By Kabuye Ronald
Agriculture ministry officials urges science education at Agroecology Poem – Writting Competition Awarding Ceremony.
Sir Sande George Bob, Senior Agricultural Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries, urged the students to pursue science courses, emphasizing their importance in solving global challenges. “If you want money from employment, do sciences,” he said. “Our president has increased salaries for scientists because he wants you to become problem-solvers. Strive to become scientists.”
Bob praised ESAFF for bringing agroecology to schools and assured government support for policies and initiatives focused on agroecology and climate change.
A Senior Three (S.3) student from St. Joseph’s Naama Modern Secondary School in Mityana, John Paul Nkwanga, emerged as the best winner in the 2024 National Agroecology Poem-Writing Competition, organized by the Eastern and Southern Small-scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF) Uganda. The 16-year-old student’s poem, “Climate Justice,” captivated judges with its compelling message on the unequal impacts of climate change, the need for equitable climate action, and the importance of sustainable farming practices in safeguarding the environment.
The poem addresses critical issues such as gender equality, food security, renewable energy, and the protection of natural resources—key themes in agroecology and environmental conservation. In his victory speech, Nkwanga expressed immense pride in his achievement, especially since this was his first attempt at writing poetry. “I am very happy because this is my first time writing a poem, and winning has helped me build my self-confidence. I will continue writing more poems,” Nkwanga said, encouraging his peers to seize every opportunity that comes their way.
Nkwanga was awarded UGX 1,000,000 (one million shillings) as part of a half-bursary for his education in the coming year.
Top Performers in National Competition
The national competition saw six finalists from across Uganda, including Joan Ainembazi from St. Peter’s SS Nsambya, who was the first runner-up, winning UGX 700,000, and Esther Wanyenya from Vision High School Mukono, who secured the second runner-up position with UGX 500,000. Pius Wamuyale, from Paul Mukasa SS Mukono, took third place, while Josephine Uwimana (St. Gertrude Girls’ Vocational SS Kisoro) and Nyero Daniel Latim (Gulu SS Gulu) came in fifth and sixth place, respectively. All participants were awarded certificates of participation and gifts such as bags and books.
The competition included both written and live recitations of poems focused on climate change, environmental protection, and agroecology, with students showcasing their talent in conveying powerful messages through poetry.
ESAFF’s Commitment to Youth and Agroecology
David Oming, Programs Assistant at ESAFF, explained that the competition was part of a larger effort to engage youth in environmental conservation through creative expression. “We want the youth to take part in conserving nature by writing poems that promote agroecology and environmental sustainability,” Oming said. He also highlighted ESAFF’s plans to integrate agroecology programs into more schools across the country.
Nkwanga’s Family and School Celebrate His Success
The parents of John Paul Nkwanga expressed their gratitude to ESAFF and its partners for the recognition. His father, Lawrence Kamya, spoke out against the trend of absent fathers, urging men to fulfill their responsibilities and support their children’s education. “This award will help pay part of his school fees,” Kamya said.
Nkwanga’s mother, Bagilinka Valentine, expressed surprise at her son’s reserved nature, which she believes played a part in his success. “He is brave, and his quiet character helped him win,” she said proudly.
Umar Sekiti, the Patron of St. Joseph’s Naama Modern Secondary School, commended the school’s literacy initiatives and the students’ enthusiasm for the agroecology club. “Almost the whole school wanted to take part in the competition, and we are grateful for John Paul’s victory,” Sekiti said.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Agroecology Poetry
Josephine Uwimana, one of the participants from Kisoro, remained optimistic about future competitions. “Participating in the national competition helped me explore language and boosted my confidence. This experience will serve as a stepping stone for future success,” Uwimana said, reflecting on the invaluable lessons learned throughout the competition.
The ESAFF competition not only celebrated young talent but also encouraged the next generation to actively contribute to the fight against climate change through creativity, education, and sustainable farming practices.
