By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
A Senior Three student at St. Joseph’s Naama Modern Secondary School, Mityana, has emerged as the top winner in the 2024 National Agroecology Poem-Writing Competition organized by the Eastern and Southern Small-scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF) Uganda.
John Paul Nkwanga, a reserved 16-year-old student from Mityana, won the competition with his poem ‘Climate Justice‘. The poem explores the unequal impact of climate change, equitable distribution of climate burdens, fostering equity and human rights in decision-making processes, natural resource protection, gender equality, food security, and renewable energy investment. The themes align with agroecology and environmental conservation principles.
Nkwanga’s poem also calls for urgent action to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable farming practices that preserve the environment.
“I am very happy because this is my first time writing a poem, and winning this competition has built my self-confidence. I am now inspired to write more poems,” Nkwanga said. He encouraged fellow students to utilize opportunities available in their schools.
Nkwanga was awarded UGX 1,000,000 half bursary for one academic term to support his education next year.
Other Contestants are Joan Ainembazi, from St. Peter’s SS Nsambya who was the first runner-up, winning UGX 700,000, Esther Wanyenya, Vision High School Mukono, who came in third (2nd runner-up), receiving UGX 500,000. Wamuyale Pius, from Paul Mukasa SS Mukono was the third runner-up and placed fourth. While, Uwimana Josephine, from St. Gertrude Girls’ Vocational SS Kisoro and Nyero Daniel Latim, Gulu SS, in Gulu came in the fifth and sixth positions, respectively. All participants received certificates, books, and bags from ESAFF and Humundi, the biggest sponsor of the competition.
The contestants recited poems on climate change, environmental protection, and agroecology. They also participated in a live poem-writing challenge during the event.
Speaking during the awarding ceremony, at Esella Country Hotel, Kampala, David Oming, ESAFF’s Programs Assistant, noted that this was the second edition of Agroecology Poem-Writing Competition. He said they 1,023 poems were submitted from 14 primary and 18 secondary schools nationwide.
The competition progressed from school-level to district-level contests, culminating in the national finals with six champions.
“We want youth to contribute to nature conservation by writing poems that promote agroecology and environmental sustainability,” Oming said. He announced plans to expand the initiative to more schools and institutions.
Sir Sande George Bob, a senior agricultural officer from the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized the importance of science education and urged young students to concentrate on science subjects because in order to become problem solvers in their communities.
“I want to tell you, if you want money from employment and not through stealing, so sciences. I am not discouraging the arts because they are our administrators, human resources and we need need them but, do sciences and people will look for you. Not just doing but have the passion,” said Sir Bob.
“Our president increases the salary of scientists because he wants you to pick up to become scientists, because they’re problem solvers. So, struggle and become scientists.”
On the other hand, Nancy Mugimba, ESAFF Uganda’s coordinator, revealed plans to establish agroecology clubs in more schools and to elevate the competition to an international level.
Family and School Reaction
Nkwanga’s parents, Lawrence Kamya and Bagilinka Valentine, expressed gratitude to ESAFF and its partners for the award, which will help pay part of their son’s school fees.
Kamya criticized men who have made it a habit to runaway from their responsibilities, and urged them to take responsibility for their families, noting that neglect can negatively affect children’s well-being.
The parents commended their son’s resilience and bravery, which contributed to his success. They appealed to the organizers to also go to other areas and support other students through such competitions.
The school’s patron, Umar Sekiti, expressed pride in Nkwanga’s achievement. “The inauguration of this club inspired many students at our school. Although we could only select a few participants, we are grateful for Nkwanga’s victory,” he said.
Participants Reaction
Josephine Uwimana, a participant from Kisoro, remains optimistic about future competitions. She said participating in the national competition helps students to explore the language and restores self confidence as they interface participants from diverse backgrounds, an experience she said she will use as a stepping stone to win in the next competitions.
