Nnaabagereka Celebrates 20 Years of Ekisakaate Programme

The Nnaabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, has praised the Ekisakaate programme for promoting cultural values and nurturing responsible young people through the teachings of Obuntu Bulamu as the initiative marks 20 years since its inception.

Speaking at the launch of the 2027 Ekisakaate programme at Bulange, Mengo, Nnaabagereka said the initiative was established in response to growing concerns that many children were drifting away from traditional values and losing touch with their cultural heritage.

“Ekisakaate was founded after we realised that many of our children were losing our cultural values and traditions. We wanted to revive the wisdom of our ancestors and instil good character in the next generation through the philosophy of Obuntu Bulamu,” Nagginda said.

The 2027 Ekisakaate programme will run from June 5 to June 16 at Gayaza Junior School, Jjungo Campus, under the theme: “Rooted in Obuntu Bulamu, Building Tomorrow Today.”

The anniversary edition marks two decades since the programme was launched in 2007 by the Nnabagereka Development Foundation to provide cultural education, mentorship and leadership training for children.

Nagginda said Ekisakaate draws inspiration from Buganda’s traditional upbringing system, where elders played a key role in mentoring children, with boys guided by male elders and girls prepared for adulthood by their paternal and maternal aunts.

She noted that the programme blends traditional teachings with modern life skills to help young people develop discipline, confidence and a strong sense of responsibility.

“Our goal has always been to preserve our heritage while equipping children with the knowledge and life skills they need to succeed in today’s world,” she said.

Over the past 20 years, Nagginda said Ekisakaate has grown beyond Buganda’s counties, reaching more than 45,000 children through physical camps and over one million people through digital platforms.

She thanked parents, trainers, schools and development partners for their continued support, saying their contribution has been instrumental to the programme’s success.

Looking ahead, the Nnaabagereka announced plans to establish a Centre of Excellence dedicated to cultural education and leadership training based on the principles of Obuntu Bulamu.

The launch was attended by Buganda Kingdom officials, government representatives, members of the Nnabagereka Development Foundation Board and development partners.

Education Minister Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, who also oversees the Nnaabagereka’s office, said the programme’s 20-year journey reflects its significant role in shaping the lives of young people.

Partners, including MTN MoMo, commended Ekisakaate for its impact on youth development and pledged continued support. MTN MoMo committed more than Shs80 million towards the 2027 programme.

The upcoming Ekisakaate session is expected to bring together children from Buganda and other parts of the country for two weeks of cultural education, leadership training and life-skills development.