Minister Nakate Urges Kabaka Nursery Schools to Strengthen Luganda and Parent Collaboration

Minister for Social Development and Education in the Kingdom of Buganda, Owek. Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko (fifth from right), poses with heads of Kabaka nursery schools after a meeting at Bulange, Mengo. Mengo – The Minister for Social Development and Education in the Kingdom of Buganda, Owek. Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, has called on administrators of Kabaka nursery schools to prioritise the teaching of Luganda and strengthen collaboration with parents, as part of wider efforts to preserve Buganda’s cultural heritage. The Minister made the remarks during a meeting with heads of Kabaka nursery schools held at Bulange, Mengo, where participants discussed strategies to improve education standards while safeguarding cultural values within the Kingdom’s learning institutions. Preserving Language and Culture Owek. Nakate warned that in the modern, technology-driven era, young children face an increasing risk of losing connection with their indigenous language. She noted that this can weaken their understanding of cultural identity and traditional values. She emphasised that teaching Luganda in schools does not hinder children from learning English, but instead enhances cognitive development and deepens their overall understanding of education and identity. “Our children must understand who they are from an early age. Luganda is more than a language; it carries our values, culture, and identity,” Owek. Nakate said. She added that the Kingdom of Buganda aims to nurture children who can compete globally while remaining firmly grounded in their cultural roots. Strengthening Parent Engagement In addition to language instruction, the Minister urged school administrators to reinforce communication and cooperation with parents, noting that quality education begins with a strong partnership between schools and families. She also encouraged school leaders to actively participate in Kingdom initiatives and to serve as ambassadors of His Majesty the Kabaka within their respective communities, guided by commitment and shared responsibility. Expansion of Kabaka Nursery Schools Owek. Nakate explained that the establishment and expansion of Kabaka nursery schools is part of a broader Kingdom programme to deliver quality education to Buganda’s people at all levels. She noted that the initiative focuses on laying a strong foundation in early childhood development and has now been extended to 11 counties across the Kingdom. Conclusion School heads who attended the meeting welcomed the Minister’s guidance and pledged to implement the recommendations, particularly the use of Luganda learning materials in classrooms. The initiative is expected to further strengthen the upbringing of children who are aware of their cultural heritage while being well prepared for the demands of the modern world.