Buganda Kingdom Advocates for Indigenous Languages in Ugandan Education

Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, the Buganda Kingdom Minister for Social Services, has voiced a strong appeal for increased emphasis on indigenous languages in Uganda’s schools. She believes this is crucial for preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Speaking at the Baganda Nkobazambogo Association’s leadership handover ceremony at Lubiri High School, Minister Nakate encouraged Members of Parliament to support Buganda’s curriculum review proposals. Key among these are prioritizing indigenous language instruction, ensuring students learn their local history, and making agriculture and livestock farming mandatory due to their economic significance.

The kingdom’s intention behind these recommendations is to foster stronger cultural values, traditions, and a more robust national identity through educational reforms. Minister Nakate also addressed the newly elected student leaders, urging them to maintain the association’s weekly meetings as vital platforms for discussing student issues and aligning with the kingdom’s vision.

She further advised the student leaders to adopt innovative and modern leadership practices to engage more students and enhance the association’s standards and accountability. The minister emphasized that leadership transitions signify Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s trust in the youth to shape their future.

Lubiri High School’s headteacher, Immaculate Nampijja, highlighted how the Nkobazambogo Association cultivates leadership skills through practical activities. The school sees this initiative as instrumental in building student confidence, public speaking, and overall personal development. The association has been active for 27 years.