2025 Teachers Making a Difference awarded — as it happened

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📚   2025 TEACHERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE 

Live reporting by Joseph Kizza
(Refresh this page for updates)
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 5:50 PM 

'Unsung heroes of our society'

Mrs Museveni says her ministry is grateful for the TMD initiative and its contribution to strengthening teacher capacity and leadership in Uganda.

"I also commend Travelcare, a local tour and travel management company owned by an Irish investor, that has throughout this period, provided complementary air tickets for six winning teachers.

"To our winners, you represent the very best of us. You are the unsung heroes of our society. Your outstanding performance positions you as role models, who foster a culture of excellence that inspires us all to strive for higher standards in service delivery. This is why we gather here to honor you today!"
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 5:45 PM 

'Significant and lasting impact'

"My sincere appreciation to Your Excellency, the Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda and to your predecessors for leading the way and for your continued partnership, that has since 2017, seen close to over 100 teachers recognized, with 53 participating in invaluable professional development programs in Ireland," says the First Lady.

"The exposure and learning opportunities provided through these Ireland study visits, has had a significant and lasting impact. Teachers return with enhanced knowledge, skills, and global perspectives that enrich classroom practice and school leadership. Notably, many of them have gone on to assume higher responsibilities, including positions as deputy headteachers and headteachers, soon after their trip." 
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 5:43 PM 

'I commend New Vision'

"In a special way, I commend New Vision Printing and Publishing Company Limited, for initiating this project, to celebrate the teachers who have gone the extra mile to nurture our nation," says the education minister.

"As we have heard, tomorrow, 19th March, New Vision will celebrate 40 years. I, therefore, congratulate the board, management, and the staff, past and present, for your contribution to building our nation. We acknowledge the contribution you have made by running a professional media house that has contributed to advancing our communities and our country. We thank God who has given us a peaceful environment that has enabled the media in Uganda to grow to maturity." 
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 5:41 PM 

'Teaching is a vocation'

"Teaching is not just a profession. It is a vocation and the foundation of every other discipline. It is a profession of nurture and love, that requires the patience of a parent, the wisdom of a mentor, and the heart of a servant leader. You are all the true embodiment of these values," says the education minister.
  
"To the all the members of this noble profession, God has granted you the stewardship of education and students in our nation. I appeal to you to approach your role with integrity, accountability and commitment to your continuous professional development. Always prepare thoroughly for your lessons, manage time effectively and maintain ethical standards in your interaction with learners, colleagues and the community.

"Reflect on your teaching practices and remain open to new ideas. A professional teacher not only delivers teaching content, but also models discipline, respect and lifelong learning."

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 5:37 PM 

'We celebrate you'

"Government has also implemented curriculum reforms to address the relevance of our education, notably the competence-based curriculum which is being implemented at ‘O’ Level. The new A’ Level curriculum is also being introduced to align with lower secondary curriculum reform," says Mrs Museveni.

"To our award winners we celebrate you, because of the difference you have made in the lives of the learners and your communities. We are aware that in the context of a Ugandan teacher, making a difference is not just a catchy phrase, it is about daily intentional sacrifices and the demonstration of an excellent work ethic. 

"I have read your profiles and also witnessed today, your amazing innovation and contributions and we are honoured to acknowledge you and the three previous award beneficiaries today.

"Your courage, dedication and commitment know no bounds: from innovations in handling large classrooms, walking miles to remote villages in Karamoja, to discreetly providing counsel to a young girl whose heart is heavy with problems no child should bear, while diligently mobilizing parents to educate their children; you have all gone over and above the call of duty and for that we say a resounding Thank You!

"Some of you have even started bursary schemes to support bright children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds continue their education. All these are truly inspirational stories!"
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 5:34 PM 

The First Lady says when the government introduced the Universal Secondary Education (USE)/ Universal Post Primary Education and Training (UPPET) policy in 2017, the policy was specifically designed to increase access to secondary education, particularly for rural, economically disadvantaged learners, and has benefited thousands of Ugandans. 

"In terms of physical infrastructure, government has rehabilitated a number of educational institutions and has continued to pursue the policy of, at least one secondary school per sub-county and one primary school per parish," she says.
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 5:34 PM 

'Bold steps'

Mrs Museveni says the Teachers Making a Difference has played a vital role in celebrating and honouring teachers who go beyond their professional responsibilities in service to their communities.

