One of the top students in last year’s Senior-4 class was Kiweesi Jude. He was known for helping other students whenever asked—late at night or before sunrise. Helpful, kind, disciplined, and bright, everyone loved Jude. The news came on Tuesday that he did not survive a motorcycle accident, and it felt like the bottom of the world dropped out. 

The very next day, the funeral was held at the family’s village home. Twenty-four students, seven teachers, four administrators, and I jammed into the four available cars to join the mourners. The small group from Mustard Seed had a prominent position among about 1,500 others who gathered to give and receive comfort. 

Less than 24 hours later, the long-awaited UCE results were announced, and the Secondary School erupted in joyful and youthful exuberance. Eleven students were in the first division and 15 in the second (similar to As and Bs)! Seven students were in third, three were in fourth, and only one didn't pass. Today’s lunch will be chicken instead of the usual beans to celebrate the exam results and welcome new students. 

In joy and sorrow, “We are family!”