The air was electric with intelligence and creativity last Sunday. Lakeside College Luzira, Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga, and St. Maria Goretti SS Katende emerged as the top performers at the recently concluded Central Region Grand Inter-Schools’ Contest. This inaugural event brought together ten schools from across central Uganda. Students battled in three main categories: Essay Writing, Public Speaking, and Poetry.
The competition was more than just a contest. It was a platform for young minds to voice their opinions on national matters. The event took place on Sunday, 29th March, at Lakeside College Luzira in Kampala. The atmosphere was filled with sharp rhetoric and thoughtful expression, marking a successful start to what promises to be a lasting tradition.
Lakeside College Luzira Claims Top Honors in Grand Inter-Schools’ Contest Public Speaking Track
Lakeside College Luzira proved to be a formidable force on their home ground in the inaugural Grand Inter-Schools’ Contest. The school walked away with two major trophies from the event. Their biggest achievement was topping the Public Speaking track. Students from the school delivered powerful speeches with confidence and clarity, impressing the judges and the audience alike.
In addition to their victory in Public Speaking, Lakeside College also secured a second-place finish in the Essay Writing track. This double achievement highlighted the school’s well-rounded academic strength. Their performance set a high standard for the other participating schools. The victory was a proud moment for the students and faculty of the host school.
Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga Excels in Essay Writing at the Grand Inter-Schools’ Contest
Meanwhile, Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga demonstrated exceptional writing skills. They secured the coveted first-place position in the Essay Writing Track. The students expressed their opinions on national matters with depth and insight. Their ability to articulate complex ideas on paper earned them the top prize.
The Essay Writing competition was fierce. However, the students from Namagunga stood out for their critical thinking. They tackled the theme with a unique perspective, showcasing their understanding of Uganda’s future. Their victory added another accolade to the school’s history of academic excellence.
St. Maria Goretti SS Katende Wins Poetry Trophy
The art of spoken word was celebrated by St. Maria Goretti SS Katende. They scooped the Poetry Trophy, captivating the audience with rhythm and emotion. Their performance was a highlight of the day, demonstrating that poetry remains a powerful tool for expression.
The Poetry track allowed students to blend creativity with rhetoric. St. Maria Goretti’s students used their voices to paint pictures and evoke feelings. Their success proved that talent in the arts is just as important as academic skill. They left the stage with a well-deserved trophy and a wave of applause.
Grand Inter-Schools’ Contest As a Platform for Student Voices Across Central Uganda
The event was organized by The Platform Uganda, a rising education-centered organization. Their goal was to amplify student voices in national matters. The contest brought together a diverse group of schools from across the region. Other notable schools in attendance included Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, Bishop Cipriano Kihangire SS, and Good Hope Divine SS.
Furthermore, the lineup featured Brainset HS, Mother Kevin College Mabiira, and the Our Lady of Africa Schools in Mukono and Namilyango. In total, about 100 students competed in the various tracks. Additionally, another 150 observers attended to support their peers. The large turnout created a vibrant and supportive environment for all.
Students Rewarded for Excellence and Talent
The winners did not only leave with trophies and glory. Individual top students walked away with plaques, cash prizes, wall clocks, and medals. These prizes highlighted their exceptionalism and hard work. The awards served as a tangible reward for the effort they put into preparation.
The rewards were structured to encourage high performance. The winner in the Essay Writing Track received a cash prize of 150,000 Ugandan shillings. They also received a plaque, a framed certificate, a medal, and a trophy for their school. The first runner-up received similar items along with a cash prize of 100,000 Ugandan shillings. Meanwhile, the second runner-up got 80,000 shillings, and the third-place winner received 50,000 Ugandan shillings.
A Vision for the Future of Education In Uganda
The event was held under the theme “A Better Uganda is Possible: What the New Government Should Focus on.” This theme was chosen to encourage students to think critically about their country’s future. It aimed at building their articulation and communication skills. The goal was to move beyond textbooks and engage with real-world issues.
Mr. Edison Masereka, the Event Convener and Executive Director of The Platform Uganda, shared his thoughts on the success. He noted that the competition achieved its purpose. He added that the next chapter is going down to the different regions of the country. This means more students across Uganda will get the chance to participate in the same competition.
The overall impact of the event was significant. Students were inspired to work harder. They were awarded for their excellence, and their talents were nurtured. Events like this show that investing in student skills is key to national development. The Platform Uganda has set a strong foundation for future editions.