"This programme reinforces the value of innovation, and commitment in the teaching profession. As Government, we have implemented a number of policy interventions with the aim of improving access to education and enhancing the quality of learning in our educational institutions," she says.

"I, therefore, thank His Excellency the President for the bold steps he took to introduce policies like the Universal Primary Education (UPE) Programme, which currently supports over 8.5 million learners countrywide. 

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 5:30 PM 

'Most outstanding architects'

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, the host of today's function, is now delivering her remarks.

"Let me first and foremost welcome you all to your National home, State House, Entebbe as we honour some of the most outstanding architects of our nation’s future. I use the word architects, because as teachers you are the foundation of our education system and key pillars in shaping the citizens Uganda needs for the development of a prosperous nation. 

"We cannot talk of achieving 'A transformed Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern prosperous country' without a strong education system and a critical mass of dedicated teaching staff."
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 5:22 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: OVERALL WINNER

🏆  ALICE MARY BIRUNGI 
Bombo Army Secondary School, Luwero

When Alice Mary Birungi joined Bombo Army Secondary School in Luwero district, enrolment stood at 182 learners. Through innovative approaches, provision of bursaries and offering an all-round education, she restored confidence in the school, raising enrolment to over 4,000 learners today. 

Birungi began with a vegetable project and expanded to snail farming, mushrooms, poultry, black soldier fly farming, rabbitry, fishing and a dairy farm.

She set up an agriculture bursary and by 2025, 250 students had benefited from working on school projects to pay tuition fees. Another 500 high-performing students have benefited from an academic bursary. The school teaches tailoring, textbook printing, soap-making and lab rat rearing. Additionally, every  week, three to five schools visit to learn best practices.

Through her efforts, the school also excels in co-curricular activities including netball, football, handball, lacrosse, chess and debates.

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 5:19 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 2ND PLACE

 ARAFAT NDIWA CHEMASUET 
Kalas Girls Primary School, Amudat

He joined Kalas Girls Primary School in 2019. He set out on a mission to develop talent, offer all-round education and mobilise the communities to green the environment in the semi-arid sub-region of Karamoja.

Through his mobilisation skills, he raised funds to establish fruit-tree nurseries of mangoes, guavas, oranges and pawpaws. By 2025, over 1,500 trees had been planted.

Arafat Chemasuet also revitalised talent development through co-curricular activities such music dance and drama, table tennis, volleyball and netball.  He organises bi-weekly community clean-up drives. He also shares seedlings and water with neighbouring communities. Both moves have endeared the communities to the school.
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 5:07 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 3RD PLACE

 JOHN BOSCO LOIBOK 
Karenga Boys Primary School, Karenga

Since assuming leadership at the school in 2022, John Bosco Loibok has used agriculture to keep pupils fed, skilled and motivated to learn. He stablished a six-acre school garden on which pupils grow onions, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and eggplants.

The school feeding programme raised enrolment from 1,200 to over 1,700 pupils in 2025 and reduced dependence on World Food Programme rations.

Academically, the school performance has improved, with pupils scoring D2 and C3 grades in Mathematics and English, which Loibok attributes to extra lessons and teacher motivation.

To ensure talent and skills development, Loibok encourages sports, music, dance and drama. The learners also receive vocational training in catering, soap-making, saving and producing reusable sanitary pads.
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 5:05 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 4TH PLACE

 RICHARD BEGURA 
Immaculate Heart Girls’ School, Rukungiri

Since his posting to the school in 2020, the teacher of English language and literature has turned ordinary learners into confident leaders, authors and innovators. 

Richard Begura integrates debates, mock meetings and drama that build communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills.

Besides using his salary to support needy students, Begura organises mobilisation drives with alumni and friends to support students who would have otherwise  struggled to pay tuition fees at the school.
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 5:02 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 5TH PLACE

 TAIRI FUNGARO 
Yumbe Primary School, Yumbe

When appointed acting head teacher of Yumbe Primary School in March 2022, the first obstacles Tairi Fungaro had to address were limited physical infrastructure, no power as well as lack of a reliable water source for the school.

