Celebrating the Women of Vienna: Memories That Shaped Us

Celebrating the Women of Vienna: Memories That Shaped Us

Madam Mirianne Ndyanabo Kaamate 

As we mark International Women’s Day, we take a moment to celebrate the women who helped shape the Vienna experience for so many of us. Teachers, mentors, and staff members often become more than their roles; they become guides, protectors, and quiet sources of strength during formative years.

Throughout this month, Vienna College Namugongo Alumni will be sharing a collection of memories from alumni, stories of the women who left lasting impressions through kindness, encouragement, and everyday acts of care.

Below are some of the first reflections from our community.

“She made school feel safe.”

For Cynthia, the memory of Madam Mirianne is one of protection and reassurance.

 “Madam Mirianne always made me feel seen. She was a mother, protector, and guardian during my entire stay in Vienna. She made school feel safe.”

Sometimes the most powerful influence comes not from grand gestures, but from the quiet assurance that someone is watching out for you.

A Teacher Who Believed in Dreams

Rebecca Natamba remembers Madam. Mirianne Kaamate as someone who deeply believed in young people and their potential.

“She loved and believed in young people a lot. She used to make time for you, to listen to your dreams and aspirations, and she would encourage you to believe in yourself and go for it.”

Rebecca recalls her warm presence vividly:

“She always had a motherly vibe. She never passed by me without giving me her big smile, and when I looked or felt down, she took time to find out what was bothering me.”

One sentence from Madam. Kaamate continues to stay with her:

 “Believe in yourself and go for it.”

The Canteen That Felt Like Home

For many students, the canteen was more than just a place to buy snacks. Under the care of Aunt Mable, it became something closer to a home kitchen.

Richard Magezi recalls how affectionately students referred to her:

 “We all used to call her ‘Aunt’ because of how caring, kind, and loving she was to us during our time at school.”

Her kindness often went beyond transactions.

“If you didn’t have money, you would still go to the canteen, explain your situation, open an account, and get snacks or whatever you needed, then pay on Visiting Day or whenever you got money.”

Her generosity left a lasting impression.

“You know those homes you visit and every few hours food or snacks just keep coming? That is how Aunt Mable treated students making sure we were all well fed.”

Richard adds with a smile:

 “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach she clearly understood the assignment.”

A Lesson in Living in the Moment

Arnold Richard Oluma remembers a moment during a school function when Madam Mirianne noticed he was sitting on the sidelines while others celebrated.

She encouraged him to join in.

 “She told me we only experience one teenage life and need to enjoy it while we can.”

Arnold took her advice that day and it stayed with him long afterward.

“Since then, through adulthood, I remember her simple but valuable words: sometimes we need to live in the moment. Today it is an experience, and tomorrow it becomes a memory.”

When staff Lighten the Weight

Madam Ritah on the left and Joyce Nabagesera an alum at the alumni dinner.

For Braxy Kempango, a difficult moment during school became more bearable because of the reassurance of Miss Bernice and Madam Ritah.

“I was going through a tough time and it felt like my world had come to an end. Of course, as a child it felt like that.”

Their words helped shift her perspective.

 “They told me tough times are normal and part of everyone’s life. For a moment my burdens became lighter.”

Looking back as an adult, she reflects:

“I embraced what I was going through with the mindset that it would come to pass. As an adult now, I’m truly grateful.”

A Teacher Who Noticed

Sandra Katutu remembers Miranne Ndyanabo, her class teacher, as someone who paid attention when it mattered most.

At the time, Sandra was preparing for her Senior Four examinations while coping with the emotional strain of her father leaving the country.

“I was struggling with depression because my father had left the country and was going to be away for a while. I was just about to sit for my Senior Four exams and didn’t need that kind of stress.”

Miranne noticed something was wrong.

“She realized I was lagging behind and not myself. She checked in to see that I was afloat with everything and counseled me.”

Her support made a lasting difference.

“I thank her for being a mother to many of us.”

Years later, that care has not faded.

“By the way, till today she still checks in.”

These stories remind us that the impact of a teacher, mentor, or staff member often extends far beyond the classroom. A smile in the hallway, a quiet conversation, a plate of food, or a few encouraging words can echo across years.

These memories remind us that the impact of a teacher, mentor, or staff member often extends far beyond the classroom. A smile in the hallway, a conversation after class, a meal shared, or a few encouraging words can echo across years.

Throughout this month, we will continue sharing more alumni memories celebrating the remarkable women of Vienna who nurtured, encouraged, and shaped generations of students.

If there is a woman from Vienna who made a lasting impact on you, we would love to hear your story.