A highly anticipated event at Ntare School took an unexpected turn when alumni raised concerns over a peculiar detail—or lack thereof—on a newly unveiled lion sculpture.
The statue, meant to symbolize the strength, resilience, and pride of the institution, has come under scrutiny for its apparent omission of a key anatomical feature: testicles.
The sculpture was revealed on tuesday,18th Feb 2025 attended by students, teachers, and various Old Boys (OBs), many of whom have gone on to hold significant positions in Uganda and beyond.
Ntare School, one of the country’s most prestigious secondary schools, has a storied history of producing leaders, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame.
While the initial reaction to the imposing lion sculpture was largely positive, it did not take long before keen-eyed OBs pointed out the missing detail.
Social media platforms were soon flooded with comments from former students questioning the artistic decision, with some humorously suggesting that the lion had perhaps “misplaced them in a heated debate.”
“Where Are The Balls?”
Prominent Old Boys quickly took to social media to express their bewilderment.
“A lion is a symbol of dominance and power. How can ours be missing the very essence of what makes it male?” questioned an alumnus in a widely shared post.
Another commented, “We are a school that prides itself on grooming strong, fearless leaders. This incomplete sculpture does not represent that spirit. What if the lion is just shy?”
Some OBs proposed creative solutions, such as commissioning a separate “lion accessories fund” or designing detachable, seasonally appropriate additions.
“We could have a ‘No-Nonsense November’ and ‘Fearless February’ where we swap different symbolic pieces,” joked one particularly enthusiastic member of the alumni WhatsApp group.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
While the Old Boys remain largely critical of the missing feature, the current student body and some members of the public have offered a more lighthearted take.
Some students have joked about starting a fundraising campaign to “restore the lion’s dignity.”
Others see the controversy as an opportunity for an ongoing tradition.
“Maybe we should create an annual event where we dress up the lion with different accessories to compensate for what’s missing,” suggested one student. Another added, “We could call it ‘Ntare’s Great Ball Hunt.’”
Some, however, have called for a more serious reflection on why this particular detail has drawn so much attention.
“It’s fascinating how people are focusing on the testicles rather than the broader symbolism of the sculpture,” noted a local art critic.
“Perhaps this speaks to deeper cultural expectations of masculinity and leadership. Or maybe, just maybe, people just find it hilarious.”
What Happens Next?
Some OBs have suggested launching an official petition to ensure their voices are heard, while others have recommended that a second sculpture be commissioned to accompany the existing one—this time, with all details intact.
For now, the lion remains proudly stationed at the school entrance, albeit in its current form.
Whether the sculpture will undergo modifications or be left as a permanent testament to artistic interpretation remains to be seen.
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: Ntare School’s lion has sparked more discussions than perhaps any sculpture in recent memory.
And in doing so, it has proven to be a powerful symbol—not just of the school’s heritage, but of the passionate engagement of its alumni.