St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK)

St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) is a historical institution with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and well-rounded student development. Established in 1906 by Reverend Raux Modeste of the White Fathers Congregation, the school has been educating generations of students for over a century.

The school is located in Kisubi, a serene and picturesque suburb along the Kampala–Entebbe Road, approximately 24 kilometres south of Kampala. The campus is easily accessible by road, and it’s only a short distance from Entebbe International Airport.

SMACK has a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century when Catholic chiefs in the Buganda Kingdom requested higher education for Catholic youths. Today, the Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala owns the institution, which is named after its patroness, Saint Mary.

Over the years, SMACK has continued to evolve and grow, with the introduction of new buildings, sports, and academic programs. The school is renowned for its nurturing environment that encourages independent thinking and development.

The school’s uniform has undergone numerous changes over the years, from a pair of shorts and a white shirt in the early 1900s to the current white shirt with a plain navy blue tie for ordinary level students, a striped tie for advanced level students, and grey trousers. Blazers have become mandatory for all higher school certificate students.

The SMACK memorial library, commissioned by Lord Snowdon in 1964, is a testament to the school’s commitment to remembering its fallen students. Twelve trees planted in memory of the students who died in a motor accident still stand tall today, next to the Senior Six block.

The school has an impressive sports program, offering basketball, football, swimming, hockey, and other sports. The newest addition to the school is the three-storied HSC block, valued at Ugandan Shs.2.9 billion, which sits atop Kisubi hill as the tallest building on campus.

All in all, St. Mary’s College Kisubi is a unique institution with a rich history, a commitment to academic excellence, and a nurturing environment for all its students. It’s no wonder that it’s considered the most prestigious school in Uganda.