35 years later and we are still in touch

35 years later and we're still in touch. When you're a young teenager, 30 seems old and far away. Even 20 seems old and far away. The next year seems far away.

That is how we each felt on 18 February, 1991, when we joined senior one at Gayaza High School, which by that time was considered one of the best secondary schools for girls in Uganda. Many believe that it still is. It is revered. It is adored. The girls who graduate from there are held in the highest esteem.

When I was completing my primary seven and filling in choices for secondary school, because of my excellent grades, there were only two options for me, Mt. St. Mary's Namagunga and Gayaza High School. Deep down, I wanted to join Namagunga, as did my father. 

Photography by Dennis Mikolo

Because of my religion at the time, I went to Gayaza High School. I remember that day, 18 February 1991. I was in a long red skirt and striped crop top. Having served as the headgirl in my previous school, Kampala Parents, it felt odd being treated like a young child. 

I made new friends, by compulsion, by osmosis, by natural selection.

Over a decade ago, a WhatsApp group was formed. It kept us in touch with one another. After giving birth to my third born, a good number came to visit me. They brought so many gifts and even though I studied at Makerere College School for my A level, I felt good in a tingling sort of way. It felt like the friendship with Gayaza was a worthwhile one.

I began connecting the dots with man of them. Some I have encountered in work spaces, others at social events and some in other mutually shared spaces.

On of my favourite Gayaza moments was the 1994 World Cup final match between Brazil and Italy. We were allowed to watch it in the dining room. As a huge supporter of everthing South America at the time, I was rooting for Brazil.

That night was wild. We screamed ourselves hoarse, held onto each other like our lives depended on it and it really took the edge off as we prepared for our final O level examinations.

All the great moments were outside the classroom. On the sports' field, dancing during entertainment time and kiromo feasting.

You canimagine how it felt for many of us when a core committee began organising our reunion, celebrating 35 years from the time we met. And they scheduled it around the exact date, mid-February. Gayaza girls are truly exceptional.

My Sherborne housemates.

The event was nothing short of  astounding. The colour code, green, was the best choice, blending in with the perfect natural backdrop at the home of one of our very own, Sophie Kibirige Kajubi. The elegance of the ladies exceeded expectations and so many of them could actually fit into their secondary school uniforms.

It was a blessing, nothing but a huge blessing. The abundance of memories, hugs, genuine catch-ups and enthusiasm as gasps of surprise, glee, and astonishment rolled into one. It was the perfect cacophony. It was the perfect moment. It was monumental. It was wrapped in charm.

Every single service provider put their best foot forward. The food was such a treat. The dancing, testing our fitness. The dessert and most of all.

Barbara Nyanzi Wakholi's cake. One of us bakes the most delicious cakes this side of the world. What a cake it was. It softly landed on our tongues, teasing its way like fine sweet wine intoour tummies. Barbara has extremely gifted hands.

Ending the spectacular evening with story time, muchomo and karaoke, this is a day that will never leave us. This is an occasion that will form how we recognise and define friendship. This is a day that will refine our years ahead.

May you find the people you want to celebrate long lasting friendships with.

Bless.

Bev.