BUKOMANSIMBI — The head of Buddu County, Jude Pookino Muleke, has called on schools to place equal emphasis on discipline, religious values and character formation alongside academic achievement, arguing that education should produce not only knowledgeable learners but also responsible citizens.
Speaking as the chief guest during the annual talent exhibition at Bukomansimbi Secondary School, Pookino said schools have a critical role in shaping the moral character of young people while equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for the future.
"Schools should prioritise religion and discipline if we are to raise responsible and morally upright citizens for the future," Pookino said.
This year's talent exhibition celebrated Buganda's cultural heritage, with students showcasing their abilities through a range of traditional performances and cultural activities. The overall winner received a breeding bull, while other outstanding participants were awarded goats, hoes and other prizes.
Pookino also challenged schools to invest more in identifying and nurturing learners' talents, noting that many young people have turned their abilities into successful careers and sustainable sources of income.
"Talent is a gift that can transform lives, but those who possess it must also uphold good morals and discipline if they are to benefit fully from it," he said.
Religious leaders who attended the event urged parents to focus on raising responsible children rather than concentrating solely on accumulating wealth for them.
"The greatest inheritance parents can give their children is proper upbringing, education and values. Preparing children is far more important than simply preparing property for them," the religious leaders said.
The founder of Bukomansimbi Secondary School, Hajji Muhammad Katerega, said the institution was established to address the limited access to quality education that many families in the area previously faced.
"I noticed that parents in this area had limited access to good schools. We started this school to improve the standard of education and make quality learning more accessible to our community," Katerega said.
The school's headteacher, Martin Kaddu, said the annual talent exhibition is designed to identify, promote and nurture students' abilities beyond the classroom, helping them realise the value of their talents.
"Our aim is to help learners discover and develop their talents because many people are now earning a living through their gifts. We also encourage parents to support their children so they can reach their full potential," Kaddu said.
He added that the prizes, including a breeding bull, goats and farming tools, were intended to motivate students to embrace their talents while preserving Buganda's rich cultural heritage.
