Mituba 2 Nabweru Sub-county in Kyaddondo has organized a vibrant cultural competition for primary school children, aiming to preserve Uganda’s heritage while teaching environmental conservation through creative expression.
The event, held at Bat Valley Theatre in Kampala, brought together pupils from across the sub-county to showcase music, dance, drama, and innovative presentations.
Titled the “Tourism Prince and Princess Primary Schools Pageant,” the competition centered on the theme “Preserving the Environment Through Promoting Culture and Tradition.”
Organizers explained that the initiative seeks to help young children connect with their cultural roots while learning the value of sustainable practices.
Minister for Culture Anthony Wamala praised the sub-county for leveraging culture to promote environmental awareness, urging communities to use local resources responsibly.
“We must use the resources around us wisely to protect our beautiful environment,” he said.
“Teaching children early ensures they understand that even plastics can be recycled into useful products. The Kingdom’s ‘Kaccupa’ initiative demonstrates how waste can generate income.”
He also emphasized the importance of nurturing creativity and innovation among school children.
“We want to move from rote learning to creative thinking. Children should learn to innovate by transforming plastics into useful items that can sustain them,” Wamala added, encouraging parents to raise confident and hardworking children capable of achieving great success.
Deputy County Chief Bakulu Mpagi Ronald lauded the organizers for promoting the Luganda language, noting that encouraging children to perform in their mother tongue helps preserve cultural identity.
“It is encouraging to see our children celebrating their culture. This is how we protect our identity as a people,” he said.
Princess Mariam Ndagire, Sub-county Chief of Mituba 2 Nabweru, described the event as part of a broader effort to revive traditional values and instill pride in cultural heritage among the young generation.
She announced that the Tourism and Cultural Competitions for Children will now become an annual event, enabling more schools to participate.
The competition concluded with the crowning of winners. Mayanja Shaban Ssemujja from Vintage House Infant and Primary School, Kawanda, was named Tourism Prince, while Kabazzi Daphine Mary from St. Lawrence Primary School, Kagoma, earned the Tourism Princess title.
The event highlighted how culture, education, and environmental awareness can combine to nurture a more innovative and culturally conscious generation of Ugandans.