Schools and other education institutions in Hoima District have been urged to embrace scouting and girl guide programmes as important tools for promoting patriotism, discipline and responsible citizenship among learners.
Ssonko Bongole, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Hoima, made the call while officiating at the closing ceremony of girl guide and scouts’ activities held at Kigorobya Muslim Primary School and Kigorobya Seed School.
Bongole said scouting and girl guide initiatives play a critical role in shaping the character of young people by instilling values such as discipline, teamwork, patriotism and leadership.
He urged schools to integrate the programmes into their activities to help nurture responsible citizens who can contribute positively to society.
The Hoima District Woman Member of Parliament, Beatrice Wembabazi, who graced the event, said learners should be equipped with skills to fight corruption, embrace creativity and innovation, and develop survival skills through such initiatives.
She pledged to lobby for increased support towards scouting and girl guide activities in schools across the district.
Stephen Mwesigwa Rwamukaga, the Senior Assistant Secretary who represented the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Hoima, encouraged schools to embrace extracurricular activities as a way of identifying, developing and mentoring learners’ talents.
In the competitions, St. Tito Winyi Secondary School emerged winners in both the girl guide and scouts categories, while Kyaporoni Primary School took first place in both categories at primary school level.
A total of 13 schools participated in the girl guide category, comprising 11 primary schools and two secondary schools, while five schools took part in the scouts category, including three primary schools and two secondary schools.
Harriet Asiimwe, the Hoima District Inspector of Schools and focal person for girl guides and scouts, said the programmes were producing positive results but remained constrained by inadequate funding.
She called for increased support from stakeholders to strengthen the initiatives and expand their reach to more schools.
Julius Baitwa Godolo, the LCIII Chairperson of Kigorobya Town Council, said leaders are committed to promoting scouting and patriotism from the primary school level in order to nurture responsible citizens from childhood.
