“Who knows? We can be here with the next CEO of a major bank in the world. We can be here with someone that will become a global leader, a global icon.”

These words, spoken by Barbara Yata, made a powerful landing at the Lapatutu Day of Inspiration on 12th October 2026. As we gathered to inspire the Primary Seven candidates of Nakiwogo Primary School, it was a humbling moment for us—having had the privilege of being part of their school community for the entire academic year.

Our journey with the learners began in First Term, when we distributed storybooks to commemorate D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) Day. In Second Term, we returned to host the Lapatutu Letter Writing Competition. And to crown a remarkable year together, we brought it all home with the Lapatutu Day of Inspiration.

The Day of Inspiration was dedicated entirely to honoring the P7 candidates as they prepare for their Primary Leaving Examinations. Our vision was to provide practical wisdom, moral courage, and real-life hope, reminding these young learners that their current circumstances do not limit their destiny.

For this event, we partnered with Beautiful Pieces Uganda, a one-stop event planning and management company. Usually, they are busy setting up lights, sound systems, and managing large events, but on this day, they came simply to open their hearts to these candidates. We were honored to have the business’s founding siblings and entire leadership team with us: Barbara Yata, Brian Yata, and Brenda Yata.

When Barbara Yata challenged the candidates to see themselves as future CEOs and global icons, it wasn’t just a catchy opening line. As she began her session, she shared the honest realities of their own upbringing—being raised by a single mother, sent home for school fees, and walking to school with torn shoes. That raw honesty created an instant, unbreakable connection with the learners.

The secret she shared was simple: stay consistent and dedicated toward the path of getting better. For the candidates, she broke this down into daily action—consistently showing up to school, consistently revising, and consistently working hard, even when obstacles get in the way.

Life has a way of making a young person feel like their current struggle is the worst situation anyone could face. Moments like these broaden their perspective, helping them realize that others have walked similar—or even tougher—paths and made it through. Seeing Barbara stand before them as proof made it truly believable that greatness was possible for them, too.

When Brian Yata took the floor, connecting with young people seemed like second nature to him. He kicked off his session by getting the learners on their feet for an energetic dance session—bringing up the top student dancers and even Teacher Akankwasa to groove along to a song he taught them. With the room lit up and buzzing, Brian—a banking professional with experience spanning Standard Chartered, DFCU, ABSA, and NCBA—brought that same practical energy into his main message, reminding the candidates that leadership always starts within.

“When you look for a leader, look at yourself first. You are the one who has got to lead yourself first and foremost.“

Building on self-discipline, Brian offered a timely reminder on peer influence. Using a simple gravity analogy, he demonstrated how it is always easier for someone who is down to pull you down than it is for you to pull them up. With this visual, he encouraged the candidates to choose friends who will build them up rather than drag them down.

Given his background in banking, it came as no shock when Brian shared his deep love for mathematics. He reminded the candidates that mastering the subject comes down to three simple things: practice, practice, and practice.

To wrap up the speaking sessions, Brenda Yata took the floor, and her motherly warmth filled the room immediately—no wonder she works in Human Resources! She spoke directly to the power of working together, reminding the learners that no one succeeds entirely alone.

Brenda urged them to embrace partnership and look out for one another as they prepare for exams:

“If a fellow student needs help, don’t laugh at them—help them instead.”

She reassured the candidates that everyone has unique worth, reminding them that skin color or background does not make anyone superior to another, and that they are all equally special.

To crown an unforgettable day, the team didn’t leave the candidates with just inspiring words, they put real, practical tools into their hands. Every single candidate was gifted five brand-new exercise books to fuel their daily revision as they head into their final lap, alongside a brand-new mathematical set.

Beyond the gifts, the true heart of the Day of Inspiration was simple: to honor the candidates of Nakiwogo Primary School and remind them that tough circumstances do not define their future. The Yata siblings were the perfect messengers for that truth—not because of their titles, but because they have walked that exact road themselves.

For us at Lapatutu, the ultimate blessing came when the Beautiful Pieces team went one step further. Moved by the determination in the room, they made a life-changing announcement: Nakiwogo Primary School’s top-performing candidate in this year’s PLE will receive a full bursary for their first term of secondary school, courtesy of Beautiful Pieces Uganda.

What a remarkable act of generosity! Moments like these remind us why community partnerships matter. To you, dear reader, if you are ever looking for an event production team that brings not just world-class execution, but a deep, genuine heart for people, look no further than Beautiful Pieces Uganda. Brands that pour into the next generation deserve all our support.

To the candidates of Nakiwogo Primary School, we wish you the very best in your upcoming exams. To the dedicated teachers of Nakiwogo Primary School, thank you for your unwavering passion and commitment to nurturing the next generation. And to our partners, Beautiful Pieces—thank you for bringing your hearts, your stories, and your generosity to the learners.

Here’s a glimpse of the high-energy icebreaker that got the room buzzing during Brian Yata’s session: