The Woman Member of Parliament for Mityana District and Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, has encouraged schoolgirls to emulate some of the world’s most influential female leaders as they pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Nabakooba made the remarks during the Inter-House Cultural Competitions held over the weekend at St. Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School in Mityana, where she challenged the students to believe in their abilities and strive for excellence.
She urged the girls to look up to accomplished women leaders across the world, noting that leadership is attainable for anyone who is determined, disciplined, and committed to 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 said.
The Minister praised the school’s decision to name its four houses after distinguished women whose leadership and achievements have left a lasting impact on society.
The houses are named after former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf—the first elected female Head of State in Africa—American media mogul Oprah Winfrey, and renowned 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,” she said.
According to Nabakooba, the values embodied by these iconic women—including resilience, determination, courage, and integrity—should inspire young girls to become future leaders capable of transforming their communities and nations.
The cultural competitions featured poetry recitals, traditional songs and dances, cultural dress presentations, local cuisine exhibitions, and other performances that highlighted Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
Students demonstrated exceptional creativity, teamwork, confidence, and talent throughout the competitions. The activities also underscored the importance of preserving culture as a source of identity, history, and a foundation for future generations.
The Executive Director of St. Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School, Sylvia Namabidde, said the naming of the school houses was intentional, reflecting the school’s commitment to raising girls who will become influential and impactful leaders.
She noted that many students have admired Nabakooba since her days in the Uganda Police Force, describing her as a role model whose resilience and dedication have inspired many young girls.
“You are a good example of a resilient leader whose actions have been felt and seen. When I asked the girls whom they wanted to invite as the chief guest for this function, they unanimously mentioned your name,” Namabidde said.
She added that when she founded the school, she envisioned an institution that would gain international recognition for producing competent, confident, and responsible young women capable of making meaningful contributions both in Uganda and beyond.
School headteacher Diana Kasumba said the institution, which has now existed for 16 years, currently enrolls about 750 students.
Kasumba also disclosed plans to construct a multi-storey classroom block to provide a more conducive learning environment for the growing student population.
Outstanding participants were recognised by national adjudicator and teacher Mr. Kevin Kyeswa, who also guided learners on areas requiring improvement.
He encouraged students to maintain authenticity whenever presenting aspects of traditional culture by paying close attention to their dressing, preparation of local dishes, language, and overall presentation.
At the conclusion of the event, Hon. Nabakooba received a special award from the school in recognition of her exemplary leadership and dedicated service as Woman Member of Parliament for Mityana District and Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development.
Outstanding students received prizes, including mattresses, bedsheets, blankets, and certificates, while both teaching and non-teaching staff were also honoured for their dedication and outstanding service.
