Nabakooba urges girls to emulate global female leaders

The minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, has urged schoolgirls to draw inspiration from influential female leaders across the world as a pathway to achieving their ambitions.

Speaking as chief guest at the inter-house cultural competitions at St Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School in Mityana district on June 28, Nabakooba encouraged the students to believe in their potential and pursue leadership with confidence.

“Never allow anyone to tell you that your dreams are too big. With education, discipline, faith and hard work, there is no limit to what you can achieve,” she said.

Nabakooba, who is also the Mityana district woman Member of Parliament, said young girls must deliberately choose strong role models if they are to shape meaningful futures. She commended the school for naming its houses after notable women who have made global impact through leadership and resilience.

The houses—named after former German chancellor Angela Merkel, Liberia’s former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, media personality Oprah Winfrey and civil rights activist Rosa Parks—reflect what she described as “powerful examples of courage and transformation.”

“I was pleased to learn that the four houses are named after outstanding women who have changed the world through leadership and courage,” she said.

She added that adopting similar values would enable young girls to transform not only their own lives but also their communities and the country at large.

The cultural competitions featured performances in poetry, traditional dance, music, cultural attire and preparation of local dishes. Participants showcased creativity, teamwork and a strong sense of identity.

Nabakooba noted that such activities play an important role in shaping well-rounded individuals, adding that culture should be preserved as a foundation for future generations.

“Culture is not just entertainment; it defines who we are and where we are going,” she said.

The school’s executive director, Sylvia Namabidde, said the choice of house names was intentional, aimed at nurturing a generation of girls who aspire to leadership and excellence.

“We are raising girls who will become leaders with substance,” Namabidde said.

She revealed that many students already look up to Nabakooba as a role model, citing her journey from the police force to national leadership as a source of inspiration.

“When I asked the girls who they wanted as chief guest, they mentioned you,” Namabidde told the minister.

The headteacher, Diana Kasumba, said the school, which has been in existence for 16 years, currently has an enrolment of 750 students. She noted plans to expand infrastructure, including the construction of a multi-storey building to improve the learning environment.

During the event, outstanding students were recognised and awarded prizes including mattresses, bedsheets, blankets and certificates. Teaching and non-teaching staff were also honoured for their contribution to the school’s growth.

Kevin Kyeswa, a national adjudicator, advised students to remain authentic in their cultural presentations, particularly in dress, language and conduct.

At the close of the ceremony, Nabakooba was presented with an accolade in recognition of her contribution to leadership and her role as a mentor to young women.

The event underscored the importance of mentorship, culture and education in shaping the next generation of female leaders.

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