Education experts have called for increased emphasis on co-curricular activities in schools, saying they are critical in helping learners discover talents and prepare for life beyond academics.
The call was made during inter-house Music, Dance and Drama (MDD) competitions at Mengo Senior School where students showcased skills in music, drama and poetry.
Speaking at the event, the head teacher of Mengo SS , Grace Nantaja Ssebanakita said schools must go beyond classroom teaching and support learners to identify and develop their natural abilities.
“We are holding these competitions to ensure that learners do not only focus on academics, but also discover the gifts that God gave them,” she said.
Mr Ssebanakita noted that talent development is a shared responsibility among parents, teachers and government, adding that many learners’ future livelihoods may depend on their abilities outside academics.
“It is our duty to ensure that these gifts are developed. Some of these children will survive based on their talents—some will become musicians, footballers or artists,” He said.
He , however, raised concern over limited parental involvement in learners’ education.
“Many parents drop children at school and leave everything to teachers. When learners return home, parents should take interest in what they are doing and support them because success requires joint effort,” he said.
The deputy head teacher in charge of co-curricular activities, Mugerwa Jeremiah, said education should not be limited to academic performance.
Jeremiah Mugerwa, explained that eight houses participated in the competition: Musisi, Bunjo, Busuulwa, Sempa, Nsubuga, Luboyera, George, Kennedy, and Armitage
“Life goes beyond books. If a learner is not doing well academically, they can still succeed through their talents,” he said.
Mr Mugerwa added that co-curricular activities help develop learners holistically.
“We train their cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains so that they can earn a living not only from academics but also from their talents,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Cornan Businge from Victoria University Kampala said the global job market is increasingly demanding creative skills.
“The world of work is changing due to automation and artificial intelligence. Skills such as creativity, communication and collaboration are becoming more important, and MDD helps develop them,” he said.
He added that Uganda’s creative sector has potential to create jobs but remains underdeveloped.
“If properly supported, the country can move from consuming content to producing and exporting it,” Mr Busingye said.
At the end of the competition, George emerged the winner with 612 points. Luboyera came second with 611 points, Nsubuga finished third with 596 points, Sempa was fourth with 595 points, and Armitage took fifth place with 592 points.