By www.mknewslink.com
In Rwampara—
Alex Karungi Kamugisha is a teacher in a class of his own an educator whose influence has extended far beyond the classroom. For more than 25 years, he has taught, mentored, guided and inspired generations of learners, many of whom proudly attest to the lasting impact he has had on their academic, social and personal lives.
A JOURNEY FROM LAW TO EDUCATION
Born on 4 January 1975 in Bugamba, Rwampara, then part of Mbarara District, Mr. Karungi began his formal education at Bugamba Boys’ School before spending seven years at Integrated School. He later attended Bugamba Secondary School for UCE and Muntuyera High School, Kitunga, where he completed UACE in 1994.
He subsequently joined Makerere University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts with Education (History/Religious Studies).
Interestingly, teaching was not his childhood dream. His ambition was to study Law. Many of his contemporaries believed he was destined for the legal profession because of his strong command of Literature and History, his love for debate and his ability to engage audiences during school seminars and discussions.
But God and fate had other plans.
Today, Mr. Karungi looks back with gratitude at the path that led him into education.
A CAREER BUILT ON IMPACT
For more than 25 years, Mr. Karungi has served in both public and private schools with dedication and distinction. His career has taken him through institutions including Bwongyera Girls, Muntuyera High School, Ntungamo High School, Ntare School and Mbarara High School, among others.
In 2022, his experience and leadership abilities earned him appointment as Substantive Deputy Head Teacher, and he was posted to Kyamate Secondary School, Ntungamo Municipal Council.
His philosophy of teaching has always gone beyond delivering the syllabus. His learners know him as a deeply parental teacher who takes genuine interest in their academic and social welfare.
His lessons often extend into career guidance, mentorship, care and attention to individual circumstances. For Mr. Karungi, understanding a learner sometimes requires understanding the environment from which that learner comes. He has therefore taken time to appreciate the socio-economic circumstances of learners as a basis for providing appropriate guidance and support.
Rather than relying heavily on punishment, his approach has largely been based on encouragement and positive reinforcement. His philosophy has often been more “carrot” than “stick” an approach that has frequently yielded results.
A TRUSTED CONFIDANT AND MENTOR
Many learners have found it easy to confide in Mr. Karungi. His ability to maintain confidentiality, coupled with his genuine concern for learners, has made him a trusted figure for students dealing with academic, social and even spiritual challenges.
His effectiveness in the classroom is equally evident.
During his formative professional years, he taught History and English Language, subjects in which he consistently demonstrated strong results. At Mbarara High School, students fondly nicknamed him “Bourgeoisie” while others called him “Ottoman”, inspired by his distinctive analysis and vocabulary when teaching the History of Europe at A ‘level.
His mastery of History was often reflected in the performance of his learners. In 2022, while serving as a visiting teacher at Sheema Girls, almost his entire History class scored A grades, with only a few learners obtaining B’s a performance that remains a notable achievement at the school.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Mr. Karungi’s contribution to education has never been limited to academic work. He has also developed a strong passion for co-curricular activities and the discovery of talent.
As a games patron at Mbarara High School, he pioneered Woodball in South-Western Uganda. He later introduced the game at Kyamate Secondary School when he joined the institution as Deputy Head Teacher.
His commitment continued during his short stint at Ruhaama Secondary School, where he served as Deputy Head Teacher for one term in 2025, and later at Rwamanyonyi Secondary School in Rushenyi, Ntungamo, where the school also embraced the game.
The initiative has contributed to the growth of Woodball in schools across the Ankole and Kigezi regions, with learners gaining opportunities to participate in the sport and develop discipline, teamwork, confidence and leadership skills.
For Mr. Karungi, co-curricular activities are not merely about competition. They are another avenue through which schools can identify and develop abilities that may not always be visible in the classroom.
CREATING A SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
Mr. Karungi’s philosophy also extends to creating school environments that can continue to benefit learners long after individual teachers or administrators have moved on.
He believes sustainability in education is not limited to the physical environment. It also involves building sustainable human, academic and social systems.
Through mentorship, learner participation and co-curricular activities, he encourages students to take responsibility for their school environment and to appreciate the importance of preserving resources and passing on positive values.
His promotion of Woodball is part of this broader approach. By creating opportunities for learners to participate, lead and develop their talents, he contributes to a school culture that can be sustained from one generation to another.
For him, a sustainable school is one where knowledge, values, talent and responsibility are passed from one generation of learners to another.
A TEACHER WHO CONNECTS WITH PEOPLE
One of Mr. Karungi’s defining qualities is his humility.
He relates naturally with learners from different backgrounds and has built strong relationships with parents, many of whom continue to regard him as a friend and trusted mentor particularly those whose sons or daughters have benefited from his service as a class or subject teacher.
His influence therefore extends beyond the school gates.
To many families, he has become more than a teacher; he is a counselor, mentor, role model and trusted educational partner.
A VOICE FOR THE HUMANITIES
Perhaps one of Mr. Karungi’s strongest convictions is his belief in the continued relevance of the Humanities and Liberal Arts in an education system increasingly dominated by Science policy and preference.
He is a strong advocate for the “survival for Humanities” in the face of growing emphasis on Science subjects.
He continuously encourages learners gifted in Humanities to recognize their abilities and pursue their strengths without feeling inferior or intimidated by prevailing educational policies.
To him, choosing a career should not simply be about following a national trend. It should also be about understanding individual ability, passion, talent and personal priorities.
He encourages students of Liberal Arts to keep their heads high, believing that the future remains bright for those who excel in Humanities.
In his view, a world where the Sciences have been heavily emphasized will still require economists, social scientists, lawyers, historians, educators and other professionals grounded in the Liberal Arts.
His message is simple but powerful:
“Education should develop the individual, not merely conform the individual to policy”.
LEADERSHIP AND CONTINUED GROWTH
Mr. Karungi is a candidate for a Master of Education in Management and Planning at Kabale University, a qualification that will further strengthen his educational leadership credentials.
His progression from classroom teacher to school administrator reflects a career built on experience, service and continuous learning.
He is currently serving as Acting Head Teacher, taking on responsibilities that require not only academic knowledge but also leadership, administration and the ability to bring different stakeholders together.
THE LEGACY OF A TEACHER
Mr. Karungi’s story is ultimately a story of service, mentorship, leadership and conviction.
For more than two and a half decades, he has shaped young minds, guided careers, nurtured talent, introduced learners to new opportunities and provided a listening ear to generations of students.
His greatest legacy may not be the positions he has held or the qualifications he has earned, but the number of young people who can look back and say:
“He believed in me. He guided me. He made a difference.”
That is perhaps the true measure of a teacher’s impact.
A teacher may be remembered for the lessons delivered, but a great teacher is remembered for the lives transformed.
And that is what makes Alex Karungi Kamugisha a teacher like no other the anchor of lifelong, impactful teaching and a powerful voice for Liberal Arts students in a crowd dominated by Science policy.
Article by: Amanywa Paul
Student of History -Mbarara High School (Class of 2018)
