The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, has challenged headteachers in Greater Kabale to ensure government funds allocated to their schools are properly managed and used to deliver meaningful improvements for learners. Musasizi emphasized that public resources should directly contribute to better learning environments and improved welfare of students.
The minister’s message was delivered by Ndorwa County West Member of Parliament Hon. Eliab Naturinda Mporera during the closing ceremony of the 3rd Annual Peace Festival at Kigezi College Butobere. The event, organised by Positive Peace Generation under the theme “Inspire. Innovate. Adopt. Impact,” brought together students from approximately 12 schools across Greater Kabale.
While representing Musasizi, Mporera urged school administrators to exercise responsibility in managing government resources and ensure the funds produce visible benefits within their institutions. He also encouraged students to remain disciplined while commending Positive Peace Generation and its partners for bringing peace-building and practical skilling activities to young people in the Kigezi region.
The festival provided learners with hands-on skills intended to encourage creativity, innovation, self-reliance, environmental protection and financial awareness. Students were trained in activities including making reusable sanitary towels, producing liquid soap, constructing items using plastic bottles, recycling plastics, bookmaking and financial literacy, giving them knowledge that can be applied beyond the classroom.
Kigezi College Butobere Headteacher, Matsiko Justus, welcomed the initiative, describing the practical training as timely and valuable to learners. He said the programme had exposed students to useful knowledge that could support them in the future and noted that the school remains willing to work with partners interested in expanding practical skills among young people.
Representing headteachers at the ceremony, Nyabikoni Secondary School Headteacher Elly Turyasima urged the participating students to become ambassadors of the knowledge they had gained. He encouraged them to teach other students who did not attend the festival and praised Kigezi College Butobere for hosting the programme and continuing to improve its facilities.
Joan Mirembe, Chairperson of the 3rd Annual Peace Festival, commended the students for their discipline and active involvement in peace-building activities and skills training. Meanwhile, Kabale District Resident District Commissioner Maj. Godfrey Katamba told the learners that the end of the festival should not mark the end of their learning, but rather the beginning of applying the skills they had acquired in their daily lives and communities.
More than 500 students from the participating schools received training in various practical skills during the festival, with participants later awarded certificates in recognition of their involvement. The organisers said the 3rd Annual Peace Festival was aimed at empowering young people with practical knowledge and skills that can support positive change in schools, families and communities.
