Mpuuga reiterated the importance of unity among Ugandans, noting that national development can only be achieved when people learn to live and work together regardless of their cultural backgrounds.
By Fred Muzaale
Schools across the country have been urged to embrace Music, Dance and Drama (MDD) as a way of promoting unity and cultural appreciation among learners from different tribes.
The call was made by Constantine Mpuuga, the headteacher of Namilyango College in Mukono Municipality while presiding over his school’s 2026 Music, Dance and Drama competition on March 7.
Mpuuga said co-curricular activities such as MDD play a key role in helping learners appreciate different cultures, languages and traditions found across the country.
“As a school, we know very well that by holding MDD competitions we are not wasting time. Through MDD, we teach learners love, respect for each other’s cultures and the spirit of supporting one another,” he said.
The competition was held under the theme “Let us run with determination the race that God has set before us.”
Students competed through their respective houses, including Campling, Mukasa, Doyle, Heweston, McKee, Biermans, Kiwanuka, Kuipers, Hanlon, Reensick, Charles Lwanga and Billington.
Participants showcased a wide range of performances such as folk songs, traditional dances, original compositions, mimes, poems and western pieces drawn from different regions of Uganda, highlighting the country’s rich cultural diversity.
Agnes Mugoya Namiiro, the chairperson of the organising committee, said the students put up impressive performances despite having a limited time for training and rehearsals.
She also commended parents for their continued support to the school, noting that their involvement has contributed greatly to the institution’s success in both academic and co-curricular activities.
Mpuuga reiterated the importance of unity among Ugandans, noting that national development can only be achieved when people learn to live and work together regardless of their cultural backgrounds.
At the end of the competition, McKee House emerged the overall winner with 523 points, narrowly beating Mukasa House which scored 520 points. Kiwanuka House finished third with 489 points, while Doyle House, the 2025 champion, finished seventh with 440 points.
The winning house was awarded a bull, while the second-placed house received three goats and the third-placed house two goats.
Adrian Sserubiri, the patron of McKee House, attributed their victory to teamwork and unity among members of the house.
He said the promise of winning a bull motivated the students to work harder and expressed optimism that the house would continue excelling in other co-curricular activities.