Mubiru emphasized that Uganda’s rich cultural diversity, spanning more than 40 ethnic groups should be embraced within schools to strengthen social cohesion.
School administrators have been encouraged to create space for students to learn, practice, and celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds as a way of nurturing unity, tolerance, and personal growth.
The call was made by Apollo Mubiru, the East Buganda Field Director in charge of Adventist Men and Communication, during Sabbath prayers at Hilton High School located at Bukasa village in Nakisunga sub-county in Mukono district. The event marked the climax of the Buganda Region Week of Service.
Mubiru emphasized that Uganda’s rich cultural diversity, spanning more than 40 ethnic groups should be embraced within schools to strengthen social cohesion.
“Allowing students to learn and practice their cultures improves interpersonal relationships, promotes tolerance, reduces stereotypes, and builds self-confidence,” he said. “It also fosters national unity and helps preserve our unique heritage by encouraging appreciation of diversity.”
During the Week of Service, students from the Buganda region took the lead in organizing daily morning and evening prayers, while also showcasing their cultural traditions, customs, and values to the wider school community.
Jerusha Namaato, a member of the Njovu clan, described the week as both educational and celebratory.
“We climax the week by leading Sabbath prayers dressed in our traditional attire, with girls clad in gomesi and boys in kanzus,” she said. “We also prepare traditional meals like luwombo and share them with fellow students, teachers, and guests. It’s a great opportunity to learn and teach others about our culture.”
In his sermon, Mubiru urged students to combine academic success with strong moral values, particularly integrity.
“Even if you achieve first-class degrees, without integrity you may have wasted your parents’ investment,” he cautioned. “Integrity is what defines a truly educated person and enables you to progress in life.”
The headteacher, Gordon Katimba, noted that the cultural program goes beyond traditions, giving students leadership roles throughout the week.
“Students lead prayers and activities, and in the process, they learn to respect not only their own cultures but also those of others,” he said. “With learners and staff from different regions and even neighboring countries, this program helps us celebrate diversity throughout the year.”
Katimba added that schools play a critical role in bringing together people from varied backgrounds, making cultural learning an important complement to academics and co-curricular activities.
Another student, Chynthia Bangi, praised the initiative for reconnecting learners with their roots.
“It helps us reflect on traditions practiced by our grandparents and understand their importance today,” she said.
The event was also attended by cultural leaders from Kyaggwe County, including Patrick Ssekabembe and Raymond Paul Ssebaggala, who commended the school for promoting unity in diversity.
They applauded the initiative as a model for other institutions, noting that embracing cultural heritage in schools is key to building a more cohesive and inclusive society.
