Schools from across Uganda gathered at Next Media Park over the weekend for the Valenteenz Summit Uganda, a youth-centred event that sparked honest conversations about love, leadership, ambition and identity.
Hosted by NBS Plus on Valentine’s Day, the summit brought together students from different schools who came ready to engage, unlearn and grow.
Organisers said the event was a reminder that conversations about relationships and personal development cut across boundaries.
At the event, teens in different uniforms shared one mission: stepping out of their comfort zones into real discussions about life choices.
During the panel discussions, Posha Aloyo, Head of Broadcast Youth Content, highlighted the importance of giving young people safe spaces to talk about issues that often derail them.
“You know what derails young people? These small things that we don’t get to talk about,” Aloyo said.
“And I’m glad that as a media house, we are very intentional about talking to young people about the things that matter to you, the things that affect you and guide you to where you want to go.”
She also addressed representation and inclusion, referencing online reactions to the summit’s promotional poster.
“I’ve seen a video where someone said the poster did not have fat people,” she noted.
Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Guild President Rose Nabwire encouraged students to be intentional about how they present themselves, especially on social media.
“Whoever is posting on their socials, make sure that you’re building a brand. But what brand are you building?” Nabwire asked.
She urged teens to think long term about the digital footprints they create.
“So what you feed your social media with is what they will brand you as. But make sure as you’re building that brand, ten years from now, you look at it and you’re proud of yourself.”
Makerere University Guild President Churchill Ssentamu offered practical advice on timing and maturity, telling students that some pressures of young love can wait.
“So the difference is about the timing,” Ssentamu said.
“What we would have fought for in high school that would have put us in trouble, we can still get it after school.”
The summit also gave students a platform to speak openly.
Davin Nsamba from Bright Future School raised concerns about body inclusion and emotional intelligence, calling on leaders to be more aware of how their actions affect others.
“The impossible design did not indicate any fat people. It’s like you guys, you are leaving us out,” he said.
“As a leader, you need to read the environment. You need to look at your surroundings.”
Panellists reminded students that leadership is not about having all the answers, but being willing to ask the right questions.
From navigating young love to chasing big dreams, the summit struck a chord with many in attendance, showing how empowering it can be when teens show up for themselves.
The event also featured performances from Mpoma Girls School, whose dance choreography brought energy, grace and confidence to the stage.
As the conversations continue beyond the summit, the message remained clear: the future is bright, and Uganda’s young people are ready to lead with purpose, empathy and ambition.