Using his mobilisation skills, he spearheaded the construction of a sh80m girls’ dormitory, facilitated the drilling of a borehole for clean water and installation of classroom lighting for night study. To boost the school revenue and enhance security, he built 102 lock-up shops for rent along the school perimeter fence.

To strengthen academics, Fungaro implemented teacher accountability measures and acquired computers with Internet access for research and exam preparation. This has had a positive impact on the school performance. Because he encourages co-curricular activities, the school excels in sports, music, dance and drama as well as skills development.
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 4:58 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 6TH PLACE

 AISHA MBEYA 
Nalubaale Secondary School, Bugiri

When Aisha Mbeya became headteacher in 2020, enrolment stood at 49 and the school had never produced a First Grade in O’ level  since 1987 when it was established. The other challenges the school faced included lack of meals, learning resources and demotivated staff.

To address these challenges, in 2021, Mbeya introduced a feeding programme by mobilising parents to contribute maize and beans to provide meals for their children.

On the academic front, she has partnered with 10 top-performing schools from Kampala, Wakiso and Jinja to share revision materials.

This improved academic performance, restored confidence in the school, raising enrolment to 1,567 learners in 2025.

Through alumni, she is raising funds for an administrative block. She has revived co-curricular activities, partnered with non-governmental organisations to fence the school, drill a borehole and to provide free reusable sanitary pads to keep girls in school.
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 4:56 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 7TH PLACE

 ANNA LOMONYANG 
Kangole Boys Primary School, Napak

She is credited for supporting children with learning challenges in a region where education is not highly valued.

In 2004, she helped establish the first deaf and blind department in the sub-region at her school in partnership with Save the Children International, enrolling 48 special needs pupils.

In 2020, Anna Lominyang founded the Karamoja Special Children’s Hope Initiative, which today supports 124 beneficiaries.

Through the initiative, she provides sign-language training to community members, adult education classes and support to learners with disabilities.

Lomonyang promotes inclusion through sports, music, dance and drama.

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 4:54 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 8TH PLACE

 JOB AFEKU 
Yoro Primary School, Adjumani

When Job Afeku became the deputy headteacher in 2020, enrolment was low at just 300 learners. He began community dialogues with male parents and, in 2022, launched the Baba Club, a group of 30 fathers championing education. Through home visits and regular meetings, the club mobilised families to enrol children and the school population rose to over 500 learners in 2025.

Afeku also established a savings scheme within the Baba Club, where members contribute twice a month so they can easily pay school fees and buy scholastic materials.

He started a feeding programme where each parent contributes maize and beans to feed learners daily. Between 2022 and 2025, the school was the best performing in the sub-county.

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 4:52 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 9TH PLACE

 ELISA MFITUNDINDA 
Muramba Seed Secondary School, Kisoro

Elisa Mfitundinda took over as acting headteacher of Muramba Seed Secondary School in December 2022. Frequent strikes, both teacher and student absenteeism as well as poor academic performance were the norm.

To restore discipline, he introduced a sh5,000 fine for teachers who miss lessons without valid reasons. He also set up student counselling sessions and engaged the community through radio sensitisation and at local gatherings.

Bursaries for bright learners and labour or in-kind contributions from needy students further encouraged participation. As a result, enrolment grew from 310 in 2022 to 400 students in 2025. In 2024, all 39 candidates passed the national examinations.

Mfitundinda completed staff houses, roofed the students’ common room, built a new pit latrine and connected the school to electricity. Students excel in sports and vocational projects.

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 4:48 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 10TH PLACE

 MORRIS WAMUWAYA 
Nabumali Boarding Primary School, Mbale

When posted to the school in 2015, Morris Wamuwaya discovered that many learners could not afford scholastic materials, practical subjects were ignored and girls had a challenge of accessing sanitary pads. His first move was to start a pupils’ savings club, where pupils save part of their pocket money to buy books, pens and snacks. By 2025, the club had 678 members, each saving an average of sh15,000 per term.

Wamuwaya started the Nabumali Young Farmers Club, where pupils grow bananas and vegetables. The produce supplements school meals, while surpluses are sold and profits added to the savings club.

