UGANDA SCOUT ASSOCIATION

Scouting was founded in Uganda in 1915. In 1914, a church missionary by the name of Rev.Canon H.M.Grace was sent to Ankole in Western Uganda to start Mbarara High School. He also started the first troop in Uganda. The movement took time to spread over the country because the First World War was going on, the public thought that Scouting was too military.

In 1918, the Rev. Grace was transferred to another area called Namirembe in Kampala, where he started a second troop of Scouts.

During the Second World War, Scouts served their community by working in post offices sorting mail, directing traffic and other meaningful duties.

Through 1971, Scouting grew very popular and the membership was spread all over the country. This all came to a halt between 1971 and 1981 due to the political situation in Uganda. Scouting suffered again in 1985 due to the wars and instability in the country.

In 1986, Scouting resurfaced and the Ministry of Education formally became the overseer of the Association. Although the Scouting is a non-governmental organization, the Uganda government has taken a keen interest in the movement. Unlike other countries, the Uganda government has appointed a full time worker in every district to co-ordinate the activities of the Scouts. The workers are called district executive commissioners. This is in recognition of the immense contribution the movement can make in the rehabilitation process of both the human and physical resources.

This information was obtained from the Scout Association of Uganda’s first magazine.

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