KAMPALA,Uganda– The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, has lauded Makerere College School for its strong commitment to promoting Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD), saying the initiative equips students with vital life skills such as creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, self-confidence, and discipline.
Dr. Turyagyenda made the remarks while officiating the 2025 Makerere College School Music, Dance, and Drama Performing Arts (MAPA) Inter-House Competitions held at the Makerere University main sports grounds.
This year’s theme, “Inspiring Team Commitments, Consolidating the Benefits of the Competence-Based Curriculum,” underscored the role of performing arts in shaping holistic, skill-based education.
The lively and colorful competition saw Bikangaga House emerge victorious, collecting 920 points to lift the 2025 MAPA trophy. Africa House and Lumumba House followed closely in the competitive rankings.
Dr. Turyagyenda emphasized that the performing arts are critical in identifying and nurturing talent, contributing to what she termed an “education of the heart, hands, and mind”—a key element in producing well-rounded professionals.
She expressed concern that only a handful of schools in the Kampala Metropolitan area actively integrate performing arts into their curricula, despite it being a government-mandated component of the competency-based education policy.
“All schools must implement this policy without exception,” she stressed. “Makerere College School sets a great example. Other institutions should follow suit by investing in performing arts. This is not optional—it’s a compulsory directive, and non-compliance may attract sanctions.”
Addressing female students, Dr. Turyagyenda urged them to value their worth and resist any negative influences that might derail their future, encouraging them to remain focused and resilient.
The school’s headmaster, Dr. Martin Muyingo, credited the school’s board of governors, administration, and parents for their unwavering moral and financial support in implementing the competency-based education framework.
“Our student population has grown significantly—from 2,635 in 2024 to 3,005 currently—reflecting the trust and confidence that parents have in our institution,” he said.
Dr. Milton Wabyona, an adjudicator from the Makerere University School of Music, called for nationwide enforcement of the performing arts policy, noting its foundational role in human development.
“Every profession—whether engineering, architecture, mathematics, or accounting—stems from the creative reasoning and thinking cultivated through the performing arts,” Dr. Wabyona remarked.
