By Our Reporter
Senior Four students at Uganda Martyrs Secondary School Namugongo have held a project exhibition that has reignited their hope and determination as they prepare for the upcoming Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations set for early October this year.

The exhibition, held in the school’s main hall, showcased a variety of innovative projects inspired by lessons from the new lower secondary curriculum, which emphasizes practical learning and community-based solutions.
According to Mr. Samuel Kiwanuka, the school’s Project Manager and Director of Studies for S.3 and S.4, the exhibition was centered around environmental conservation. Students displayed items and concepts developed from ideas gathered within their communities, focusing on how to preserve and protect the environment.

“The aim was to encourage students to come up with practical solutions that the wider community can adopt. Today, our environment is suffering due to deforestation, poor waste management, and pollution—especially from plastics. These projects offer alternative ways to address those issues,” Kiwanuka explained.
He noted that this initiative aligns with the new curriculum introduced by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), which incorporates project work into the final grading of candidates. Kiwanuka added that all S.4 students actively participated in groups, creating tangible items that reflect their areas of study—an effort that has boosted their confidence ahead of the UCE exams.

He expressed gratitude to the school’s leadership, particularly the head teacher, Rev. Fr. Henry Kasasa, for the continued support and guidance that has contributed to student success at both O-Level and A-Level.
Among the standout projects displayed were solar-powered devices created from locally available materials, upcycling innovations that demonstrated how plastics can be reused, and community-oriented initiatives aimed at educating slum dwellers on sustainable practices. Many of the projects highlighted ways in which the environment can be conserved through reduced use of polythene bags, plastic waste, and other harmful materials.

Several students expressed excitement about the experience, noting that the exhibition not only enhanced their understanding but also opened doors for income-generating opportunities. Some companies have reportedly taken interest in their work, even hiring students to train staff in crafting similar eco-friendly projects.
With such positive momentum, the Uganda Martyrs Namugongo students are optimistic that their hands-on learning experience will give them a competitive edge in the upcoming national exams.