The Congregation of Holy Cross, a group of vowed men within the Catholic Church, was founded with a mission to be “Educators in Faith” and a spirituality centered on “The Cross Our Only Hope.” Originating after the French Revolution, Holy Cross addressed educational gaps in France as a response to social injustice.
Fr. James Dujarie founded the first group of teaching brothers in 1820, and in 1835, Fr. Basil Moreau joined, establishing the Congregation of Holy Cross. The congregation expanded globally, including to Uganda, where it arrived in Fort Portal in 1958, later moving to Nairobi in 1978 and admitting East African members.
Recognizing the need for accessible secondary education in Bugembe, Uganda, Fr. Robert Hesse, C.S.C., and Br. Paul Kasande, C.S.C., rallied community support to establish Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School. Founded on February 23, 1993, as an O-level day school with just one classroom and 51 students, the school quickly gained traction.
Under the leadership of its first headmistress, Sr. Mary Louise Whaler, C.S.C., the school embraced the Holy Cross educational philosophy, expanding to include a boarding option in 1995. The school’s success was marked when it was recognized as a UNEB O-level center and ranked among Uganda’s top 50 schools following its first graduating class in 1996. St. Andre Bessette, a Holy Cross Brother known for his humble faith and healing, became a significant inspiration for the school, with Andre Hall and the Bro. Andre Vocation Club honoring his legacy.
In 2001, Holy Cross Lake View transitioned from a parish-run to a Congregation-administered school, furthering its development.
In 2004, Br. John Flood succeeded Sr. Mary Louise as headteacher, followed by other leaders, culminating with the current head, Sr. Beatrice Driwaru, C.S.C., who took office in 2017. A master plan developed in 2007 led to relocating and expanding the campus.
Developments included a 500-capacity boys’ dormitory, a 600-capacity girls’ dormitory opened in 2019, a modern classroom and administration block, advanced science labs, and a comprehensive Jubilee Complex. Staff housing and infrastructure improvements continue, with future plans including a chapel, additional dormitories, playgrounds, and sustainability projects.
Today, Holy Cross Lake View stands as a leading educational institution in Uganda, committed to its mission of holistic education, justice, and service in the spirit of Holy Cross.