From the 2nd to the 7th of August 2024, CCFU in partnership with TotalEnergies supported Music, Dance and Drama (MDD) competitions in Buliisa and Nwoya districts.
The support was to equip and enable schools that are implementing the Heritage Education Programme, through Heritage Clubs to participate in National MDD competitions.
The organising committee of the two districts was facilitated to organise the district-level competitions for schools that had competed in the sub-county festivals and qualified for the district-level.
Participation in the competitions
7 sub counties participated in the district competition in Nwoya and 6 in Buliisa, with one school representing each.
Furthermore, each district selected one school as a representative for the regional competitions. Their excellence will determine if they qualify for National level competitions.
Competitions in Buliisa
7 schools participated in the competitions including; Kisansya Primary School, Kisiabi Primary School, Bugana Primary School, Biiso Model Primary School, Butiaba Primary School and Busingiro Primary School.
Biiso Model Primary School emerged as the winner of the competition. The school will participate in the Bunyoro regional competition that will take place in Masindi on the 12th of August 2024.
“We usually receive just trophies and sometimes we can’t go to the regionals because of lack of costumes and instruments. CCFU and Total have given us those. This time we will go.” Katusiime, a Primary Five Pupil said.
While speaking at the event, the Buliisa District Inspector of Schools, Mr. James Mugisa underscored the importance of MDD competitions noting that they are instrumental in information sharing on community concerns such as environmental protection, children’s education, and disease control among others.
“On behalf of the district, I appreciate CCFU and their partner TotalEnergies for supporting the competitions. They not only instill cultural values into our children but are important in sharing information on issues that affect our communities.” Mugisa noted
Competitions in Nwoya
7 schools participated in the competition, including; Anaka Primary School, Alero Primary School, Anaka Central Primary School, Got Afwoyo Primary School, Koch Goma Primary School, Alokolemu Primary School and Goro Primary School.
Anaka Primary School won the competition and will participate in the Acholi regional competition, happening in Kitgum on the 12th of August 2024.
Papetra Akello, a Primary Six pupil at Anaka Primary School said “Winning the competition makes me love my culture more.”
In his remarks, the LCV Chairperson for Nwoya District, Mr. Emmanuel Orach said that MDD competitions are important in promoting the Acholi culture but are fading due to lack of support.
Mr. Orach called upon stakeholders including government, civil society and school PTAs to reinvest in competitions.
“Competitions also nurture young people’s talent and diversify their career opportunities. We need to renew our investment in them”. Mr. Orach noted
Support to the winning schools
Buliisa Model Primary School and Anaka Primary School received awards and full sets of musical instruments and costumes to fully equip them for the regional competitions.
Furthermore, CCFU will support the two winning schools by providing transport and meals while they participate in the regional competitions.
The school that qualifies for national MDD competitions will receive further support, including training from MDD professionals.
Before the competition, CCFU extended support to the districts to train MDD teachers from the participating schools. The training was to enable the teachers to prepare children to perform according to the guidelines of the national MDD competitions.
According to Mr. Simon Musasizi, the Heritage Trust Manager at CCFU, the Foundation, and TotalEnergies have extended support to the competitions to trigger young people’s love and pride in promoting their culture.
“Our support is to ensure that young people are deeply rooted in their culture. That they are proud of it, live and love it.” Musasizi noted.
Mr. Godfrey Muhumuza, the Sports Officer, Buliisa district said that the support was instrumental in organising the festivals, adding that without it, schools would not be well prepared to participate in regional festivals.
“One of the key components adjudicators look out for during competitions is if the instruments and costumes are right. Our schools did not have that. What CCFU and Total have given to Biiso Model Primary School will give the school a winning chance at the regional level.” Mr. Muhumuza noted.
Muhumuza added that competitions also nurture skills of leadership, confidence and teamwork
The MDD competition is part of the activities of the Heritage Education Programme which is implemented in 20 schools in Buliisa and 10 in Nwoya. Across the country, it is in over 185 schools.