Uganda will soon bid farewell to one of its most cherished and transformative figures, Father Damian Grimes, whose body will be flown back from the UK for burial at Namasagali College in Kamuli District, the institution he led for over three decades. The hearse that carries his remains will not just transport a man, but the legacy of a life that shaped generations of Ugandan leaders. A teacher, a visionary, and a father to countless students, Father Grimes’ death marks the end of an era for education in Uganda.
Father Grimes passed away peacefully on September 4, 2024, in Liverpool, UK, a world away from the place he called home for 42 years. His final wish to rest at Namasagali, the place where he spent the majority of his life nurturing young minds, is being honored with the cooperation of the British government, the Ugandan government, the Busoga Kingdom, and his family. The Saint Damian Grimes Chapel at Namasagali will stand as a permanent testament to his impact on Ugandan society, named after the man who devoted his life to the growth of Uganda’s future leaders.
Born on June 11, 1931, in Wakefield, England, Damian Grimes was ordained as a priest in 1955, with a calling that would take him far beyond the boundaries of his homeland. In 1959, he arrived in Uganda to teach history at Namilyango College, before being appointed headmaster at Namasagali College in 1967. There, he began his life’s work of transforming the institution into a hub of academic excellence and holistic development, a place where education extended beyond the classroom to nurture the body, mind, and soul.
At Namasagali, Father Grimes was not just a headteacher—he was a force of nature, driving innovation at every turn. Under his leadership, the school became a training ground for Uganda’s future leaders, producing not only top scholars but individuals deeply grounded in sports, the arts, and spiritual growth. His introduction of computer studies in 1985, the establishment of Uganda’s first school swimming pool, and his emphasis on drama and public speaking helped to mold generations of well-rounded students capable of facing the challenges of life with confidence and skill.
His leadership style was one that sought to foster independence, creativity, and critical thinking. He believed in challenging his students to think beyond the confines of the classroom, encouraging them to express themselves through debate, drama, and the arts. It was this approach that set Namasagali College apart from other schools and cemented Father Grimes’ reputation as an educational innovator. His passion for holistic education earned him admiration far beyond Uganda’s borders, and in 1991, he was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his service to education in Africa.
Despite his numerous accolades, Father Grimes remained humble, committed to the work he began in Uganda. Even after his retirement in 2000, his influence continued to resonate throughout the country. In 2022, President Yoweri Museveni awarded him a medal for his outstanding contributions to Uganda’s educational system, a testament to his lifelong dedication to the country he loved.
For the alumni of Namasagali, Father Grimes was more than a teacher. He was a mentor, a father figure, and a source of unwavering support. The news of his death has been met with an outpouring of grief from former students and colleagues alike, all of whom speak of the profound impact he had on their lives. For many, it was Father Grimes who first saw their potential, who encouraged them to reach for greatness and to believe in themselves. His passing is not just a loss for Namasagali College but for the entire nation of Uganda.
As his body is laid to rest at the Saint Damian Grimes Chapel, the tears of those who loved and admired him will be a testament to the immeasurable void he leaves behind. Father Grimes’ legacy, however, will live on in the thousands of lives he touched, in the generations of leaders who were shaped by his vision, and in the institution that will forever bear his name.
The final journey of Father Damian Grimes is a reminder of a life well-lived in service to others, a life that has left an indelible mark on Uganda’s history. In his memory, may the values he championed—compassion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence—continue to guide us all.
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