The Congregation of Holy Cross
The Congregation of Holy Cross is a community of vowed men within the Catholic Church embracing their charism "Educators in Faith" and spirituality "The Cross Our Only Hope." Dedicated to the service of others through pastoral work in parishes and education in schools, the Congregation traces its origin to the period following the French Revolution (1789). This era saw the collapse of France's educational system, yet Holy Cross rose to educate people as a way to overcome the injustices of the time.
In 1820, Fr. James Dujarie founded a group of brothers to teach in parish schools. Around 1835, Fr. Basil Moreau joined with a group of priests to formally establish the Congregation of Holy Cross. The congregation rapidly spread to Africa (Algeria) and North America (United States and Canada) in the 1840s, and to Western Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1852. In 1958, Holy Cross came to Fort Portal, Uganda.
Our History
The need to educate young seminarians and brothers in 1990 led to the establishment of the Philosophical Centre in Jinja. It was at this time that Holy Cross was given a parish in Bugembe. The first parish priest was the late Fr. Robert Hesse, C.S.C., who had been in the very first group of Holy Cross members to come to Uganda in 1958.
Fr. Hesse and Br. Paul Kasande, C.S.C. saw the urgent need for secondary education in the Bugembe area. On 23rd February 1993, the school opened as an O-level day school with just one classroom and fifty-one Senior One students. Sr. Mary Louise Whaler, C.S.C. was the first headmistress.
When the pioneer students sat for UNEB in 1996, a "miracle" happened — Lake View S.S. was listed among the best fifty schools in Uganda. This legacy of excellence continues to this day.
Key Milestones
Foundations of Holy Cross
Fr. James Dujarie founds a group of brothers to teach in parish schools, beginning the Holy Cross educational mission.
Formal Establishment
Fr. Basil Moreau joins with priests and brothers to formally establish the Congregation of Holy Cross.
Holy Cross Arrives in Uganda
The Congregation comes to Fort Portal, Uganda, beginning its mission in East Africa.
Historic Meeting
18th October: Parishioners, LCs, and educators rally support for a new secondary school in Bugembe.
School Opens
23rd February: Holy Cross Lake View SSS opens with one classroom and 51 students. Sr. Mary Louise Whaler becomes first headmistress.
Hostel Opens & UNEB Center
The school begins transitioning from day to boarding. UNEB grants O-level center status.
The "Miracle" Year
Pioneer students sit for UNEB; Lake View S.S. is listed among the best fifty schools in Uganda.
New Girls' Dormitory
A 600-capacity girls' dormitory is opened on International Women's Day.
Silver Jubilee Complex
Dining hall, kitchen, canteen, and conference hall completed with parent partnership.
Our Core Values
Faith & Trust in God
We place our hope in the Cross of Christ, trusting that faith illuminates the path to true wisdom and authentic human flourishing.
Academic Excellence
We pursue intellectual rigor and curiosity, encouraging students to think critically, solve creatively, and strive for excellence.
Integrity & Moral Courage
We cultivate honesty, accountability, and the moral courage to stand for truth and justice.
Service & Solidarity
Inspired by the Holy Cross charism, we commit to serving others, especially the poor and marginalized.
Community & Family Spirit
We foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where every person is known, valued, and supported.
Respect for Creation
We honor God's creation by practicing environmental stewardship and promoting sustainable living.