Iganga, Uganda: A 12-year-old Primary Five pupil at Hillside Ways Nursery and Primary School in Nakalama Sub-county, Iganga District, has proved that disability is no barrier to leadership after being sworn in as the school’s Assistant Head Prefect.
Bwoye Elvis, who uses a walking aid, took the oath of office on Saturday during the school’s prefects’ swearing-in ceremony, marking the beginning of his leadership journey.
Speaking after the ceremony, Elvis said the opportunity had boosted his confidence and inspired him to serve his fellow pupils.
“It makes me confident while in leadership,” Elvis said. “I wanted to get a chance to guide others despite the disability. I was also inspired by my parents to never give up.”
The prefects’ election was organised to nurture leadership skills among learners and prepare them for future responsibilities.
Headteacher Paul Bakaki said the initiative is designed to instil discipline, responsibility and leadership values at an early age. “We organised the election of prefects to bring out the image of future leadership and to inspire them to be responsible leaders like Members of Parliament,” Bakaki said.
He added: “We want to train them on the discipline of leadership while they are still young so that they grow knowing how leaders act and behave. We urge parents to always encourage children to take interest in leadership by teaching them good morals.”
The school’s Director, Mwondha Hassan, who presided over the swearing-in ceremony, described the event as both a commitment to service and an opportunity to place faith at the centre of leadership.
“The swearing-in function is a sign of commitment to serve other pupils and it places God as the leading element in whatever they will do,” Mwondha said.
He also encouraged parents to identify and nurture their children’s abilities. “Parents should discover the talents of their children and find out what they love most so that they can support them in that area. I urge the sworn-in pupils to serve as examples to the rest.”
Teachers and parents who attended the ceremony commended the school for promoting inclusive leadership by giving every learner, regardless of physical ability, an equal opportunity to serve.
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