St. Joseph’s Vocational School, Mbarara today held a deeply spiritual and reflective Way of the Cross, bringing together students, staff, and members of the surrounding community in a powerful demonstration of faith.

The procession began from Kyera Market Area, where participants gathered in prayer and reflection. Carrying the cross, the faithful journeyed through Nsikye Trading Center, meditating on the Passion of Christ at each station.

The walk concluded at the school premises, where the final prayers were conducted, marking the end of a moving and spiritually enriching experience.

Throughout the procession, participants expressed devotion, unity, and reverence, with many reflecting on the significance of sacrifice, perseverance, and hope in their daily lives.

This annual spiritual activity continues to strengthen the faith of the school community while fostering discipline, humility, and togetherness among students.

Jovoc successfully held its Parents’ Annual General Meeting at the Main Hall, bringing together parents, guardians, and members of the school administration.

The meeting provided a valuable platform to review the school’s academic progress, discipline, and ongoing development programs. Key issues affecting learners’ welfare and performance were discussed, with an emphasis on strengthening collaboration between parents and the school.

In his remarks, the school administration expressed gratitude to parents for their continued support and commitment to the institution's growth. Parents were encouraged to remain actively involved in their children’s education and to uphold the core values of integrity, virtue, and goodness.

The meeting also highlighted the school’s dedication to holistic education, combining academic excellence with vocational skills and strong moral formation under the guiding motto, Ora et Labora (Pray and Work).

JOVOC remains committed to nurturing responsible, disciplined, and God-fearing young men prepared to contribute positively to society.

St. Joseph’s Vocational School, Mbarara, joyfully celebrated St. Joseph’s Day 2026, honoring our patron saint, Saint Joseph, on Thursday, 19th March 2026.

The celebration was marked by a solemn and spiritually uplifting Holy Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Dr. Ndugwa Mwangu Severinus, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Mbarara, together with several members of the clergy.

In his homily, the main celebrant encouraged students to embrace the virtues of St. Joseph — humility, diligence, obedience, and faithfulness — as guiding principles in their academic and personal lives.

The event was graced by the presence of clergy, religious, Old Boys, parents, staff, and students, all of whom contributed to making the day colorful and memorable.

The Headteacher, in his remarks, commended students for their commitment to excellence and discipline, emphasizing the importance of hard work and continuous self-improvement in achieving success.

The day also featured moments of recognition for outstanding students, celebrating excellence in both academics and co-curricular activities.

As a school founded on strong values, St. Joseph’s Vocational School continues to draw inspiration from the life of St. Joseph, striving to nurture responsible, skilled, and morally upright individuals.

The school community expresses sincere gratitude to all who participated and supported the celebration, both physically and online.

The 13th Edition of the JOVOC Open Basketball Tournament successfully came to a close at St. Joseph’s Vocational School, Mbarara, marking yet another milestone in the growth of secondary school basketball.

This year’s tournament attracted over 40 secondary school teams, making it one of the most competitive editions to date. The event continues to grow in stature, drawing participation from top-performing schools and showcasing the rising standard of the game.

High-Level Competition and Talent Display

From the opening games to the finals, the tournament was characterized by intensity, discipline, and exceptional talent. Players demonstrated strong fundamentals, teamwork, and determination, reflecting the continued development of basketball at school level.

The atmosphere throughout the tournament was electric, with fans and students turning up in large numbers to support their teams.

Finals Overview

The finals delivered thrilling performances in both categories:

• In the Girls Final, Ndejje Senior Secondary School defeated Exodus College (25–18) to claim the championship title.
• In the Boys Final, Elite High School A emerged victorious, securing the championship after a dominant run in the tournament.

Knockout Stage Highlights

The journey to the finals featured several exciting encounters:

• Semi-Finals (Boys):
  • Elite A 43 – 28 Ndejje
  • Elite B 44 – 42 Jovoc Wakanda
• Key Playoff Results:
  • Jovoc Wakanda 51 – 15 Hana International
  • Elite A 57 – 28 Hana International
  • Elite B 49 – 27 Shack
  • Jovoc Wakanda 43 – 15 Shack

These matches highlighted the competitive balance and tactical growth among participating teams.

Final Rankings

 Boys Top 3

1. Elite High School A
2. Elite High School B
3. St. Joseph’s Vocational School

 Girls Top 3

1. Ndejje Senior Secondary School
2. Exodus College
3. Elite High School

The rankings reflect the depth of talent and competitiveness across all participating schools.

