya’s family came from Itojo, part of Ndeija sub-county. The two areas were eight miles apart.
At that time, Kategaya, known as Tukahirwa then, lived with the lay reader Muchebezi, who was from Itojo. Museveni would often visit Muchebezi’s house for lunch, as his mother had made arrangements for him to eat there. This was a common practice in those days, unlike today’s more formal school feeding programs.
In 1953, Museveni moved to 1A, where students started using slates to write instead of the sand. He recalled that when he was in P1, Kategaya was not at the school, but he rejoined around 1957 or 1958.
By then, Kategaya had returned to the area with his uncle, Rwabiheje, who was one of the few qualified primary school teachers in the region. This marked the start of their time together in school, which continued as they progressed through their education.
Looking back, Museveni emphasised the importance of education in their community. He pointed out that before their time, very few people in their area had access to education.
Kategaya, along with a few others, was part of the second wave of educated individuals in the region. Museveni and Kategaya were pioneers in their educational journey, paving the way for others in the community.
