By Mulengera Reporters
On Friday, December 12th, 2025, Acorns International School officially opened its new Lubowa Campus, a modern learning center built a few meters from the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters along Entebbe Road, in a colorful ceremony graced by senior government officials, diplomats, parents, partners and students.
The event marked yet another milestone for the Acorns Group of Schools, whose rapid expansion has continued to draw admiration across East Africa.
Guest of Honor Hon. John Mulimba, the state minister for Foreign Affairs, arrived to loud applause after driving from Busia where he had been scheduled to address a political rally. He told the gathering that opening the Lubowa Campus was too important for him to miss, further explaining that when the invitation first reached him, he had considered sending a congratulatory message instead, but persistent calls from Acorns CEO Ameena Lalani and partner Mr. Jasan (whom he described as a close brother) eventually convinced him to abandon the rally and drive to Lubowa for the ceremony.
Mulimba said the new campus signified “a major step in Uganda’s education journey,” arguing that Acorns had consistently demonstrated the capacity to deliver global-standard learning environments while remaining mindful of Uganda’s cultural identity.
He encouraged the school to continue blending international curriculum with local content, noting that such an approach prepares learners not only to compete globally but to remain grounded in national values. The minister also recalled Acorns’ early days in Nakasero, then its move to Bukoto, later Kisaasi, and now Lubowa, saying he had followed its growth closely through both its struggles and successes.
Acorns CEO Ameena Lalani described the opening as a landmark moment for the school, saying the transformation achieved in less than 24 months [two years] was a testament to collective dedication.
She reminded guests that on 30 January 2024 during the groundbreaking ceremony, the same grounds they stood on were empty, and yet the school now stood before them as a fully completed, modern campus.
Ms. Lalani credited the success to the unwavering support of the Board, especially the Board Chairperson who she said had invested not only financial resources but “heart and mind” into ensuring the campus met global standards.
She praised the engineers, architects, teachers, parents and support staff who “built not only walls but opportunities, not only classrooms but the future.”
Lalani also traced the school’s journey from its founding in 1996 as a preschool in Nakasero, to opening its primary section in 2012 with only four children at the Bukoto Campus, and now to four international schools across Uganda and Rwanda.
She announced that Acorns had recently been crowned Uganda’s Best International School for 2025 in the Visionary Awards, an award presented by Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, saying the recognition reaffirmed the school’s commitment to excellence.
The CEO highlighted Acorns’ social mission of giving back, revealing that through the support of partners including the Jasan Foundation, Quality Plastics, among others, the school currently provides 100% free education to 700 children, under a model where one child receives free education for every two enrolled.
The event also featured remarks from Head Prefect Harrison Benjamin Matovu, son to the incumbent member of parliament (MP) for Busiro East, Medard Segona, who opened his speech by thanking Minister Mulimba for attending. He told the crowd that, as the son of a politician, he understood the pressure and difficulty of abandoning campaign rally, and therefore appreciated minister Mulimba’s decision to prioritize the school.
Matovu, who recently authored a book titled Start Small, Dream Big, spoke about his personal growth at Acorns and praised the school for nurturing leadership, confidence and ambition among students. He used the metaphor of ants gathering soil to build a hill to describe the unity and teamwork that have carried Acorns from a small preschool to a regional institution.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Head of the Indian High Commission, the Mayor of Makindye–Ssabagabo, and several other dignitaries, partners and parents, all of whom toured the new classrooms, learning spaces and activity areas.
The celebration was further energized by an electrifying performance from the Ndere Troupe, which left guests and students visibly thrilled.
With its modern facilities designed to meet global learning standards, the Lubowa Campus is expected to become one of the most influential educational landmarks on Entebbe Road and Uganda in general.
