Wakiso learners showcase linguistic prowess in spelling bee competition

WAKISO - Learners from Wakiso district showcased their linguistic prowess in a thrilling spelling bee competition that attracted over 10 top schools at St Louis Pre & Primary School, Akright City in Makindye–Ssabagabo Municipality on August 2, 2025.

The competition, which brought together top young spellers to demonstrate exceptional English language skills and intellectual abilities, aimed at promoting literacy and proficiency to boost classroom learning at the nursery and primary levels.

Abel Murathime, a pupil at Mugwanya Preparatory School Kabojja, emerged the overall winner after demonstrating an extraordinary command of language. Jonathan Kato of St Louis Pre & Primary School won the junior category, while Jason Arinda of Mugwanya Preparatory School Kabojja, was the competition runner-up.

Mufumu Gusita, the pronouncer at the event, revealed that spelling bee competitions provide a platform for young learners to exhibit their mastery of language, spelling skills and vocabulary.

“Participants engaged in oral spelling challenges, tackling words of increasing complexity as they progressed through the rounds. The competition was fierce, with spellers demonstrating extraordinary command of word origins, sentence usage and meaning,” he explained.

These approaches enable learners to develop a strong foundation in language skills including spelling, grammar and vocabulary, which benefits them in academic writing, reading comprehension and verbal communication, Gusita observed.

According to Gusita, the winners qualified automatically for the annual Enjuba National Spelling Bee Competitions in December 2025.

Engage children in reading to open their minds early

 Dr Charles Kanyesigye, the guest speaker at the function, said that spelling bees develop cognitive skills, memory retention, concentration and analytical thinking, which boost self-confidence among learners at all levels.

“I encourage the learners to use this opportunity to learn how to read books and other printed literature to improve their understanding of various topics and subjects in class,” he advised.

Dr. Charles Kanyesigye, the guest speaker at the Wakiso ejuba spelling bees handing over the trophy to Jonathan Kato of St Louis Pre Primary School after winning the junior category. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

English is our business language and official language internationally accepted to facilitate trade, and it does not only help us acquire jobs in our country but also outside the world.

“You will never speak or write proper English without understanding the etymology of the language. Some books which we used to study from have been extinct, but such kinds of competition help learners to read widely and develop vocabulary needed in the field,” Kanyesigye added.

Kanyesigye cautioned learners against engaging in drugs, early sexual relationships and misuse of chances offered by their parents to pursue education.

To enhance competency-based training in all schools and institutions, we need learners and students to understand better the language of instruction, which starts with pronunciation, spelling and writing, suggested Kanyesigye.

Strategies for promoting reading culture

 The Wakiso spelling bee competition empowers young learners to develop a love for language and linguistic excellence.

According to St Louis Pre & Primary School resident director, Julliette Balikuddembe, reading strategies can be promoted by setting up reading corners in school compounds with various charts and installing a well-stocked library.

“Establish book clubs and reading groups to help learners interact with each other during storytelling and reading time on a daily basis after normal classes,” she said.

Parents should highly encourage short story writing and reading out normal stories, even if it is in their local language, to help learners build coherence, story construction and consistent flow of ideas over time, Balikuddembe suggested.

The schools which reached the final round of the competition included Greenhill Academy, Hillside, Pax Junior, Gayaza Junior School, Standard Junior School, Kings Way, Soza Life International, Rafik Primary and Pax Primary School.