Museveni hails St Kizito High School global achievement

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended St Kizito High School, Namugongo for its outstanding performance on the global stage, specifically in Abu Dhabi.

The school emerged among the top three finalists in the Global High Schools category of the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize.

“This milestone is not just a victory for St Kizito High School but a proud moment for Uganda. It shows that our education system can produce innovators who make a global impact,” he said during the January 14, 2025, event.

The prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize, hosted during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, is one of the world’s most esteemed platforms for recognising transformative solutions in health, energy, food, water and climate action.

Barbara Ntudde one of the students that represented St Kizito High School, Namugongo, in Abu Dhabi for Zayed Sustainability Prize. (Courtesy photo)

According to the Zayed Sustainability Prize website, the Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE's pioneering global award that recognises and rewards small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs), and global high schools with impactful, innovative, and inspiring sustainable solutions. The Prize honours the humanitarian and sustainability legacy of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 

"To date, we have awarded 117 winners and through them, we have transformed the lives of 384 million people," it says.

Some of the East African leaders who attended the ceremony that started on January 14, 2025, included Kenyan President William Ruto and  Paul Kagame of Rwanda, as well as several world leaders.

The school's position as one of three sub-Saharan finalists was a defining moment for Uganda. Competing against over 6,000 schools worldwide, St Kizito's project—designed and implemented by students under the mentorship of dedicated teachers—captured the essence of sustainable development.

Led by Barbara Ntudde and Samuel Okware, St Kizito students joined peers from Mexico, Ghana, Uzbekistan, Nepal, and New Zealand to showcase solutions addressing energy access, food security and water sustainability.

The Abu Dhabi experience had a profound impact on St Kizito students. Ntudde said representing Uganda on the global stage was a humbling yet empowering experience, teaching them that innovation is driven by creativity and perseverance, rather than resources.

The school's distinction was based on its groundbreaking initiative to solve local environmental concerns. This was no ordinary school science fair entry; it was a roadmap for using education as a strong instrument to battle environmental degradation, improve livelihoods, and promote innovation.

Problem solvers

St Kizito was always more than a learning institution; it was also a breeding ground for problem solvers. Headteacher Ezekiel Kazibwe has led the school on an ambitious aim to provide students with the information and tools they need to face today's pressing challenges.

The school's success demonstrates that local solutions can have global ramifications, establishing Uganda as more than just a participant in sustainability conversations, but a vital contributor. The project, which focused on renewable energy and community upliftment, was both practical and aspirational, demonstrating how students could apply theoretical knowledge to produce real-world solutions and translate abstract concepts into dramatic change.

The school, founded in 1998 and named after Kizito Omuto, the youngest Ugandan Christian martyr, has effortlessly blended its history of perseverance into a vision for the future. The school's 25-year legacy of academic consistency, practical skill development, and a profound commitment to sustainability has elevated Uganda's position in the worldwide discourse on sustainability.

Headteacher Ezekiel Kazibwe interacting with Barbara Ntudde. (Courtesy photo)

It was an opportunity to reflect on the power of purposeful and action-oriented education.

Broader impact

The Zayed Sustainability Prize not only spotlighted St Kizito's exceptional project but also its broader impact on sustainability. By integrating environmentally conscious practices into its curriculum, St Kizito inspires a new generation of leaders who prioritise sustainability. The school's holistic approach ensures that students graduate with a mindset of innovation, responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

The story of St Kizito High School is a shining example of hope, determination, and forward-thinking. It challenges traditional notions of education, demonstrating how schools can drive positive change. School project co-ordinator Florence Nambejja expressed pride in the school's achievement, citing the hard work, creativity, and determination of students and staff.

School’s commitment

Nambejja emphasized that the project's success reflects the school's commitment to sustainability and innovation, values deeply ingrained in their educational philosophy. "We're proud to represent Uganda and showcase the potential of our young minds," she added, highlighting the importance of inspiring future generations.

St. Kizito's achievement sends a powerful message: Uganda's youth can solve pressing global issues when equipped with the right tools and opportunities. As the students return home, they carry an obligation to continue inspiring their peers, community, and country.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize has opened doors to partnerships, funding opportunities, and a global network of like-minded institutions. Uganda now stands at a crossroads, with St. Kizito's success serving as a beacon for a sustainable future. By investing in education that prioritizes sustainability, Uganda can build a future where innovation thrives, communities prosper, and challenges are met with bold solutions.