More Than Just Basketball

The JOVOC Open continues to stand out not only as a competition but also as a platform for development and exposure. Young players gain valuable experience that prepares them for higher levels of the game.

This year’s edition also integrated health and wellness initiatives, reinforcing the importance of balancing sports, academics, and overall well-being among students.

Appreciation to Sponsors and Partners

The success of the tournament was made possible through the continued support of partners and sponsors, including:

Pepsi, Centenary Bank, Prudential Assurance, NSSF, MTN Uganda, DFCU Bank, Equity Bank, Movit Products, Crooze FM, Vision Group, Capitano Events, and the Jovoc League.

Their contribution continues to play a vital role in the growth and sustainability of the tournament.

Looking Ahead

With the successful conclusion of the 13th Edition, the JOVOC Open Basketball Tournament continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading secondary school basketball competitions in the country.

The focus remains on developing talent, promoting discipline, and creating opportunities for young athletes to excel both on and off the court.

St. Joseph’s Vocational School, Mbarara, informs all parents and students that Term One reporting will take place on Tuesday, 10th February 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Jovoc Wishes the Public a Happy, Blessed, and Prosperous New Year

The jovoc family wishes the general public, parents, old boys, and friends a happy, blessed, and prosperous New Year.

As we welcome 2026, we thank God for the year past and for the continued support and trust extended to our school. Guided by our mission to train responsible leaders, we remain committed to providing holistic education that equips learners with practical skills, strong values, and a sense of responsibility to society.

In line with our vision to be a breeding ground for training Christian leaders, Jovoc looks forward to another year of growth, service, and collaboration with our community and partners. We continue to uphold our core values of integrity, virtue, and goodness, while living out our motto Ora et Labora (Pray and Work) in all aspects of school life.

We wish everyone a peaceful, fruitful, and successful year ahead.

📅 Please note: School offices will reopen on Monday, 5th January 2026.

In Loving Memory of Rev. Fr. Rudolf Lehnertz (M.Afr.) On Monday, 27th October 2025, we celebrated a special Holy Mass in memory of the late Rev. Fr. Rudolf Lehnertz, our former Headteacher 1980-1983, who played a key role in building the school’s original chapel.

The celebration was graced by members of his family and close friends, led by his brother, Mr. Peter Lehnertz, who joined our school community in honoring Fr. Rudi’s enduring legacy of faith, service, and dedication to education.

Fr. Rudi will forever be remembered for his remarkable contribution to the growth of our institution and the spiritual formation of students. May his memory continue to inspire us to live with purpose, humility, and devotion. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.

On 9th October, His Grace, the Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, visited us and celebrated Holy Mass. The visit featured Independence Day prayers, dedication of S.4 and S.6 candidates, and confirmation of 128 students.

We extend our sincere appreciation to His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, for honoring us with his presence on 9th October, Uganda’s Independence Day. During his pastoral visit, His Grace presided over Holy Mass, led us in a prayer of thanksgiving for our nation, and blessed our Senior Four and Senior Six candidates, as well as the confirmation of 128 students and other faithful in the Sacrament of Confirmation. We are deeply grateful for his spiritual guidance, fatherly presence, and the blessings he bestowed upon our school community. May the Almighty continue to strengthen and guide him in his pastoral ministry.

Solutions Class (2001–2006) Crowned Champions of JOVOC League Season 5

On Saturday, 20th September 2025, the spirit of camaraderie and competition filled the air as Old Boys of our school returned home for the grand finale of JOVOC League Season 5.

The event was more than just a football match; it was a vibrant reunion of generations, celebrating shared memories, teamwork, and the enduring Jovoc spirit.

After weeks of thrilling fixtures, the Solutions Class of 2001–2006 emerged victorious, lifting the Season 5 trophy in style. Their impressive performance and unity on the pitch earned them well-deserved applause from fans, fellow Old Boys, and the school community.

The evening closed grandly, featuring live performances by celebrated Ugandan artists Kataleya and Kandle, the crowning of champions, and the presentation of gifts, certificates, and special awards. The celebrations reached a dazzling climax with a stunning fireworks display, marking a fitting end to an unforgettable season of unity and excellence.

The school administration extended heartfelt appreciation to all Old Boys who made time to return home, noting that their continued involvement inspires the younger generation and strengthens the bond between alumni and the school.

Congratulations to the Solutions Class of 2001–2006 — true champions of Season 5.