Hon. Judith Nabakooba, the Woman Member of Parliament for Mityana District and Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, has called on schoolgirls to take inspiration from some of the world’s most accomplished women, saying determination, discipline, and education can turn even the biggest dreams into reality.
Nabakooba made the call while officiating at the Inter-House Cultural Competitions at St. Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School in Mityana over the weekend, where she encouraged the learners to believe in their abilities and prepare themselves for leadership.
“Never allow anyone to tell you that your dreams are too big. With education, discipline, faith, and hard work, there is no limit to what you can achieve,” she said.
The minister praised the school administration for naming its four houses after internationally respected women whose achievements continue to inspire generations of young people.
The houses are named after former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, American media entrepreneur Oprah Winfrey, and American civil rights activist Rosa Parks.
“I was pleased to learn that the four houses are named after outstanding women who have changed the world through leadership and courage,” Nabakooba said.
She urged the students to embrace the resilience, courage, and leadership qualities exhibited by the four women, noting that these values would empower them to become agents of change in their communities and beyond.
The colourful competitions featured poetry, traditional songs and dances, cultural dress, preparation of local dishes, and other activities aimed at promoting cultural heritage and nurturing students’ talents.
Learners displayed remarkable creativity, teamwork, and confidence, with performances highlighting the importance of preserving culture as a source of identity, history, and national pride.
The Executive Director of the school, Sylvia Namabidde, said the institution deliberately chose the names of the four women to provide students with role models whose lives demonstrate the power of resilience, excellence, and service.
Namabidde said many students have admired Nabakooba since her time in the Uganda Police Force and continue to regard her as a symbol of determination and hard work.
“You are a good example of a resilient leader whose actions have been felt and seen. When I asked the girls who they wanted to invite as the chief guest for this function, they all mentioned your name,” she said.
She added that her dream is to build St. Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School into an internationally recognised institution that produces competent, disciplined, and influential young women capable of excelling both in Uganda and abroad.
Headteacher Diana Kasumba said the school, which has been operating for the past 16 years, has grown to an enrolment of 750 students.
She also disclosed plans to construct a multi-storey building to create additional learning space and provide a more conducive environment for students.
Teacher and national adjudicator Kevin Kyeswa rewarded outstanding performers and guided participants on improving their cultural presentations. He encouraged students to remain authentic by observing proper cultural practices in their dressing, language, food preparation, and overall presentation.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of an award to Nabakooba in recognition of her exemplary leadership and dedicated service as the Woman Member of Parliament for Mityana District and Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development.
Outstanding students were rewarded with mattresses, bedsheets, blankets, and certificates, while teaching and non-teaching staff were also honoured for their outstanding commitment and service to the school.
