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Gulu secondary school celebrates 50 years       

8 October 2026, 11:27 am

Classroom blocks at Gulu secondary school located in Gulu city.

Gulu Secondary School has celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking half a century of academic impact, resilience, and transformation since its inception in 1966 through to 2026.

From its humble beginnings as a private institution with just a single student, the school has grown into an educational giant, currently accommodating a student population of over 3,000.

Mr. Denyekos, who served as the pioneer Headmaster from 1966 to 1977, recalled the institution’s remarkable journey. He noted that the school’s greatest milestone has been its consistent ability to produce responsible and distinguished citizens serving across various sectors. Mr. Denyekos also highlighted a historic turning point when the school was adopted by the government during former President Idi Amin’s regime, laying a firmer foundation for its expansion.

Mr. Denyekos the first Headmaster of the school on formation of the school.
Mr. Denyekos the first headmaster of GSS from 1966 to 1977 speaking during the Golden jubilee of the school on 6 October 2026. .

The longest-serving headmaster, Mr. Nyeko Paulinus who held the helm from 1982 to 2001, shared his personal story of joining Gulu SS after fleeing a hostile working environment at Kitgum High School. Upon his arrival, he focused his efforts on academic transformation, turning the school into a regional powerhouse for educational excellence.

Mr. Nyeko Paulinus Lamen on the transformation made in the school during his tenure .
Mr. Nyeko Paulinus Lamen the longest serving Headteacher of Gulu SS from 1982 to 2001 speaking during the Golden jubilee celebration on 6 October 2026.

Madam Hilder Lamunu, who served at the school for 27 years, recounted the trials faced during periods of rapid growth. She recalled how sudden upsurges in student enrollment frequently created severe overcrowding, which in turn sparked challenges with student indiscipline that required firm and dedicated leadership to manage.

Madam Hilder Lamunu the longest serving teacher at the school for 27 years.

The physical transformation of the campus took major strides under Ms. Florence Oyella (popularly known as “ABETA”), who served as Head teacher from 2001 to 2014. During her tenure, key infrastructural developments were realized, with significant support from donor partners, particularly Invisible Children Uganda.

At the jubilee celebrations, the current Head teacher, Ms. Mwaka Irene, paid tribute to the pioneers and former leadership whose sacrifices built the foundation of the institution. She commended the previous administrators for their dedicated stewardship in guiding Gulu Secondary School to its present height as a cornerstone of education in Northern Uganda.