By Skynewsug.com
26/10/2026
NAMATABA, MUKONO DISTRICT — Primary Seven candidates at Close The Gap Junior School in Namataba, Mukono District, have been urged to believe in themselves, remain focused on their studies and put God first as they prepare for their forthcoming Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) scheduled for November 3 and 4.
The call was made by Rev. Daniel Semuwemba of St Luke Kirangira Church of Uganda, who, together with Pastor Godfrey Mugerwa, led prayers for the candidates, encouraging them to remain determined and approach their examinations with confidence.
The religious leaders reminded the pupils that they are not the first candidates to sit the national examinations and urged them not to be intimidated by the process. They also encouraged learners from rural communities to believe that they can perform just as well as their counterparts in urban schools, emphasising that with faith in God, hard work and determination, success is possible.
The event also featured the swearing-in of incoming student leaders and the presentation of certificates to outgoing leaders in recognition of their service. Pupils entertained parents and guests through music and dance, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the occasion.
The Primary Seven candidates cut a cake to mark their forthcoming examinations, while the newly sworn-in student leaders also participated in a cake-cutting ceremony.
The new student leaders impressed parents and guests with their confident delivery of the swearing-in ceremony in English. Their fluency and composure attracted admiration from those in attendance, with some parents joking that the pupils had demonstrated better command of English than some local government leaders during public swearing-in ceremonies.
The school’s headteacher, Benon Kule, thanked parents for maintaining a strong working relationship with the school, saying their cooperation had played a significant role in its growth despite being a relatively young institution.
Kule noted that the candidates were the school’s first cohort to sit the Primary Leaving Examinations, making their performance particularly important to the institution’s development and future reputation.
Patrick Kanyike, one of the school’s founders, together with other parents, rewarded the pupils with gifts in recognition of their efforts and to encourage them as they prepare for their examinations.
Kanyike also offered scholarships to two pupils, pledging to support their education until they complete their studies. In addition, two parents were awarded suitcases in recognition of their commitment to paying school fees on time and supporting the school’s growth.
He called on parents to strengthen their relationships with teachers and their children, saying close cooperation would help improve academic performance while enabling schools and families to identify and nurture pupils’ talents.
Kanyike emphasised that every child has unique abilities that, when identified and developed, can open doors to future opportunities. He encouraged the candidates to maintain good discipline wherever they go, noting that good behaviour is an important part of a child’s upbringing and future success.
He further urged parents to carefully select secondary schools for their children after P.7, advising them to consider institutions with teaching approaches that children can understand, good communication between school administrators and parents, and opportunities for parents to visit and monitor their children’s progress.
He warned parents against enrolling their children in schools where poor communication and limited parental involvement could expose them to negative influences, stressing that regular follow-up and cooperation between parents and schools are essential for both academic achievement and character development.
