Minister Judith Nabakooba has encouraged school girls to dream big and look up to powerful female leaders around the world if they want to achieve success in life.
She made these remarks while officiating as the Chief Guest at the Inter-House Cultural Competitions held at St Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School in Mityana District on June 28. The minister urged the learners to believe in themselves and understand that they all have the potential to become strong leaders in their communities and beyond.
She told the students never to allow anyone to limit their ambitions, stressing that education, discipline, faith, and hard work can open doors to great opportunities. According to her, young girls should always stay focused and be inspired by women who have made history through leadership and courage.
During her speech, she was impressed that the school houses were named after influential women who have shaped the world. These included Angela Merkel, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Oprah Winfrey, and Rosa Parks. She said these women are strong examples of leadership, resilience, and courage.
The minister noted that if students learn from such role models, they will grow into responsible and impactful leaders who can transform society. She added that education is not only about passing exams but also about shaping character and building a better future.
The cultural event was full of energy and creativity, as students participated in activities such as traditional dances, poetry, cultural songs, dressing styles, and local food presentations. The learners showed teamwork, talent, and pride in their cultural identity, reminding everyone that culture plays an important role in shaping who we are.
The Executive Director of the school, Ms Sylvia Namabidde, said the institution carefully chose its house names to inspire students with examples of great women leaders. She also revealed that many students admire Minister Nabakooba for her leadership journey, from her time in the police force to becoming a minister and Member of Parliament.
The school headteacher, Ms Diana Kasumba, said the school has grown over the past 16 years and now has an enrollment of about 750 students. She also shared plans to build a multi-storey structure to improve learning conditions for the students.
Awards were given to outstanding performers in different cultural activities, including mattresses, blankets, bedsheets, and certificates. Both teaching and non-teaching staff were also recognized for their dedication and good performance.
The event was not only a celebration of culture but also a powerful moment of inspiration, as students were reminded to believe in themselves, work hard, and follow the footsteps of great women leaders across the world.
