The First Deputy Katikkiro (Prime Minister) and Minister for Administration and Information Communications Technology (ICT), Prof. Twaha Kaawaase Kigongo, has strongly criticized parents and teachers who punish pupils for speaking Luganda, urging an immediate end to the practice.
Prof. Kaawaase made the remarks during a meeting with officials from the Buganda Examinations Council (BECO) at the Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo, where results of the 2025 Primary Four (P.4) Luganda language examination were officially released.
The examination is part of ongoing efforts by the kingdom to promote the use and preservation of Luganda among young learners.
The Buganda Examinations Council introduced the Luganda language exam last year as part of a broader initiative to strengthen cultural identity through education.
A total of 1,633 pupils from 43 schools across six counties—Busiro, Buddu, Ssingo, Kyaddondo, Busujju, and Mawokota—sat for the examination.
Top-performing pupils and schools were recognized during the event, receiving awards and certificates for their achievements.
Princess Gift Ali Shukran of Namagoma Modern Nursery and Primary School in Busiro County emerged as the best candidate with an impressive score of 98 percent. Her school was also ranked the top-performing institution overall.
While presenting the results, Prof. Kaawaase emphasized that this is a critical moment for school proprietors and educators to create an environment that encourages pupils to speak Luganda freely.
“It is unacceptable to punish children for speaking their mother tongue. Luganda is a vital part of our identity, and we must nurture it, not suppress it,” he said.
Prof. Kaawaase also called on the people of Buganda to align with the kingdom’s five strategic priorities aimed at restoring Buganda’s cultural and social prominence.
The Buganda Kingdom Minister for Social Services (Education, Health) and the Office of the Nnaabagereka, Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, reiterated the importance of ensuring that young learners gain a strong foundation in Luganda.
She noted that this effort is central to preserving the kingdom’s heritage and strengthening its institutions for future generations.
Lawrence Muwonge, Chairperson of the Buganda Examinations Council Board, revealed that Luganda is currently not included in the national curriculum syllabus. He explained that the kingdom took the initiative to develop its own syllabus to prevent the language from fading away.
Some of the top-performing pupils expressed gratitude to the Buganda Kingdom for introducing the program, noting that it has significantly improved their proficiency in Luganda and deepened their appreciation of their cultural roots.