He also took him through the headmaster’s residence before officially handing over the house keys.
The ceremony marked the end of Kazibwe’s long career in public service as a teacher and education administrator.
Kazibwe has served in Uganda’s education sector for 34 years. At Kings College Budo, he first worked as deputy headmaster in 2007 where he served for four years before leaving to become headmaster at Mengo Senior School. He later returned to Budo as the substantive headmaster, a position he has held for the last four years before retiring.
Speaking during the handover, Kazibwe said the time had come for him to step aside and allow new leadership to take the school forward.
“This is the right time for me to retire from government service after working for 34 years. I thank God who has enabled me to serve during this period,” Kazibwe said.
He acknowledged that his leadership journey had not been without challenges, noting that school leaders often face criticism and pressure from the public.
“In leadership you meet many challenges and sometimes people misunderstand your decisions. But when you lead an institution like Budo you must remain strong and courageous to defend what God has entrusted to you,” he said.
Kazibwe said one of the biggest challenges he encountered during his time at Budo was the increasing demand for places at the prestigious school.
“Kings College Budo is a big school and many parents want their children to study here,” he said.
He revealed that in 2026 alone, more than 6,126 applications were received from parents seeking admission for their children, yet the school could only admit about 200 government-sponsored students.
“This creates a serious challenge because the number of available places is limited,” Kazibwe said. “It shows that there is a need for government to expand existing schools and build more institutions to accommodate the growing demand.”
Despite the challenges, Kazibwe said he is proud of the achievements made during his four-year tenure at the school.
He noted that several infrastructure projects were completed during his leadership, with at least one new building opened every year.
“We have been able to put up new buildings, improve facilities and also install water systems. Today the school uses improved toilet facilities,” he said.
However, he emphasized that the most important achievement was shaping the character and mindset of students.
“The most important thing is what you put in the children. The students who have been here during my time know that if someone can construct a building in one year, then they too can achieve great things in life,” Kazibwe said.
He urged his successor to remain firm and courageous when making decisions for the good of the institution.
“Large schools like Budo always attract criticism from outside, yet those outside may not fully understand what happens within,” Kazibwe said.
“You must remain firm in your decisions. If you want to achieve big things, you must pursue big dreams because not everyone sees those dreams.”
He also advised Kasamba to lead with integrity and remain faithful in the responsibilities entrusted to him.
The Chairperson of the school’s Board of Governors, Jim Rogers Katende, praised Kazibwe for strengthening the foundation he found at the school and restoring several aspects of the institution.
Katende noted that Kings College Budo, which is preparing to celebrate 120 years of existence on the 30th of this month, has many aging facilities that required renovation and modernization.
“During his four years at Budo, Kazibwe added significant value to the foundation he found and helped restore areas that had deteriorated, including academic performance and infrastructure,” Katende said.
He added that Kazibwe retired at the right time and leaves office with dignity.
“He is one of the few public servants who retire while still admired and respected,” Katende said.
Katende also expressed confidence in the new headmaster, noting that Kasamba was selected partly because of his long experience at the school.
“I have great confidence that the new headmaster will continue the work that Kazibwe started and move it forward if he receives the necessary support,” he said.
According to Katende, Kasamba’s deep understanding of the school’s systems and culture made him stand out among other candidates who applied for the position.
Kasamba becomes the 15th headmaster of Kings College Budo. He is married to Asumpta Kasamba and has served the school for many years under different administrations.
He first worked under former headmaster Samuel Busulwa for seven years before serving under Dr George Ssemivule for another seven years. He later worked under the late Patrick Baka Male before eventually becoming deputy headmaster under Canon Kazibwe for the past four years.
“Each of the headmasters I have worked under has contributed something to the person I am today,” Kasamba said.
He said his leadership would focus on building on the achievements of previous administrations.
“I have been part of the leadership that has been implementing these developments and I will continue building on what has already been done,” he said.
Kasamba noted that during Kazibwe’s tenure, a number of projects were initiated, including the construction of a new school chapel for students.
He pledged to ensure that the project is completed without delay.
“I will ensure that the projects started continue without interruption,” he said.
Kasamba also thanked the people and institutions that supported his appointment as headmaster.
“I thank God for enabling me to witness this peaceful transition of leadership,” he said.
He also thanked the Church of Uganda, Namirembe Diocese, the Ministry of Education, Buganda Kingdom officials and other stakeholders who supported the process.
Kasamba further expressed gratitude to Canon Kazibwe for mentoring him and preparing him for leadership.
“I thank my mentor Canon Fred Kazibwe for preparing me for this responsibility,” he said.
Kasamba assured parents, students and the school community that he is ready to lead the institution forward.
“I have been well prepared for this responsibility and I will continue to serve Budo with dedication,” he said.
Kasamba’s connection to Kings College Budo dates back to his university days when he first joined the school for teaching practice.
The headmaster at the time retained him as a teacher in 1993, and since then he has served the school in various roles including classroom teacher, games master, examinations officer and representative of teachers on the PTA board.
His experience also extends beyond Uganda.
During the leadership of Dr George Ssemivule, Kasamba spent a year in Norway teaching in three different schools as part of an academic exchange programme. He was also once sent to Dar es Salaam to support schools under the Anglican Church.
Before returning to Budo as deputy headmaster, he served briefly as deputy headmaster at Bukomero Secondary School in Kiboga District and later at Luweero Secondary School.
Church leaders from Namirembe Diocese also praised Kazibwe for his contribution to the school.
Ven. Canon David Mpagi, the Director of Education in Namirembe Diocese, thanked the Ministry of Education, Buganda Kingdom and other stakeholders for supporting Kazibwe’s leadership.
He said Kazibwe’s achievements in a short time demonstrate that effective leadership is not necessarily defined by the length of time someone spends in office.
“He has shown us that what matters is not how long someone stays in office but what they accomplish during that time,” Mpagi said.
Mpagi added that Kazibwe has set a strong example for school leaders across the country.
“He has greatly restored the dignity and reputation of our school,” he said.
He also thanked Namirembe Bishop Rev Moses Banja for guiding the leadership transition and prayed for Kasamba to receive wisdom as he begins his new role.
As Kings College Budo prepares to celebrate 120 years of existence, school leaders say the transition marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of one of Uganda’s most prestigious educational institutions.
