The Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), in partnership with the Koogere Foundation Uganda (KFU), held a vibrant youth heritage competition on Friday, 27th June 2025, at the Kabarole District Headquarters.
The event, which attracted participation from nine schools in Kabarole and Kyenjojo districts, brought together over 300 young people and teachers. The competition featured traditional folk songs, dances, and exhibitions that showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the communities represented by the heritage club members.
Held under the theme “The Role of Tooro Cultural Values in Combating HIV/AIDS,” the event aimed to use cultural expression as a tool for addressing contemporary development challenges, including public health issues such as HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Fredrick Nsibambi from CCFU noted that the competition was organized to provide a platform for young people to express their cultural identity and to promote the potential of culture in contributing to social development.
Alice Basemera, Executive Director of the Koogere Foundation, highlighted the relevance of Tooro traditional values in promoting the rights of women and girls. She encouraged youth to embrace these values to protect themselves from HIV.
Mr. Fahad Ssemakula, the Heritage Education Programme Officer at CCFU, emphasized that the competition is part of CCFU’s broader Heritage Education Programme, currently being implemented in over 230 schools across Uganda.
“This competition is a great opportunity for young people to showcase the lessons they’ve learned through the programme and to learn from each other. We teach them that they have cultural rights, and expression is one of them. Events like this give them a chance to express and celebrate their heritage,” Ssemakula said.
Prize Winners
Devine Mercy Secondary School from Kabarole emerged as the overall winner, receiving UGX 500,000 and a trophy. Nyakasura School and St. Adolf High School Katoosa were named first and second runners-up, receiving UGX 300,000 and UGX 200,000, respectively.
The club president of Devine Mercy Secondary School expressed gratitude for the award and noted that the prize money will be used to support the club’s cultural enterprise of making art and crafts within the school. He also commended his team for their dedication and teamwork that led to their victory.
Outstanding individual performers in each of the competition categories were awarded certificates in recognition of their efforts and talent.
