By Ezaruku Draku Franklin

Hannah Amupaire Terisah, a student of Ndejje Senior Secondary School has beaten of a stiff competition from nine other students to emerge the winner of the inaugural national essay competition.

Amupaire won the grand price of Shs3.5 million, a laptop and a trophy. Her closest challenged Jonathan Kimara from Bishop Cyprian Kihangire came second while Richard Odeke, a student from Jinja College took the third position. Each of the two runners up won a laptop and a plaque.

“I am so happy that out of over 300 essays, I emerged winner. I was not going to participate but my mother encouraged me to. I want to thank UBA for this initiative. I am going to use the prize money for my university tuition. I also want to congratulate my fellow finalists and encourage them not to always believe in themselves and do their best,” Amumpaire said in her acceptance speech.

“I am so happy that out of over 300 essays, I emerged winner. I was not going to participate but my mother encouraged me to. I want to thank UBA for this initiative. I am going to use the prize money for my university tuition. I also want to congratulate my fellow finalists and encourage them not to always believe in themselves and do their best,” Amumpaire

The top 10 also had Halima Saidi (Mbogo High School), Nabadda Kevina (Seeta High School), Manzi Kabuchu (World of Life International School), Nabagemba Swabura Namukasa (Lubiri Secondary School), Nuweampiire Anati (Kyebambe Girls SS), Namara Immaculate (Bwenanyangi Girls), and Samatha Mirembe Isabella (St Mary’s College Namagunga).

The competition organized by the United Bank of Africa had drawn more than 300 entries, which were eventually trimmed down to 13 finalists who were invited for the final round of the essay competition. Out of them, the top 10 were recognized and awarded different prizes including certificate, gift hampers and other prizes.

Dr Joel Isabirye, a judge on the panel who handled the essay competition said the students exhibited very high level of competence in writing the essays. He said they were particularly impressed by the submissions from countryside students who exhibited very high levels of intelligence.

“When we got the submissions, we thought some of them were helped by their parents and teachers so we invited them for the second round here. We were however amazed by what they submitted and we knew that these were very intelligent students,” she said.

Ms Chioma Mang, the UBA Uganda Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer said she was amazed by the quality of work submitted by the students. She said the competition will help students in achieving their dreams.

‘UBA is passionate about the youth because we know that they are the future leaders of tomorrow. This is the reason we launched the National Essay competition. To play a part in encouraging a reading and writing culture among our students and equip them with essential communication for future success. We are happy with the positive response to our maiden edition and thank all the students who submitted Essays. I want to congratulate the overall winners and the top 10 finalists,’ Mrs. Chioma said.

She said the competition will continue just like it has been in Nigeria, and three other countries.

“We believe the future of every country lies in its youth and Africa as a continent has a big number of youths but not reaping the benefit. That’s why at UBA we pay significant attention to youths to ensure they are skilled. This competition is here to stay just like UBA is here to stay. We are not going anywhere and that is our commitment to the people of Uganda,” she said.

While officiating over the function, Santa Ateng, the senior education officer in charge of government secondary school department at the Education Ministry said with a competition like this, the next set of leaders will be much better shaped.

She said while a country may be endowed so much with natural resources, it will remain unexploited if the human capital to exploit them has not been developed.

“One way of tapping them is through education and bringing in a sense of competitiveness among the children. It in a way stimulates several skills among them,” she said.

Ateng said the ministry will support UBA in ensuring that students all over the country participate in the subsequent national essay competitions. She hailed the bank for organizing the competition which she said will help in building students’ confidence and turn them in to better leaders of tomorrow.

“When you people came up with this idea, we were not sure whether another edition would be organized. Today I am happy because you said the competition is here to stay. As a ministry, we shall support you in this and make sure all students across the country participate in it. This will help nurture leadership skills among them and make the better leaders,” Ateng said.