Schoolgirls have been encouraged to overcome self-doubt and societal limitations, with the Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Mityana District Woman Member of Parliament, Judith Nabakooba, urging them to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
Addressing students during the Inter-House Cultural Competitions at St. Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School in Mityana over the weekend, Nabakooba said every girl has the potential to become a leader if she remains committed to education, discipline, faith and hard work.
“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,” Nabakooba told the students.
She challenged the learners to draw inspiration from women whose leadership, courage and resilience have left a lasting impact on the world, saying their achievements demonstrate that girls can rise to positions of influence regardless of their backgrounds.
Nabakooba applauded the school for naming its four houses after renowned women leaders and global figures — former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, American media personality Oprah Winfrey and American civil rights icon 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,” she said.
She said the determination, resilience and courage displayed by the four women should inspire students to become agents of change in their communities and beyond.
The cultural competition featured traditional music and dance, poetry, local cuisine and cultural attire, with students showcasing creativity, teamwork and appreciation of Uganda’s diverse heritage.
School Executive Director Sylvia Namabidde said the decision to name the houses after accomplished women was deliberate, aimed at encouraging learners to dream bigger and aspire for greatness.
“You are a good example of a resilient leader whose actions have been felt and seen. When I asked the girls whom they wanted as the chief guest for this function, they mentioned your name,” Namabidde told Nabakooba.
Headteacher Diana Kasumba said the school, which has grown to about 750 students over the past 16 years, is planning to construct a multi-storey classroom block to expand its learning facilities.
During the event, Nabakooba received a special award in recognition of her leadership and service, while outstanding students and staff members were honoured for excellence and dedication.
