Mukono, Uganda
Seeta High School, Mbalala Campus, has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Buganda’s rich cultural heritage by successfully hosting the grand finale of its Luganda Language and Cultural Competition, an initiative aimed at promoting indigenous language, traditions, and cultural values among learners.
The colorful event was officiated by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and Tourism in the Buganda Kingdom, Mr. Patrick Eric Ssekabembe, who commended Seeta High School for taking a leading role in nurturing young people to appreciate their cultural identity.
While addressing students, teachers and guests, Mr. Ssekabembe expressed concern over the increasing number of parents neglecting their responsibility of introducing children to Buganda’s language and traditions. He emphasized that parents remain the first custodians of culture and should begin by teaching their children to speak Luganda from an early age.
The competition, which began during the first school term, saw students showcase exceptional talent in various cultural disciplines including Luganda public speaking, traditional proverbs, riddles, tongue twisters and other aspects of Buganda’s cultural heritage. Mukuye Elijah emerged as the overall winner after outperforming fellow contestants.
Mr. Ssekabembe also encouraged parents to involve their children in coffee farming, urging them to eliminate the misconception that coffee growing is only for the elderly or those who have failed in life. He noted that agriculture remains a valuable economic opportunity for Uganda’s future generation.
The Headteacher of Seeta High School, Mbalala Campus, Mr. Boniface Ssebukalu, applauded the founders of Seeta Schools, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo and Mrs. Rose Muyingo, for continuously supporting programs that promote holistic education beyond the classroom.
Mr. Ssebukalu announced that the Luganda Language and Cultural Competition will become an annual event, with the school committed to expanding and improving it every year. He encouraged students to participate enthusiastically while calling upon parents to embrace and promote their native languages at home, noting that learning one’s mother tongue contributes positively to academic excellence.
The event was attended by the Member of Parliament for Lugazi Municipality, Mr. Steven Serubula, teachers led by the competition coordinators Ms. Esther Nakamatte and Ms. Viola Nanteza, parents and students, all celebrating the importance of preserving Uganda’s cultural heritage for future generations.
