Kampala Serena Set to Host 14th enjuba National Spelling Bee Grand Finale

Excitement is at an all-time high as the 14th enjuba National Spelling Bee reaches its climax this Saturday. A total of 353 pupils representing 12 districts have advanced through rigorous preliminary rounds to battle for top honors at the Kampala Serena Hotel.

This year’s edition introduces an expanded format designed to emphasize early literacy. Organisers have reintroduced a dedicated junior category for children aged six to eight, spanning Primary One to Primary Three. Alongside this sits the senior category for learners aged nine to 12. William Mukisa, enjuba’s chief literacy officer, explained that targeting younger children helps cultivate strong reading and vocabulary habits right from the start of their schooling.

The preliminary stages, which included intense challenges at Next Media Park for Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono participants, tested spellers through innovative methods. Junior contestants tackled picture-based word identification and missing letter puzzles, while older children handled complex spelling and word-meaning tasks. The competition enforces a strict one-chance elimination rule, leaving zero margin for error.

Educators accompanying the participants praised the event for fostering practical learning and boosting public speaking confidence. Sadiq Magumba, a teacher at Mirembe Junior School, noted that the visual challenges for juniors highlight the value of practical teaching methods. Meanwhile, Phiona Kamugisha of Good Times Infant School emphasized that the contest helps children overcome stage fright and develop lasting self-esteem.

Organised by enjuba—a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing reading instruction and distributing culturally relevant storybooks—the spelling bee aims to instill a lifelong reading culture across Uganda. Following Saturday’s quarter-finals and final showdowns at Victoria Hall, winners will be crowned once official television production broadcasts are finalized, according to Nile Post Enjuba Spelling Bee Final Set for Saturday as 353 Pupils Compete.