Namataba, Mukono– The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mukono, Hajjati Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka, has called upon girls still in school to remain focused on their education and not allow anyone to play with their lives or derail their future.
Hajjati Ndisaba made these remarks while officiating at the celebrations and commemorations of the International Day of the Girl Child held at St. Theresa Namagunga Girls Boarding Primary School in Namataba Town Council. The event brought together girls from various government and private schools across Mukono District under the theme “Empowering the Girl Child for a Sustainable Future.”
The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated globally every 11th October, aims to create awareness, inspire positive change, and facilitate discussions on the challenges faced by girls in society.
The Resident District Commissioner of Mykonos was welcomed by Ms. Alowo Eunice Evelyn, the Clerk to Council, representing the Chief Administrative Officer Ms. Elizabeth Namanda, District Inspector of Schools Mr. Mawanda Robert Humphrey representing the District Education Officer Mr. Rashid Kikomeko, school inspectors, and head teachers from different institutions.
The celebrations began with a Holy Mass led by Rev. Fr. Clement Richard Bakaki, who encouraged the girls to set clear goals for their lives and avoid distractions from young men, especially boda boda riders, who could ruin their future.
He urged them to seek God’s guidance and blessings to achieve their dreams, emphasizing that the nation has high expectations of them.
Teachers on the Gender Committee at the event read a joint statement committing to supporting the education and empowerment of girls.
They emphasized the need to equip girls with both academic and practical skills, provide scholastic materials, and prepare them to fight poverty through self-reliance. They also pledged to teach without discrimination and to ensure girls access quality education and proper mentorship.
Ms. Anita Namayanja, one of the District School Inspectors and Gender in Education focal person, appealed to parents to fulfill their responsibilities by providing for their daughters and working hand in hand with teachers.
She encouraged teachers to promote a positive learning environment that inspires girls to value education and pursue their dreams confidently.
Mr. Katamba Fred, the Town Clerk of Namataba Town Council, noted that the education sector in the area has greatly improved, especially in government schools such as Namataba Church of Uganda Primary School.
He urged parents to engage their children in meaningful discussions and avoid leaving them idle at home watching television or spending too much time on phones, stressing that the greatest inheritance parents can give is education.
Mr. Mawanda Robert Humphrey, the District Inspector of Schools, emphasized that teachers should focus not only on delivering knowledge but also on ensuring learners understand and apply it.
He advised girls to uphold their dignity, work hard, and use education as a foundation for self-reliance.
Meanwhile, Dr. Blessing Namara, a psychologist from Afro Mothers Uganda, explained that their organization is focusing on empowering the girl child because many have historically been denied a voice in society.
She encouraged girls to grow in wisdom, confidence, and moral strength, saying empowerment begins with self-awareness and education.
In her closing remarks, RDC Hajjati Fatuma Ndisaba reaffirmed her commitment to championing the rights and welfare of girls in Mukono District.
She reminded the students that their future lies in their hands and urged them to remain disciplined, focused, and prayerful.
“Add value to your life while you are still young. Education is your foundation for success do not allow anyone to play with your life. Stay focused so that you can achieve your dreams and become responsible citizens in the future,” said RDC Ndisaba.
