The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged nursery and primary schools to invest in qualified teachers and safe learning facilities, saying the foundation for producing responsible and productive citizens begins in early childhood.
Mayiga made the remarks on Saturday at BackBay Primary School in Kira-Kitukutwe, where he officially opened the institution.
“ The people who will contribute meaningfully to the development of our country must be prepared well, starting with the foundation they receive in nursery and primary school,” Mayiga said.
He arrived at the school at 11am and was welcomed by the Katikkiro of Busoga, Dr Joseph Muvawala, and other dignitaries. He later visited classrooms, interacted with pupils and toured the school’s facilities before officially opening the institution.
The function was preceded by a Holy Mass led by Rev. Fr Jude Makanga, the Archbishop’s representative in Wakiso.
During his sermon, Makanga urged parents not to deny their children educational opportunities out of the mistaken belief that taking them to school would spoil them.
“Parents should not look at educating their children as spoiling them. Education is essential in preparing children for a better future,” he said.
Mayiga described education as a key driver of national development and called on the government to create conditions that would enable children from financially disadvantaged families to access schooling.
“The development of this country depends greatly on education. Government should create an environment in which even parents who cannot afford school fees can find ways to educate their children,” he said.
The Katikkiro also urged school proprietors to ensure that their buildings meet the required standards and provide safe, suitable environments for learning.
“Those establishing schools must ensure that the buildings meet the required standards and provide learners with a suitable environment in which to study,” he said.
He further emphasised the need for nursery and primary schools to employ competent teachers capable of giving children a strong educational foundation and preparing them to become responsible citizens.
“We must give our children the right foundation by providing them with qualified teachers who can guide them and prepare them to become responsible citizens,” Mayiga said.
The Buganda Kingdom Minister of Education, Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, also attended the function alongside other kingdom officials.
The school’s Principal, Margaret Mukobe, congratulated pupils, teachers and parents on the establishment of the school, pledging to provide quality education and nurture well-rounded learners.
“We congratulate our pupils, teachers and parents on this milestone. We are committed to providing quality education and nurturing learners who will excel academically and develop into responsible members of society,” Mukobe said.
Mayiga was accompanied by Nakate Kikomeko, Noah Kiyimba, a minister responsible for cabinet and key affairs in the Katikkiro’s Office, and other invited guests.
