St. Mary’s College Mayenze extends heartfelt congratulations to its Principal, Mr. Francis Wangolo, on successfully graduating with a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management from Nkumba University. This achievement marks a significant milestone in his distinguished career dedicated to education, leadership, and community service.
Mr. Wangolo’s research, titled “Assessing the Contributions of the Parish Development Model on Household Incomes: A Case Study of Manafwa Town Council, Manafwa District Local Government,” explored the impact of government programs on improving household livelihoods in Uganda. His findings contribute valuable insights to the ongoing national dialogue on poverty alleviation and rural development.
He dedicated his academic journey to his late grandfather, Paul Kalaija Bwendegyere, a courageous politician and devoted member of the Democratic Party who stood firm for justice and democracy in Kabale District. Wangolo described him as a man of integrity who inspired his own path of service and leadership.
> “I dedicate this degree to my grandfather, who taught me that true leadership is defined by integrity, courage, and service to others,” said Wangolo.
Before earning his Master’s degree, Mr. Wangolo had already established a strong academic foundation with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Governance and Management from the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
Currently, he serves in multiple leadership capacities, including Principal Township Officer for Butiru Town Council in Manafwa District, Principal of St. Mary’s College Mayenze, Head of Laity at St. Augustine of Hippo Parish Situmi, and Eastern Region Coordinator for the Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU). In these roles, he continues to champion the rights and welfare of local government employees.
A seasoned administrator and advocate, Mr. Wangolo has also been active in national political discourse. He chaired the Forum for Third Term Advocacy, which supported President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s extended leadership bid, and contested for the Bubulo West Parliamentary seat in the 2005/2006 elections, finishing third among nine candidates with 14,000 votes. His contributions to public dialogue were even recognized by the BBC’s Siraji Kalyango.
Born to a mother from Western Uganda and a father from Eastern Uganda, Mr. Wangolo’s diverse background and education across different regions have given him a broad understanding of Uganda’s social and political landscape — a quality reflected in his inclusive approach to governance and leadership.
Reflecting on his academic milestone, Mr. Wangolo reaffirmed his commitment to service and nation-building:
> “This graduation is not merely a personal success; it is a renewed commitment to serve my community, enhance local governance, and contribute to Uganda’s sustainable development.”
As he continues his professional journey, Mr. Wangolo pledges to use his advanced knowledge to promote equitable development, advocate for improved conditions for local government workers, and ensure the success of programs like the Parish Development Model that uplift ordinary Ugandans.
His story stands as an inspiring testament to perseverance, integrity, and the transformative power of education in shaping effective leadership.
