Rukiga, Uganda – Rukiga District schools have displayed outstanding artistic prowess during the Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) competitions, showcasing the cultural wealth and performance skills of students throughout the District.
More than ten schools, having triumphed in zonal preliminaries, competed in the district finals, where young performers displayed remarkable stagecraft, blending educational themes into their artistic acts.
The qualifying institutions for the district championship comprised: Kicucwe, Rukiga, Noozi, Rwamucucu, Kihanga Boys, Muhanga Kitaburaza, Nyabireerema, Bwirambere, Katungu, and Kigara Primary Schools.
During the climactic event hosted at Bukinda Core PTC on August 5, 2025, Rukiga Primary School claimed a decisive victory with 995 points.
Kihanga Boys Primary School secured second position with 948 points, earning the distinction of advancing with the champions to represent the district at Kabale’s regional showdown.
The complete ranking revealed: Kicucwe (912 points) in third position; Muhanga Kitaburaza (901 points) in fourth; followed by Nyabireerema (851), Katungu (836), Noozi (773), Rwamucucu (739), Bwirambere (655), and Kigara (622) Primary Schools.
Christopher Ndyabegyera, Rukiga District’s Principal Inspector of Schools, reaffirmed the education department’s commitment to nurturing such talent platforms.
He clarified that MDD activities, as structured co-curricular components, complement rather than disrupt formal education schedules.
“These competitions receive our full endorsement as they’re strategically scheduled within the academic framework, and the district will ensure comprehensive support for schools progressing to higher competition tiers,” Ndyabegyera stated.
The government’s dedication to comprehensive education manifests through specific funding mechanisms 30% of termly capitation grants are reserved for co-curricular programming.
Districts additionally receive annual allocations of UGX 30 million for extracurricular activities, plus a dedicated UGX 10 million for MDD initiatives.
Robert Baguma, UPSSA Chairperson for Rukiga District, reported rigorous preparations among the 71 participating institutions, with the ten finalists demonstrating exceptional merit.
Assistant RDC Gibs Barigayomwe, representing the District Commissioner’s office, praised students for effectively communicating vital social messages regarding public health and civil registration through their performances.
He guaranteed ongoing institutional support for MDD programs and pledged to highlight Rukiga’s cultural achievements at provincial levels.
“This cultivation of young artistic talent remains paramount. The students’ sophisticated treatment of critical social themes through performance art demonstrates MDD’s educational value. Our administration remains committed to developing these programs and will advocate for their recognition,” Barigayomwe affirmed.
The victorious Rukiga and Kihanga Boys Primary Schools now prepare to contend against district champions from Kabale, Rubanda, Kisoro, Kanungu, and Rukungiri at the imminent regional championship in Kabale.
