The Ekisaakaate (Royal Enclosure) initiative spearheaded by the Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, continues to expand with the aim of reaching every child in Buganda and equipping them with life skills and positive values essential for wholesome living.
While officiating at the closure of the Ekisaakaate session held in Buddu County on Tuesday, the Nnaabagereka called upon schools, especially those at the grassroots level, to make deliberate efforts to teach Buganda children some of the key lessons imparted through Ekisaakaate.
She emphasized that integrating these teachings into school programmes would further enrich the learners' lives.
"If all schools can establish Ekisaakaate programmes such that, throughout a term or a year, children repeatedly engage with these lessons--rather than concentrating them into just one or two weeks when Ekisaakaate is in session--it would be far more effective," she said.
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The Nnaabagereka highlighted some of the core skills taught to Ekisaakaate participants, including handcraft skills, health and hygiene practices, financial literacy and money management, cleanliness, proper nutrition, sports, and other life-enhancing disciplines.
She also reminded parents across the country to prepare to enroll their children in next year's Ekisaakaate, which will take place before the elections scheduled for January 2026.
The 2026 Ekisaakaate will run under the theme, "Technology and Culture."
The Nnaabagereka explained that technology has become an inseparable part of children's lives, making it vital for them to be guided on how to harmonize modern technology with cultural values.
Representing the Minister for the Office of the Nnaabagereka, the Minister for Lukiiko, Information, Cabinet Affairs, Protocol and Offical Kingdom Spokesperson, Noah Kiyimba--standing in for Minister of Social services (Education; Health) and Nnaabagereka's office, Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko--urged parents not to let the moral values instilled in the Ekisaakaate graduates fade away.
"I appeal to parents to continue reinforcing what the instructors have taught these children. We can already see how confidently and respectfully they express themselves and apply what they have learned," he said.
"Parents have a crucial role in teaching children about their clans and heritage. Today, you have seen where to begin.
The Nnaabagereka has strengthened this foundation, and we must all continue building on it."
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Kiyimba further encouraged parents to spend more quality time with their children to help shield them from rising negative influences and harmful agendas.
He advised that one effective way to prevent such challenges is by engaging children in constructive activities during school holidays, giving them opportunities to learn and grow.
The Chief of Buddu County, Jude Muleke, commended the Nnaabagereka for introducing the decentralized Ekisaakaate model across Buganda's counties. He noted that this approach will greatly help ensure that all children benefit from the programme's objectives.
He also expressed gratitude to parents who entrusted their children to the training and urged those who missed out this year to prepare adequately for next year.
This year, the Nnaabagereka's Ekisaakaate was implemented through several formats, including the national Ekisaakaate at Gatonya that brings together children from across the country, an Ekisaakaate for international-standard schools, the Ekisaakaate Diaspora, and county-based Ekisaakaate programmes across Buganda.
