First Lady meets Commonwealth essay winner, pledges support

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The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, on Tuesday hosted Victor Kiyaga, who emerged Runner-up in the 2024 Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, one of the world's most prestigious writing contests.  

Led by Patricia Kabuleta, Minister Counsellor at the Uganda High Commission in London, Kiyaga is a Primary Seven pupil of Namilyango Junior Boys School in Mukono District, was accompanied by his mother, Harriet Nakitende and class teacher Moses Kibuuka.

During his meeting with the First Lady on Tuesday, August 26, the 13-year-old proudly presented to Mrs Museveni a copy of his winning essay and two books, "The Little Birds" and "Anastasia", recently authored by his school's Writing Club.  The second book was launched on August 23, at Theatre La Bonita in Kampala.

A release from her office states that the First Lady praised Victor's achievement and commended his talent, his school's unique writing program, and his fluent expression at such a young age.

She pledged to support both his education and his school's ICT initiative. "Victor, I want you to write me a letter in your own words about fundraising for your school's computers, and we will support you. I assure you we shall support you to continue with your secondary education. You are already doing very well, and we will make sure you are not left behind," Mrs Museveni said.

Mrs Museveni encouraged Ugandan children to embrace reading and writing as tools for building both academic excellence and national pride.

In his remarks, Kiyaga expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity to meet the First Lady.

"Many children do not get this opportunity. This is my first time at the State House, and everything looks so beautiful. Winning this competition after my predecessor, Ethan Charles Mufuma, in 2021 shows that Uganda has talent, and we want to inspire many children to believe in themselves," he said.

Kiyaga appealed for support for his school's computer laboratory project, explaining that Namilyango Junior Boys' needs sh250 million to fully equip its new ICT centre, but had raised only sh10 million during their book launch. He also requested sponsorship for his secondary education, revealing that he has been relying on annual academic bursaries awarded by his school to top-performing pupils.

"I have written a letter requesting support for the computers and attached my essay. I kindly also ask for your support so that I can continue with my studies after Primary Seven," Kiyaga said.

Relatedly, Kibuuka praised the First Lady for encouraging creative writing, explaining that the school's curriculum emphasises imagination and authorship from an early age.

“We began nurturing children to create meaning, not just answer questions. This has produced global winners like Ethan in 2021 and now Victor in 2024. We also run a writing club where pupils generate books and plays to tell stories that reflect society,” Kibuuka said.

He commended Kabuleta at the High Commission in London, whom he said consistently ensures that Ugandan winners attend international award ceremonies in the UK.

Kiyaga's mother, Harriet Nakitende, thanked the First Lady for her leadership and encouragement of young talent.

"Mama, I thank God who made you Minister of Education in this season. We see many positive things happening under your guidance. Thank you for recognising the talents of our children," she said.