He also mobilised parents to buy a sh250,000 water tank for irrigation, guaranteeing year-round farming.

Wamuwaya conducts regular counselling sessions and, with support from a non-government organisation, Friends of Christ, provides reusable sanitary pads.

He secured three sewing machines for pupils and mobilised alumni to raise sh2.5m to construct a kitchen. He trains and supports the school’ football and netball teams; which were Mbale champions in 2024 and 2025.

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 4:45 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 11TH PLACE

 FLORENCE NABASUMBA 
St Peter’s Nantabulirwa Primary School, Mukono

When Florence Nabasumba took over as the headteacher of St Peter’s Nantabulirwa Church of Uganda Primary School in February 2013, the physical structures were in a sorry state, classrooms had been turned into a chicken house and the school lacked piped water.

Her first move was to involve Mukono municipal authorities to reclaim the premises. In 2014, Nabasumba secured funding from Roofings Group, which invested sh500m to renovate buildings and extend piped water. In 2024, with support from Roofings Group, the church and parents, she launched the construction of a sh800m three-storeyed block that has 16 classrooms, a hall and offices.

She mobilised parents to enrol their children, increasing enrolment from 149 to 1,495 pupils in 2025. She strengthened academics by introducing weekly tests. Academic performance has since soared from 10 first grades out of 37 in 2013 to 24 out of 60 in 2019. She also raised sh11m from alumni and used it for the installation of cameras to beef up security, started a teachers’ saving scheme and boosted sports.
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 4:43 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

TMD 2025 winners: 12TH PLACE

 STELLA EJANG 
St Katherine Secondary School, Lira

When Stella Ejang joined St Katherine Secondary School in Lira city in 2018, the debate club lacked exposure, structure and consistency.

Ejang, a teacher of English and Literature, organised inter-class and inter-school competitions and dedicated her evenings to training students. By 2025, the school had won over 20 debate trophies and was a national powerhouse in public speaking.

Ejang’s approach has improved not only oratory skills, but also academic performance, with top students excelling both in class and in the debate arena. She also spearheaded a greening project that re-purposes plastic waste.

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 4:40 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

Most progressive alumni

 JOEL MUKOSE 
Namagonjo Primary School, Bugiri

In October 2024, Joel Mukose, the headteacher of Namagonjo Primary School in Bugiri district, travelled to Ireland as a Teachers Making a Difference awardee, returning with practical strategies that have reshaped the school.

On the trip, one of the teachers, Innocent Masanja from Namalu Mixed Primary School in Nakapiripirit gave tips for a school feeding programme.

“He shared how he was cultivating orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and that the increased food supply not only improved nutrition, but also attracted more learners to school,” Mukose recalls.

Inspired by this, upon return, Mukose allocated part of the capitation grant in March to cultivate an acre of sweet potatoes on school land.

“Today, both pupils and the 20 teachers regularly enjoy sweet potatoes from our garden. The pupils also acquire agricultural skills as they tend the crops,” he says.

The initiative has significantly reduced the school’s expenditure on maize flour for school meals. David Samanya, the chairperson of the school management committee, notes that improved feeding has led to increased enrolment.

“When Mukose returned from Ireland, the school had 1,100 learners. That number has since risen to 1,231,” Samanya says.

Dennis Wanyama, chairperson of the parents-teachers association (PTA), partly attributes the rise in enrolment partly to the new fence erected around the school. “Mukose engaged parents during a PTA meeting in the first term, and they supported the fencing project. We feel reassured knowing our children are safe."
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 4:37 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

Most progressive alumni

 BADURU SILIMAN ALUMA 
Kei Seed Secondary School, Yumbe

From teaching one student under a tree in 2016, Baduru Aluma grew Kei Seed Secondary School into a thriving institution of 813 learners by 2025.

A 2024 study trip to Ireland under the Teachers Making a Difference project inspired him to implement inclusive and skills-based education. Aluma enrolled 38 learners with special needs and sign language teaching in Senior One and Senior Two. He established vocational training, acquiring 30 sewing machines and hairdressing equipment.

