11th June 1931 – 4th September 2024
When Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima scored eight goals at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, Edson Arantes do Nascimento (popularly known as Pelé) remarked, “A lion is a lion, even in its sleep.” This sentiment captures exactly what we’ve felt since Father Damien Grimes, our superhero, went to be with the Lord on the night of Wednesday, 4th September 2024.
He nurtured us as young people. One of the key criteria for admission, especially for Senior One, was age. During a time when few applicants had proper birth records, it was his judgment that placed us in the same age group. He shaped our characters according to his vision, aligning them with both our expectations and those of our parents.
When Father Grimes moved to Namasagali College from Namilyango College, he had already spent eight years in Uganda. Namilyango was the leading center for the Uganda Amateur Boxing Association, and Father wasted no time in introducing boxing at Namasagali. Within a few years, the college became a powerhouse in the sport. In the 1970s, seven of the eleven members of Uganda’s national boxing team were Namasagali students.
Student safety and welfare were his highest priorities. Located on the banks of the River Nile, Father became the first headmaster in Uganda to construct a swimming pool at the school to prevent students from swimming in the dangerous river. He ensured safety measures at the pool were stringent—no swimming without a trained lifesaver present. He also introduced boating competitions, limited to highly skilled swimmers. The Dolphins, Namasagali’s swimming team, represented Uganda in numerous East African events.
Father also instilled discipline and care in other areas. We had to take bitter chloroquine tablets weekly to prevent malaria, especially during exam time. For those of us who played on the school’s football, netball, basketball, volleyball, and rugby teams, we were not allowed to participate during final exams to focus on academics.
He instilled in us a deep sense of patriotism. We sang songs he composed, which helped us appreciate and love our country. The administrative structures within the college prepared many of us for leadership roles in various sectors, from politics to the judiciary, the armed forces, and law enforcement. Upon taking office, we would pledge, “…to do my work to the best of my abilities and to be particularly careful not to favor my relatives and friends.”
Beyond academics, Father strengthened our family ties. Namasagali would start holidays two weeks before other schools and resume earlier. This arrangement shielded us from external negative influences. If one sibling was admitted, soon the whole family—cousins, nephews, and nieces—would follow. The school was a melting pot, attracting children from all walks of life, including the families of Uganda’s Presidents, ministers, army officers, and judges.
Father provided an all-inclusive education, nurturing both academic and extracurricular talents. After formal classes ended at 1:35 pm, students engaged in various activities of their choice, from sports to music, dance, and drama. Competitions in swimming, athletics, and the arts fostered both competitiveness and personal growth. We learned that in any competition, there would be winners and losers.
Every Monday morning, Father would rise before 5:30 am to ensure that candidates were ready for their morning preps at 5:45 am. The lion would roar, “Hurry up,” and we would all scramble to our desks. By 7:00 am, we were outside for physical education, with boys going bare-chested. This rigorous schedule persisted until Saturday evening, when we would attend the compulsory college dance. In all this, Father cultivated a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among us, discouraging us from viewing each other through a lens of objectification.
The Sunday “Life Lecture” was another cherished experience. It began with the college band mounting a parade, followed by a guard of honor. Once inside the main hall, Father would lead us in prayers, concluding with his signature line, “Lord, have mercy, you we adore, and into your hands.” These sessions deepened our spiritual maturity—a virtue we still hold dear. He also offered guidance on various life topics, always addressing our needs with great wisdom. Occasionally, he would ask the young ladies to stay behind after the lecture, and to this day, none of them has ever revealed what he said.
Father Grimes was far ahead of his time. Aside from building Uganda’s first school swimming pool, Namasagali College was the first private school in Uganda to offer Advanced Level classes, and in a co-ed setting. He also founded Namasagali University, Uganda’s first private university. By 1985, Father had introduced computer classes to Namasagali. He championed the performing arts, staging productions at Uganda’s National Theatre, and opened the door to professional theater for many students.
Long before conversations about the rights of the girl child became mainstream, Father allowed young mothers to return to school under his protection. We sat with mothers in class as early as 1982, and it was normalized for us. The administrative structure of the school ensured that teachers had no need to punish students harshly, as discipline was effectively self-regulated.
Remarkably, Father knew each of his students by name and was familiar with their families. He helped many students who couldn’t afford fees to continue their education, creating a pathway for many to become distinguished scholars and professionals.
During the 1979 war that led to the fall of Idi Amin’s regime, Father kept us safe at school. Our first term that year ran from 15th January to 11th May. The liberators found us well cared for and secure, with plenty to eat.
In his school anthem, Father prepared us for this moment:
“Others will come, to occupy our places, when we are gone, and perhaps forgotten too…”
But we will never forget Father Grimes and the lasting legacy he has left behind.
REST IN ETERNAL PEACE, THE TRUE LION OF UGANDA. YOUR MISSION IN UGANDA IS FINALLY ACCOMPLISHED. WE HOPE TO MEET YOU IN GLORY. INDEED, HE HAS PASSED ON, BUT HE HAS NOT PASSED AWAY.
Amb. Moses Kawaaluuko Kizige (1977/83)
Deputy Lord High Reeve, House Captain Leopard, Athletics Captain, School Choir Leader, Master of the Traditional Dance Drums, and Star Footballer
