When I look back to the last 15 years, I can only thank the Lord for the good things He has done for me. Like Mary, our Blessed Mother, my soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior (Lk. 1:46). For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me, holy is His name (Lk. 1:49. The story of Divine Mercy began as an idea I cherished while studying in the USA in the early 1990s. This was a result of witnessing so much development in the USA. Looking at my country Uganda, I wondered why we are so undeveloped compared to the United States of America. Though there were more questions than answers, I completed my studies in 1997 convinced that part of the problem was connected with the lack of education especially at primary and secondary levels for most of our people. I resolved therefore that when funds permit, I would contribute to the solution to the problem by starting a school.
With God’s help, a miracle happened in 2008 when one of my friends committed to making my dream a reality. Thus, in 2009, after erecting a block of 4 classrooms, Divine Mercy SS was born with a population of 23 students, 17 in senior one and 6 in senior two. However, by the close of the same year, the numbers had increased to about 80. With the acquisition of the center number in 2014 and the Boarding section in 2019, the number of students soared to about 350. Beginning with 2020 and especially after the Girls’ hostel’s completion in 2022, students’ numbers increased to about 800. With the Boys’ Hostel completion recently, students’ numbers increased to 1000. Divine Mercy which started like a small mustard seed has now blossomed to a tree where young men and women are given a nest to nurture and grow their dreams.
For all these achievements, I thank God for his benevolence, favor, and blessing for supporting me in these endeavors. Without Him, what you see would not have been possible. Indeed, nothing is impossible without God. I sincerely thank the community of Kiko and Kigarama for believing in me and giving me their children in the early years of Divine Mercy. I am grateful to all our parents, old boys, and old girls, the Boards of Governors of Divine Mercy over the years, the Administrative, Academic, and support staff, the students, the people of Kiguma (where I was born), and all well-wishers. I thank Bishop Muhiirwa Akiiki whose letter supported me to receive funding through the Diocese of Pittsburgh. I thank all of you who contributed in one way or another to the growth and development of Divine Mercy.
Lastly, but most importantly, I want to thank my friends from overseas who have stood with me over the years. Let me begin with Marita Wojdak who introduced me to James Immekus, James Immekus who introduced me to Fred Milanovich, Linda and Fred Milanovich who introduced me to so many other friends, including Scot and the Milanovich family, Augustana University (where two of our students are studying), the Ballaglass Settlement/Ridgeway Associates Limited, Patrick Davey, Martin Hawkes, Deacon Tim Noca and the Diocese of Pittsburgh. To David and Tifany Bolyes, Amy Landa, and you all, THANK YOU.