Kampala, Uganda: Uganda will be represented by three outstanding young spellers at the forthcoming Africa Spelling Bee, slated to take place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from March 18 to 21, 2026. The continental contest will attract over 20 African countries and more than 200 delegates, marking one of the largest literacy events on the continent.
The Ugandan team was selected following the 2025 National Spelling Bee Grand Finale held on October 25, 2025, at the Serena Hotel in Kampala, where 167 top spellers from 15 districts battled for national honors.
The prestigious literacy event, organized by Enjuba Spelling Bee, featured competitive rounds, storytelling, live performances, and inspirational sessions aimed at nurturing confidence, vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking among learners.
The grand finale saw 9-year-old Jonathan Amollo from Tororo Primary School emerge as the overall champion, while Peter Lwanga Sendi from Pax Junior School came second, and Leah Arinaitwe from Parental Care Nursery and Primary School, Bushenyi, finished third.
The three, DailyExpress understands, will fly Uganda’s flag at the continental stage, competing against the best young spellers from across Africa.
Enjuba Chief Literacy Officer William Mukisa praised the learners’ dedication, saying the program continues to be a transformative platform for literacy and personal development.
“Spelling Bee is a catalytic program that helps children fall in love with reading,” Mukisa said. “Uganda still faces a literacy challenge, about 83 per cent of children below ten years cannot read and write. Spelling Bee pushes children to books, and in the process, they learn how to read, read to learn, grow their vocabulary, and improve their literacy.”
He added that Uganda’s continued participation at the continental level is vital in raising the profile of reading and education.
“We are part of the African Spelling Bee movement, which brings together more than 20 countries every year. This year’s competition was in Nigeria (April 2025), and next year, Zimbabwe will host. It’s a platform that celebrates African brilliance and educational unity,” Mukisa said.
Representing western Uganda, Parental Care Primary School from Bushenyi earned national praise for maintaining academic excellence and consistency, with pupil Leah Arinaitwe securing the third spot.
The school headteacher, Desmond Tayebwa, said the victory was the result of teamwork, discipline, and focus. “Our learners trained tirelessly under the guidance of their teachers. This recognition shows that with determination and the right support, rural schools can compete at national and international levels,” he said.
As the countdown to the continental finals begins, Uganda’s trio, Amollo, Lwanga, and Arinaitwe, are already preparing to showcase their linguistic prowess and represent the country with pride in Victoria Falls.
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