In 2022,  Aluma, headteacher of Kei Seed Secondary School in Yumbe district, emerged as the fourth best teacher, winning a trip to Ireland. Last October, he joined his colleagues on the journey — his first time on a plane and his first trip outside Africa. Upon his return, Aluma documented his findings and presented them to key stakeholders, including teachers, the Board of Governors, and the Yumbe district education department.

“At Rosary College, I saw learners with special needs studying alongside others in the same class, taught by the same teachers. It was amazing,” he recalled.

Back home, he organised training for teachers on supporting learners with disabilities. Today, the school accommodates 38 learners with special needs, including those with sight and hearing impairments. He also introduced Ugandan Sign Language in Senior 1 and 2, with plans to extend it to higher levels.

Aluma lobbied for a braille machine from the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) and hired an instructor to support a student with a sight impairment. These initiatives have fostered a culture of inclusivity and interaction among all learners. In Ireland, Aluma observed how students are equipped with practical skills to become job creators. Inspired, he secured support from COMESS Uganda, which provided 30 sewing machines, hairdressing materials and equipment for electronics and mechanics training.

The school now runs vocational classes after hours and on weekends, helping over 15 dropouts return to school. Kei Seed also partnered with Teach a Man to Fish, a non-governmental organisation which trained students in bakery, horticulture, and soap-making, and provided seed capital.
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 4:34 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

Most progressive alumni

 NORAH ANYAIT 
Katekwan Primary School, Bukedea

A winner of the 2020 Teachers Making a Difference competition, Norah Anyait has transformed her school from a dilapidated institution into a hub of innovation and excellence.

Anyait isn’t just a head teacher — she’s a force of transformation. From rebuilding dilapidated classrooms to pioneering digital literacy in remote schools, her journey is a testament to resilience, innovation and the power of one educator to spark lasting change. Her posting Chepkararat to Katekwan has already made a significant impact, shifting the school’s focus from academics alone to a broader vision of excellence.

Upon arrival, she found the school in a dilapidated state and immediately resolved to change that. “I wrote to the education office, which led to the allocation of renovation funds,” she said.

She also introduced agricultural activities on the school’s single acre of land to support the feeding programme. Courtesy of these developments, parents rallied behind her efforts. They helped construct staff houses, while old boys and old girls fundraised for a two-stance pit latrine, now nearing completion.

She mobilised parents and alumni to contribute to staff housing, latrines, a kitchen and a school store. Anyait also mobilised support for classroom renovations, boarding section and a kindergarten. As part of the Teachers Making a Difference award, Anyait earned a 10-day educational trip to Ireland in 2022. There, she observed inclusive learning, digital integration and effective student management.

Applying these lessons, she improved learning environments and helped reduce the school dropout rate, especially of teenage mothers. “My initiatives included improving learning environments, following up on school dropouts — especially child mothers — who later excelled in PLE, and raising Chepkararat’s academic performance to second-best in 2023 and best in 2024.”

She introduced digital tools like computers and printers, mobilised communities to build seven teacher houses and latrines, and lobbied for classroom renovations, a modern kitchen, and a boys’ dormitory.

“My philosophy is to have a positive impact wherever I am posted."
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 4:32 PM 

 AWARDING THE BEST 

Most progressive alumni

Reporting by Jacky Achan:

To encourage continuous innovation, past winners of the Teachers Making A Difference were also assessed to find those who have made the most progress in implementing the lessons learnt.  The alumni were requested to make submissions on the implementation of the ideas they acquired from the CPD programmes in Ireland or on improvements they have made since winning the awards. A team of New Vision journalists went to the ground to verify the information and the most deserving Alumni were profiled in New Vision. An independent jury of eminent educationists evaluated the ideas and the three most impressive Alumni were selected for recognition.
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 4:20 PM 

'Important progress'

Ambassador Gaynor says the Teachers Making a Difference initiative is a strong example of a public-private partnership that recognises excellence in teaching and highlights the important role teachers play in national development.

"I would like to express my appreciation to the Government of Uganda, and in particular to the Ministry of Education and Sports, for its continued collaboration with Ireland and other partners in strengthening the education sector and developing the human capital Uganda will need for its ten-fold growth strategy.

