LUKWAGO BIDS FAREWELL TO LEARNERS AT READING EVENT, URGES PROTECTION OF SCHOOL LAND

There was a mix of excitement and emotion at Kitante Primary School on Tuesday as the Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago joined pupils for a reading session, marking what he said would be his last participation in the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day as Lord Mayor.

The event, held under the theme “Creating Hope Through Reading,” is part of a week-long initiative by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) aimed at promoting a strong reading culture among young learners.

Seated among thousands of attentive pupils, Lukwago read from a children’s book titled “The Wise King,” urging learners to embrace reading as a pathway to success.

“Trust yourselves. Have hope that you can make it. Read hard, because reading will make you great,” he said.

The Lord Mayor, whose term ends in May, used the occasion to bid farewell to the learners, drawing cheers and waves from pupils as he walked away after the session.

KCCA oversees 2,335 schools, including 79 public schools. However, Lukwago noted that many of the authority’s schools are facing land wrangles, which threaten their development.

“If we need to develop, we must protect school land,” he said. “As my time comes to an end, this is a fight that must continue.”

At Kitante Primary School, the challenges are evident. The school has about 3,600 pupils and operates with a teacher-to-pupil ratio of approximately 1:170.

Despite this, the school leadership emphasized the importance of reading in shaping learners’ futures.

“Reading is key in education. Books open doors to knowledge,” said headteacher Kyakuwa Mugisha. “We must develop a lifelong love for reading and learning.”

Pupils also expressed appreciation for the support they receive. Emmanuella Akol, a Primary Six pupil, said access to books and learning materials has helped expand their understanding of the world.

“Books open our minds, build our knowledge and a better future. We want to become leaders of tomorrow,” she said, thanking KCCA, teachers and parents for supporting schools with reading materials and libraries.

Nasur Rwamagana, a member of the school management committee, commended Lukwago for his contribution to the development of Kampala and the education sector.

KCCA is observing DEAR Week from March 16 to 19, with activities including mentorship visits to schools, reading sessions and donation of books to support libraries.

The week will climax on Thursday with a directorate quiz competition bringing together participants from different KCCA divisions.

Educationists say initiatives such as DEAR Week are critical in nurturing a reading culture among children, which is essential for improving literacy, building confidence and enhancing academic performance.

D.E.A.R. Day, is an annual celebration that is intended for everyone to dedicate a significant period during the day to reading. The national day celebrated on March 15, exists to promote the continued growth of a positive reading culture.

For many learners at Kitante, Tuesday’s event was more than just a reading session, it was a reminder that within the pages of a book lies the power to shape their future.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer