Honoring Father Grimes: Mentor, Friend, Educator

Reflecting on the positive impact you, Father Grimes, had on my life and countless others, your passing, though expected, feels like a deep loss. In a country still grappling with life skills education, I am grateful for your guidance at Namasagali College. You believed in me before I believed in myself, shaping my confidence, leadership, and life journey.

I vividly remember my first days at Namasagali—the daunting system of over 100 penal codes, governed by a student-led structure that included roles such as ministers, judges, chief justice, chancellors, constables, reeves, and a timekeeper. This framework set a beautiful rhythm for the school and shaped our experiences, helping many of us toughen up in this environment. Under your guidance, I was appointed to serve as a constable, reeve, cabinet representative for S.4 and S.5, and finally Lady High Reeve (Head girl). These roles, along with those of my fellow students, were pivotal in our development beyond the blue and white ribbon of academic achievements already attained.

You created a vibrant environment despite the simple, whitewashed old railway station-like buildings. From daily assemblies, sports, dance, and drama, to weekly conferences and etiquette lessons, you molded us into well-rounded individuals.

Some of my fondest memories are tied to the dance and drama productions at the National Theatre and the aquatic life you championed within. The Dolphins Swimming Club wasn’t just about fitness; it was about life-saving skills. Swimming 374 lengths non-stop in the school pool was a rite of passage, while navigating 4 kilometers of the River Nile—against the current—was the true test. The Swimming galas featured events like diving competitions, floating demonstrations, and relay races where we held stools above water while wearing jeans. This taught us resilience and teamwork. The boating regatta on the Nile was a thrilling culmination, reflecting the importance of pushing beyond limits.

Alongside these physical challenges, you provided artistic outlets through drama, acting, poetry recitals, singing, miming, and dance competitions. Social events like beauty contests, fancy dress balls, and weekend discos balanced creativity with fun, making Namasagali a "land of make-believe" where we flourished and explored every facet of who we were as individuals and then as teams.

Your mentorship extended beyond academics to encouraging us to run—something not often promoted for girls in other schools—teaching us time management and fitness. You created an environment where equality was the norm, and we had a fair chance to engage in any sphere of life. For instance, with your encouragement, along with many ladies, we gained the confidence to compete in the annual Father Grimes National Schools Chess Championships that were started during my father, Matthew Kibuuka's season with the wider Uganda Chess Federation. Looking at your advocacy for us to thrive, it's no wonder Uganda’s workforce has been enriched particularly in the judiciary and entertainment sectors despite presence in other sectors like banking and fintech. Your influence extended to Makerere University, Nkumba University, summer holiday class attendees, and parishioners. Even in the UK, where you moved later, the care from the Mill Hill Missionaries and UK alumni was a testament to your lasting impact.

To think that two great men, you and my grandfather, Thomas Kawere, nurtured a friendship during the boxing era at Namilyango is a profound thought. What began as a connection over the sport led to a legacy of mentorship in Namasagali that spanned generations. I am forever grateful for the guidance you both shared, and I cherish the memories of our family gatherings after you left Namasagali. We will miss you dearly Father Grimes.

As we bid farewell, your own words come to mind:

"I tried to do what I did to please God. If you found it helpful, thank God, not me. It was a pleasure for me to have done this work."

And yet still, as we thank God,

On behalf of the Kawere family—Maria, Laetitia, John, Olivia, Harriet, Richard, Anne, Dorothy, Joseph, Anna—and the Kibuuka family—Matthew, Leonard, Solome, Jane, Beth, John, Lawrence, Juliana, and all my cousins—we thank you and say goodbye.

Rest in peace, Father. You will always live in us