Green Hill, Buddo, St Henry's ace Unicaf University tourism essay competition

The competition, which was launched by Unicaf University and endorsed by The Ministry of Education attracted student participants from up to 60 secondary schools.

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The five winners came from, Greenhill Academy, Buddo SS, and St. Henry's College Kitovu.

Mohammed Shabir, the overall winner from Greenhill Academy was awarded a full scholarship to Unicaf University, $150, and a Tablet.

Janet Kisaakye from Buddo also won a full scholarship, $100, and a Tablet while her schoolmate Hakim Katamba won a 90% scholarship and a Tablet

Gilbert Kyamaanyi and Sebastian Buyungo, both from St. Henry's College Kitovu took home $100.

In the competition, the students were required to write a creative essay about Uganda’s natural beauty from the youngsters’ perspective.

Prof George Nasinyama, the Unicaf Vice Chancellor said during the awarding event held at the Kampala Serena, that the competition was aimed at igniting creativity, critical thinking, and a profound appreciation for Uganda's breathtaking natural beauty.

Prof Nasinyama, who personally assessed the essays of the finalists, said he was impressed by the work of the students.

“The work was amazing, some of you are taking science subjects but your literary skills, the prose was like that of Chinua Achebe,” he said.

Mohammed Shabir, who emerged top of the park said although he was not born in Uganda, he was happy to jump on the opportunity to write about the beauty and splendor of the country that he now calls home.

“I moved here when I was 8 and I have been through most parts of Uganda and I just had to write about this topic to express my love of this beautiful of this country,” he said.

On his part, Francis Mugoya the head of the Tourism Institute of East Africa, asked Unicaf to expand the competition to include and also give recognition to more students and teachers across the country.