Our heritage
Rooted in the Congregation of Holy Cross, we stand on the shoulders of faithful missionaries, visionary leaders and a community that believed education could transform lives.
The first Holy Cross brothers in East Africa
Where we come from
The Congregation of Holy Cross
A community of vowed men in the Catholic Church, called to serve through parishes and schools.
Holy Cross traces its origin to France after the Revolution of 1789. The country’s schools had collapsed, and Holy Cross rose to educate people as a way to overcome the injustices of the time. In 1820 Fr. James Dujarie gathered brothers to teach in parish schools, and around 1835 Fr. Basil Moreau joined them with a group of priests to formally establish the Congregation.
Within a generation Holy Cross had spread to Algeria, the United States, Canada and, in 1852, East Bengal (now Bangladesh). In 1958 it came to Uganda.
The people behind our story
Our founders
1820
Fr. James Dujarie
Gathered the first brothers to teach in parish schools in France.
1835
Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C.
United priests and brothers to found the Congregation of Holy Cross.
1992
Fr. Robert Hesse, C.S.C.
First parish priest of Bugembe and co-founder of Lake View.
1992
Br. Paul Kasande, C.S.C.
Co-founder who rallied the Bugembe community behind the school.
1993
Sr. Mary Louise Whaler, C.S.C.
First headmistress, who welcomed the first fifty-one students.
The mind shall not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.
Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C.
What shapes us
Charism and motto
Our charism
Educators in the Faith
Holy Cross believes education is one of the most powerful ways to transform people and society.
Our spirituality
The Cross, Our Only Hope
We find strength and purpose in the Cross of Christ, and carry that hope into all we do.
Our school motto
Per Scientiam Ad Serviendum
Education for Service: learning that is always directed to the good of others.
From Fort Portal to Wanyange
Holy Cross in East Africa
The mission that began in western Uganda in 1958 grew into a Province rooted in East Africa. Holy Cross Lake View is one of its fruits, born from a parish community in Bugembe that dreamed of a school within its reach.
- 1958 Holy Cross arrives in Fort Portal, Uganda.
- 1978 The mission moves to Nairobi and welcomes East Africans into the Congregation.
- 1990 The Philosophical Centre opens in Jinja and Holy Cross receives the parish of Bugembe.
- 1993 Holy Cross Lake View opens its doors on 23 February.
Our heavenly patron
St. Andre Bessette, C.S.C.
A humble Holy Cross brother who served for forty years as a porter in Montreal, St. Andre became known for his kindness, his prayer and his devotion to St. Joseph. He is a special friend of Holy Cross Lake View: our school hall bears his name, and the Br. Andre Vocation Club nurtures young people to follow his path of humble service.
What we live by
Our core values
Faith and trust in God
We place our hope in the Cross of Christ, trusting that faith lights the path to true wisdom and human flourishing.
Academic excellence
We pursue intellectual rigour and curiosity, encouraging students to think critically, solve creatively and strive for excellence.
Integrity and moral courage
We cultivate honesty, accountability and the courage to stand for truth and justice.
Service and solidarity
Inspired by the Holy Cross charism, we serve others, especially the poor and the marginalised.
Community and family spirit
We foster a welcoming, inclusive community where every person is known, valued and supported.
Respect for creation
We honour God’s creation through environmental stewardship and sustainable living.