Maj. (Rtd) Awich Pollar Conferred with Ntare School's Highest Honor: 'The Order of the Lion'
Frank Oyugi
MBARARA / KAMPALA — In a historic milestone celebrating political leadership and distinguished public service, Major (Rtd) Awich Pollar, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Director for Mobilization in the Diaspora, has been decorated with the Order of the Lion—the highest award bestowed by his alma mater, Ntare School.
The award was officially presented on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the institution’s 70th-anniversary celebrations in Mbarara City. The colorful event was graced by Vice President Her Excellency Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who presented the honors on behalf of the institution and its alumni body.
An Exclusive Roster of Statesmen
The Order of the Lion stands as the most prestigious distinction given by Ntare School, reserved strictly for old boys who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, patriotism, and impactful service at national and international levels.
Prior to Saturday’s ceremony, the honor had been awarded to only three distinguished old boys in the institution's history:
1.H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda
2.H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda
3.The Late Rt. Hon. Eriya Kategaya, former First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda
During the landmark 70th-anniversary event, three additional alumni were inducted into this elite group:
> Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Senior Presidential Advisor and former Cabinet Minister
> Prof. Charles Kwesiga, Executive Director of the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI)
> Maj. (Rtd) Awich Pollar, NRM Director for Diaspora Mobilization
With this conferment, Maj. Awich officially becomes the 5th Old Boy in the history of Ntare School to receive the Order of the Lion.
A Legacy of National and Regional Service
Major Awich, a seasoned political figure who previously contested for the Lira Municipality Parliamentary seat before its elevation to city status, currently leads strategic external mobilization for the ruling NRM party across international diaspora chapters.
Speaking shortly after receiving the decoration, Maj. Awich expressed profound gratitude to the Ntare School Old Boys Association (NSOBA) and the school administration for the prestigious recognition.
"I am deeply humbled to be selected by the Old Boys for this monumental honor. Joining a lineage that includes our regional Heads of State and eminent statesmen is both a privilege and a reminder of our duty to serve with integrity, discipline, and dedication to our nation."
Founded in 1956 in Mbarara, Ntare School remains one of East Africa's premier academic and political cradles, famous for producing heads of state, diplomats, cabinet ministers, and scholars across the continent.
