Sunny Magezi Academy Opens Its Heart with Historic First Visiting Day in Masindi

It was not just another school day in Kinuuma Village – Bigando Parish, Miirya Sub-County, which is located 10kms from Masindi Town. It was an emotional moment of arrival.

Bright Start. Grey and blue, dreams in view as young learners at Sunny Magezi Academy at AFSEC in Masindi District step into a brighter future. ALL PHOTOS/AF MEDIA

On Saturday, March 28, Sunny Magezi Academy running under the school motto; “Where Every Child Shines,” opened its doors not only to learning, but to belonging, as it hosted its first-ever Media, Class and Visitation Day. Parents, partners, teachers and pupils gathered to witness what has quickly become not just sacred school but also a growing community.

From the laughter of children in freshly pressed grey-and-blue uniforms to the quiet pride in parents’ eyes, the day carried a sense of purpose that words could hardly contain.

Mind Bloom. Parents and teachers inspect one of the classes with the little minds in session.

A Defining Moment

“This was not just about showcasing the school,” said Shirley Akeso, the academy’s principal. “It was about opening our hearts and our work to the community, and letting them see the journey we have started together.”

Akeso, who also oversaw the day’s activities, described the event as a celebration of identity and growth.

“Our learners confidently presented themselves - from classroom engagement to music and dance. It showed not only their progress but also the environment we are nurturing - safe, inclusive and full of opportunity.”

Shared Care. Hands and hearts align as parents and teachers shape tomorrow together. They started the meeting with a word of prayer and deliberated with the staff and Principal Shirley Akeso giving them an ear.

 Voices of Impact

The significance of the day stretched beyond Masindi.

In a heartfelt message to Aliguma Foundation CEO Ritah Aliguma, UEFA Foundation for Children General Secretary Carine N’koué captured the emotional weight of the milestone:

“The testimonial from the little child looking around and saying ‘this is our school’ shows it all. It is the ultimate testament to the sense of belonging and dignity you have cultivated.”

She added;

“Seeing the children thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment is incredibly rewarding for our team. We are proud to walk this journey with the Aliguma Foundation.”

Play Day. Run and fun under the sun as young minds grow through play on the monumental day.

A Parent’s Pride

For parents like Prescious Kunihira, a nurse and mother to baby-class learner Harold Grant Kabuye, the transformation is already visible.

“First and foremost, I appreciate the school administration for the effort they are putting in to see our kids shine and reach an international level,” she said after attending the day’s activities that started with thanksgiving prayers and a parents-teachers’ meeting.

 She has watched her son grow in confidence and expression.

“Expressing himself and sharing with others is something I am seeing him adopt. The environment is calm, the teachers are encouraging, and he now loves school.”

Her voice carries the hope of many:

“We pray for more children to join us as we grow this family.”

No Dull Moment. School Principal Shirley Akeso (foreground), Aliguma Foundation CEO Ritah Aliguma and some of the members of staff and casual helpers at the Sunny Magezi Academy savour their photo moment.

Numbers That Tell a Story

Behind the smiles is a steadily growing institution:

·         35 learners enrolled

·         6 currently in boarding (from Kampala and Masindi)

·         2 special needs learners

·         6 dedicated teachers

·         Classes from Baby Class to Primary Three (P3), with P4 coming soon

·         100% parent engagement impact

 A quick glimpse at the Sunny Magezi Academy schedule shows that the school day begins at 8am and ends at 4pm, blending academics with holistic development - devotion, music, dance, sports, and play.

Children enjoy fruit time, milk, and balanced meals, reinforcing a strong culture of healthy living.

Always Sumptuous. The Sunny Magezi Academy served a delicious meal for the learners and their visitors to cap a historic day.

Building More Than Classrooms

Beyond academics, infrastructure is taking shape.

A perimeter fence is under construction, a crucial step in ensuring safety and security for the learners. The school also employs local staff—including an askari and matron - ensuring that both the academy and surrounding communities grow together.

From thoughtfully designed uniforms inspired by modern trends to an emphasis on hygiene and discipline, Sunny Magezi Academy is laying strong foundations.

Safe Space. Brick by brick, the Sunny Magezi remains a work in progress with the fence construction on-going and more classroom blocks being erected.

A Shared Journey

The Visitation Day strengthened the bond between school and home.

Parents engaged teachers, reviewed progress, and experienced firsthand the learning environment. Many praised the school’s impact—not just academically, but socially and physically.

Akeso sums it up best:

“We are building confident, expressive, and well-rounded children. This is just the beginning.”

As the historic weekend climaxed in Kinuuma Village at the home of the Aliguma Foundation Sports and Empowerment Center (AFSEC) in Masindi, one thing was clear -Sunny Magezi Academy is educating children as well as shaping futures of future African greats.

And this is only the first term.

Big Call. Please come through and bring your young ones to a community and setting they will all love.

Chance To Join Us

The Academy remains open for enrollment, welcoming more learners to join a nurturing environment where every child is given the opportunity to shine.

Registration is ongoing at just UGX 50,000 (Monday to Friday), with school fees structured at UGX 300,000 for Nursery, UGX 350,000 for P1–P2, UGX 400,000 for P3, and UGX 700,000 for boarding, making quality education both accessible and holistic.

Parents and guardians can get in touch directly with the School Principal – Shirley Akeso - via 0782 113 772 or 0775 004 202 to secure a place for their children.

With its strong focus on academic growth, character building, and a safe, supportive environment, Sunny Magezi Academy is steadily shaping confident young learners ready to thrive in Masindi and beyond.

The Academy is funded under the Sports for Resilience and Empowerment Project (SREP) which is a UEFA Foundation for Children-supported initiative run by the Aliguma Foundation in Kampala's Acholi Quarters slums and Masindi.

Stronger Bonds. Parents and Sunny Magezi Academy officials - together they stand, hand in hand, with a mission to building futures across the land.

SUNNY MAGEZI ACADEMY AT A GLANCE

Location: Kinuuma Village, Masindi

Event: First Media & Visitation Day

Date: March 28, 2026

Learners: 35

Boarding: 6

Classes: Baby To P.3 (P.4 coming)

Teachers: 6

School Hours: 8am–4pm

Weekly Highlights: Devotion, Music & Dance, Sports

Funder: UEFA Foundation For Children Under SREP Initiative