National primary schools MDD festival kicks off in Mbarara city

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The permanent secretary in the education ministry, Dr Kedres Turyagyenda, has called upon all primary school teachers to prioritise music, dance and drama (MDD) and other co-curricular activities as an integral part of the primary school curriculum.

Dr Turyagyenda’s message was delivered in a speech read on her behalf by Francis Atima, the director of the Directorate of Education Standards, at the opening of the National Primary Schools MDD Festival 2025, hosted at Mbarara Junior School and Mbarara High School in Mbarara city.

From right: Ankole diocese Rev Canon Edson Abasa, Dean St.James Cathedral Rev Canon Bobs Mwesigye, Mbarara City RCC Catherine Kamwine, Francis Atima, the Director of Directorate of Education Standards, Mbarara High School head teacher Ham Ahimbisibwe and other officials and pupils posing for the photo shortly after opening the MDD Festival. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

The event officially began on Monday, August 25, 2025, with an opening ceremony attended by various officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and leaders from Mbarara City.

Dr Turyagyenda emphasised that prioritising the teaching of MDD will help spread messages on reducing malaria, promoting birth registration, oral health, water, sanitation and hygiene, addressing climate change, and tackling gender-based violence.

She further noted that the strategy would also promote sexual reproductive health and rights. She encouraged choirs and adjudicators to uphold Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage and to avoid adopting foreign influences that could undermine personal and national development.

Mbarara Junior team preparing for performance. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

“It is important that our children start to recognise and appreciate our cultural diversity at this early age,” she said. She reiterated the ministry's commitment and determination to ensure that the National Primary Schools MDD Festival is conducted every year.

This year’s competition is organised under the theme “A Safe Learning Environment for Social Transformation.” Dr Turyagyenda expressed satisfaction that themes used in past years have contributed to improving people’s lifestyles, citing Uganda’s international recognition for reducing HIV cases.

She urged the audience to take advantage of the event and embrace the important lessons embedded in the plays, songs, poems and dances. She also commended the UN Spotlight Initiative and other partners for supporting this year’s festival.

The host headteachers, Ham Ahimbisibwe of Mbarara High School and Nathan Mugume of Mbarara Junior School, applauded the education ministry for once again choosing them to host the event, the second time in 10 years.

Buganda Road Primary School delivering instrumental performance. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

Mbarara Junior and Mbarara High School previously hosted the festival in 2015.

A total of 125 schools are expected to participate in this year’s competition, and by the opening ceremony, more than 90 schools had already arrived. Mbarara City RCC, Catherine Kamwine, pledged full support to ensure maximum security for pupils taking part in the festival.

Event coordinator Musa Birungi commended all partners for their contribution towards the success of the event.