"Important progress has been made in recent years, including the Education Policy Review, the National Teacher Policy and the Teacher Incentive Framework, all of which contribute to supporting teachers and improving learning outcomes. The Gender Technical Unit has made progress in gender equity and equality budgeting and programming, an endeavour supported by the Embassy."
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 4:14 PM 

'Exchanges always inspiring'

"These exchanges [between Ugandan and Irish teachers] are always very inspiring," says the Irish Ambassador to Uganda.

"Irish teachers often remark on the creativity and dedication of Ugandan teachers, particularly in situations where resources may be limited but commitment certainly is not. And equally, Irish teachers learn a great deal from their Ugandan colleagues. In that sense, the Teachers Making a Difference initiative reflects the wider partnership between Uganda and Ireland, one based on mutual respect and shared learning."

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 4:10 PM 

'Exchange ideas'

"Over the years, nearly one hundred teachers have been recognised nationally through these awards," says Ambassador Mags Gaynor.

"One of the most rewarding parts of the initiative has been the opportunity for some of the award winners and Ministry of Education and Sports officials to visit Ireland for professional learning exchanges, focused on education policy and best practices in Ireland's education system. During these visits, Ugandan teachers spend time in Irish schools, meet with fellow educators, and exchange ideas about teaching and learning."

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 4:05 PM 

'Make a real difference'

"The teachers we celebrate today are exactly those kinds of educators. They go far beyond delivering lessons. They inspire curiosity, nurture confidence and support their students to reach their full potential," says Ambassador Mags Gaynor.

"Since 2017, Ireland together with its partners New Vision Media Group and Travel Care has supported the annual Teachers Making a Difference Award. Based on nominations from the public, this initiative offers a platform to recognize teachers from across Uganda, who inspire, and go the extra mile to make a real difference in their communities.

"Through their efforts, they are helping to shape the next generation of leaders, innovators and citizens of Uganda. Ireland is proud to support this initiative."

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 4:00 PM 

'Those moments matter'

Next up is the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, Mags Gaynor.

"Honourable Minister [Janet Museveni], thank you very much for hosting us here at the State House today and for your continued leadership in championing education in Uganda.

"It is a real pleasure for the Embassy of Ireland to be part of this celebration of teachers. As we all know, teachers play an extraordinary role in shaping societies. Many of us can still remember a teacher who made a lasting impression on us. Someone who encouraged us, challenged us, or helped us believe in ourselves at a crucial moment," she says.

"Those moments matter. And they happen every day in classrooms across Uganda."

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 3:57 PM 

Learning materials

Dr Litho says: "New Vision was the first media house in Uganda to introduce a weekly education supplement. It was also the first media house in the country to publish learning materials on competence-based curriculum approved by the National Curriculum Development Centre and the Ministry of Education and Sports.

"Over the past two years, the company has dedicated up to 11 pages weekly in New Vision in a bid to democratize access to these quality learning materials by as many learners. In terms of space, that translates into a weekly investment of sh104m or sh5.4b annually as our contribution to enhance our society."

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 3:54 PM 

"As a board, we are responsible for management oversight and policy direction. In response to industry challenges, most media houses have instituted cost-cutting measures that have affected development journalism," says Litho.

"However, as a board, we are happy that despite resource constraints, management has still been able to come up with initiatives like Teachers Making A Difference, which is in line with the company's Mission of advancing society.

"Maama, under your stewardship, a number of reforms have been implemented to make our education system more responsive to market demands and the fast-paced global technological advancement. In response to these reforms, Vision Group has in a humble way heavily invested in supporting the improvement of education in the country."

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 3:50 PM 

'I call it success'

"As a board, we are happy to be associated with New Vision Printing and Publishing Company, which is one of the most innovative media institutions in the region, and a true success story of the NRM Government liberalisation policy," says  Dr Litho.

"This year, New Vision marks 40 years of success. I call it success and not 40 years of existence because, the company has evolved from a simple printing and publishing house with a single daily newspaper into a robust multimedia house with four newspapers, seven radio stations, four TV stations, strong digital presence and elaborate countrywide distribution network. The company has been a cornerstone of our information landscape that carries with it a legacy of credibility, impact, and responsibility."

