KATERERA, RUBIRIZI – Rev. Fr. Amen Mukasa, Parish Priest of Kyamwiru Catholic Parish, has urged learners to embrace culture, unity, and discipline in school to improve academic performance.
Fr. Mukasa was chief guest during Inter-Class Music, Dance and Drama competitions held at Archbishop Bakyenga Vocational Secondary School, Kyamwiru, Katerera Sub-county. The event was held under the theme: “Embracing Cultural Heritage for Unity and Diversity.”
Addressing learners, teachers, and parents, Fr. Mukasa said upholding culture, unity, and discipline is essential for academic success. He urged students to love their culture, remain united, avoid sectarianism, and stop mixing religion with bad behavior at home.
“Cultural heritage strengthens the Church because it makes faith practical and lively. When learners sing, dance, and dramatize through our culture, the Church becomes stronger and closer to the people,” he said.
He appealed to parents in Rubirizi District to support their children by providing scholastic needs and encouraging participation in sports and MDD. He noted that sports and MDD are sources of income and business that help learners in many ways.
According to Mr. Byamukama Sperito, Headteacher of Archbishop Bakyenga Vocational School, MDD helps learners showcase talent, practice culture, and earn income. He said MDD also improves academic excellence, builds discipline, creates unity and love, and develops confidence and responsibility.
“MDD makes learners more united, creative, and focused in class. Parents must take an active role in teaching children behavior to avoid immoral acts,” Mr. Sperito said.
Student leaders Atuhairwe Rita and Ariho Davis said MDD has built their confidence, teamwork, time management, and discipline at school and home. They noted that it creates income opportunities through performances, preserves culture, promotes respect and love, and keeps learners away from bad habits.
All classes from S.1 to S.6 competed in traditional dance, drama, speeches, poems, poetry, and Bible reading. Judges scored creativity, teamwork, costumes, dress code, and confidence. Winning classes received gifts, cash, and certificates in recognition of their performance.
_This story is compiled by Hon. Tugume Muzafaru, Senior News Reporter, Rubirizi. Call 0702269259 for media coverage._
