For a number of weeks, the African Sun had taken center stage in Entebbe. As a result, the dust levels were fairly high. The kind of dust that forms a layer of soft soil on top of murram roads. It also brought a kind of heat that easily brings in an early fatigue around midday.
Then August 5th came. The day of the Lapatutu Letter Writing Competition Grand Finale at Nakiwogo Primary School.
Right from about 3AM on this day, the skies opened up and the rain started pouring down, giving life to the plants in the ground, cooling the atmosphere, and sending away the dust. It rained all the way to about 1PM. It was a mildly gentle kind of rain.
Prior to this day, we had planned for the event to happen in the school’s beautiful green compound. Just the day before, we talked to the Head Teacher, Teacher Kobusinge Phoeb, to confirm the program. That was when she notified us that they had decided to hold the event in the Main Hall instead—for fear of the scorching sun.
They say rain is a blessing, and giving this context shows why we truly saw it as one. For one, Entebbe needed the rain. And as for the event, it surely felt like divine guidance that had led us to shift the venue indoors.
Getting to the hall, we were extremely marveled by the organization. Teacher Akankwasa Gilbert had drawn a stunning artwork on the blackboard, welcoming Lapatutu Writing Creations with artistic flair and setting a vibrant tone for the morning. The high table was also beautifully decorated, and beside the stage, our corporate partners from Newman’s were already set up. Their teardrop banners positioned around the compound immediately signaled to the pupils that today was also about enjoying some delicious snacks!
At exactly 11:00 AM, Teacher Grace, Head of the English Department, stepped up to lead the program. Her eloquence and natural warmth immediately brought the room to life. Soon after, Teacher Kobusinge Phoeb officially welcomed us to Nakiwogo Primary School. In her remarks, one thing shone brightly: the deep sense of teamwork among the staff and the genuine love and respect between the teachers and their pupils.
When Mr. Katende Uthman, Head of Marketing at Newman’s, came onto the stage, he was overwhelmed by the warm reception. He did something remarkable as he started: he asked who the pupils’ Imam was. And as you can imagine, the entire school shouted, almost in unison, the names of two students whom he recognized right there. This was a powerful moment that showed the true spirit of inclusivity at Nakiwogo Primary School. Even with a largely Christian population, there is deep respect for other religions.
Newman’s didn’t just stop at handing out gift bags and pens to the top performers—they made sure no child felt left out. Every single pupil in attendance received a delicious snack, giving everyone a real taste of Newman’s goodness!
We take this opportunity to encourage you, dear reader, to always choose Newman’s whenever you visit your local shop, school canteen, or supermarket. Because a brand that invests in the education of the next generation is a brand truly worthy of our support.
When it was time for our Founder, Mr. William Kyeyune, to address the assembly, he shared a message titled “Stay in the Boat.”
Using the boat as a metaphor for their education, he encouraged the pupils to stay in school despite whatever challenges or storms come their way. It was an inspiring call to perseverance—reminding them that completing their education is the vessel that will carry them safely to their dreams.
📖 Read & Download: Click [this link] to read and download the full “Stay in the Boat” speech.
Then came the grand moment of the day: recognizing the competition winners. But before honoring the pupils, we had to recognize the teachers—without whom none of this would have been possible. We celebrated them in person, but we couldn’t publish this post without honoring and deeply thanking them here as well:
- Teacher Angeyo Grace (Head of English Department)
- Teacher Cherotwo Martha
- Teacher Akankwasa Gilbert
- Teacher Bunkonge Kennedy Suubi
- Teacher Nakazinga Annet
Crowning our honor for the teachers was the Head Teacher, Teacher Kobusinge Phoeb, whose support and leadership ignited this program from the very start. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
As we began honoring the pupils, it was deeply moving to hear their peers cheering them on. In Luganda, there is a word that captures this spirit perfectly: Okwagaliza—the joy of celebrating others in their success. It was a deeply encouraging moment for us, because the heart of this competition was always to inspire hope and belief, and seeing it come to life right there was unforgettable. From a total of 319 submissions, here are the champions of the day:
- Nanyonga Priscilla Victoria (P.7)
- Kiberu Nicholas Newton (P.6)
- Kalenda Maria (P.5)
- Mutebi Eric Ssekatawa (P.6)
- Baliyana Joanitah Trisha (P.7)
- Atuhire Shivan (P.7)
- Noah Pravir (P.5)
- Ssenyomo Shadrack (P.7)
- Ssebagala Emmanuel (P.4)
- Atimango Patricia (P.4)
A massive congratulations to all our winners and every pupil who took part! You have shown us that the future of writing is bright, bold, and full of promise. Until the next edition, keep writing, keep dreaming, and stay in the boat!
To close out the day, the Deputy Head Teacher, Teacher Nalutaaya Zaitun, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks—and then showed us all the secret to why teachers never seem to age! Right after her speech, she broke into some amazing dance moves, getting the entire hall on their feet, laughing, and dancing along.
Looking around that room as the event ended—seeing the bright eyes, the proud smiles, and the renewed sense of hope—was deeply encouraging. This competition is about so much more than nurturing the art of writing.
It is about transforming mindsets and helping young minds realize that success is well within their reach if they simply stay committed, keep believing, and stay in the boat of education.
As we close this chapter of the Letter Writing Competition, we are already looking ahead. Next term, we return to Nakiwogo Primary School to continue our mission: nurturing Uganda’s next generation of not just great writers, but responsible citizens.
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