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 3:43 PM 

'Thank you for your passion, sacrifice'

"To the lucky winners, we are not just giving out awards. We are saying thank you. Thank you for your passion. Thank you for your sacrifice. And thank you for letting Vision Group, the Embassy of Ireland, the Ministry of Education and Sports and Travelcare, be part of this celebration," says Wanyama.

He then invites Dr Patricia Litho, who is representing the chair of the Board of Directors of Vision Group, to deliver her remarks.

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 3:40 PM 

📝 Here are the judges

"It is these distinguished members of the jury that has given us the stars were are unveiling tonight," says CEO Wanyama.

▪️Dr. Barbara Ofwono Buyondo, an accomplished educationist and director Victorious Education Services

▪️Dr. Yusuf Nsubuga, a veteran educationist and member of the Education Policy Review Commission

▪️Dr. Annet Mugisha Kajura, the acting commissioner of teacher education training and Development at the Ministry of Education and Sports

▪️ Immaculate Epenu, former headteacher of PMM Girls, formerly Jinja Girls SS

▪️Godfrey Owiny Arims, the headteacher of Lomukura Primary School, Nakapiripirit and a pioneer winner of the Teachers Making A Difference Awards.

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 3:35 PM 

'Tremendous support'

"Through you Maama, convey our sincere congratulations to His Excellency the President, on the landslide victory of the National Resistance Movement Party in the recent general elections. The election victory is testament to the trust Ugandans have in the leadership of His Excellency the President and the good NRM policies, including in education," says Wanyama.

"Maama, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in a special way, allow me also recognise Ambassador Mags Gaynor, the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, and by extension, the people of Ireland, for their tremendous support to the education sector in Uganda in general and the Teachers Making A Difference project in particular.

"Through this project, which New Vision started implementing in 2013, we have been able to celebrate the success of close to a thousand outstanding teachers, by publishing their profiles on our various media platforms."

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 3:32 PM 

'You have been part of this journey'

"Maama [First Lady Janet Museveni], allow me on behalf of the board and management of Vision Group, to express our sincere appreciation to you, for always honouring our invitation to preside over the Teachers Making A Difference Awards," says Vision Group CEO Don Wanyama.

"You have been part of this journey, from when it was a small event at New Vision offices. It is during your tenure at the Ministry of Education and Sports that this event turned national, by making the Teachers Making A Difference Awards part of the World Teachers Day celebrations. We would like to truely thank you for that."

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 3:25 PM 

Anthems (national and East African) and prayer are done. Now recognizing the officials present, including education ministry officials.

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 3:05 PM 

Arrivals

The guests are settling in at the venue, with the ceremony set to get under way any time from now. The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, is already here.

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 2:53 PM 

WATCH: 'Thank you'

"On behalf of all these teachers, we want to say thank you."

Watch 👇🏽


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 2:47 PM 

WATCH: 'Miracle in my life'

The Teachers Making a Difference winners are awarded a professional development visit to Ireland, an exposure trip for them to study innovative classroom practices. Supported by the Embassy of Ireland, this initiative enables educators to observe Irish teaching methods to improve quality education in Uganda.

Halina Logwe, the headteacher of Naitakwe Primary School, was recognized as one of the winners of the 2024 competition. She was celebrated for her impactful leadership in education.

Watch 👇🏽


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 2:45 PM 

WATCH: 60 stories, five judges, 12 winners

This year, when we put out the call, we received over 480 nominations. Out of these 480, we were able to publish 60 stories. Out of these 60 stories, that is where the judges, a jury of five distinguished judges select the 12 winning stories.

Watch 👇🏽


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 2:37 PM 

12 — plus three — winners

Reporting by Jacky Achan:

Today, 12 exceptional teachers will be announced as winners of the 2025 Teachers Making a Difference project. They were picked from 60 outstanding educators profiled by New Vision between June and September.

For the second year running, this year’s edition has included a special category: the Most Progressive Teachers Making a Difference alumni. In this category, the project honours  three past winners who have continued to innovate, inspire learners and transform their communities long after their initial recognition. 
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 2:30 PM 

Good afternoon!

Hello ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to New Vision's coverage of the awards ceremony of the teachers making a difference for the year 2025. The event is taking place at State House, Entebbe. The host is the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.

I will be bringing to you text, photo and video updates from here.