The Lord Mayor of Kampala Hajji Erias Lukwago hosted students from Good Samaritan High School, Nansana, on Friday in the Lord Mayor’s Parlor, where he engaged them in an insightful discussion on constitutionalism, governance, rule of law, and good citizenship.
The visit, aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of these crucial topics as part of their new lower secondary school curriculum, underscored the importance of civic education in shaping responsible citizens.
During the session, the Lord Mayor passionately spoke about the significance of the rule of law in governance and the role of constitutionalism in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
He encouraged the students to establish Rule of Law clubs in their schools and to seek support from the Uganda Law Society (ULS), emphasizing that such initiatives would foster a deeper understanding of legal principles and civic responsibility.
The Lord Mayor also touched on the Uganda Constitution, specifically Article 30, which guarantees the right to education, and Article 34, which outlines the rights of a child and the state’s and parents’ responsibilities toward children’s education.
He praised the students as pioneers and trailblazers of the new curriculum, encouraging them to embrace the learning opportunities it presents and to use their knowledge to promote good citizenship.
“Concentrate on your studies,” he urged the students. “Never wait for tomorrow for what can be done today. Life is hard, but with resilience and extra effort, like Joshua Cheptegei’s determination that won him an Olympic gold medal, you can achieve great things.”
Dorothy Kisaka, the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), provided the students with an insightful overview of KCCA’s structure and leadership, detailing its core mandates, which include maintaining roads, ensuring the cleanliness of the city, and enhancing waste management through initiatives like the installation of dustbins across Kampala.
Kisaka’s presentation was not only informative but also closely aligned with the students’ curriculum focus on democracy, governance, and civic engagement, offering them a practical understanding of how these concepts are applied in urban management.
In a special gesture to inspire the students, Kisaka later welcomed the school’s head girl, Shalom Mirembe, into her office. This personal interaction was aimed at motivating Mirembe and her peers, showing them firsthand the possibilities of leadership and the impact they can have in the future.
Deputy Speaker of the KCCA Council, Nassur Masaba, emphasized that the topics discussed align well with the objectives of the new curriculum, which seeks to equip learners with practical knowledge about their country and its governance systems.
The visit concluded with the students expressing their eagerness to apply the knowledge gained in their academic pursuits and future endeavors, reinforcing the importance of education in fostering informed and active citizens.
