Destiny School of Excellence and Mvule Primary School Crowned Winners in Zombo District MDD Competitions

By Mike Rwothomio 

Destiny School of Excellence and Mvule Primary School emerged as the top winners in the recent Zombo District Music, Dance and Drama (MDD) competitions organized by Nebbi District NGO-Forum for primary schools under the Alochi Ku Somo II Project.

Destiny School of Excellence took first place in Ora County after competing against nine schools; one school, Angalarach, did not participate.

 The top three schools awarded trophies in Ora County were Destiny Nursery and Primary School from Aka Sub-county, Ari Primary School in second place, and Alube Primary School from Kango Sub-county in third. 

Trophies were awarded to the three leading schools due to the higher number of participants.

In Okoro County, Mvule Primary School won the trophy, finishing ahead of runner-up Zombo Lower Primary School.

 Four schools competed: Mvule, Zombo Lower, Mvugu Lower and Pagisi.

 Trophies went to the top two schools because of the smaller number of entrants.

The two-day event took place at Ukemu Child and Youth Development Centre for Ora County on Monday, October 26, and on Tuesday, October 27, at Mvungu Upper Primary School.

 It was organised by the Nebbi District NGO Forum under the Alochi Ku Somo II Project and supported by COOPER AID Switzerland.

It brought together project schools, seven from the previous year and seven from the current year, making 14 in total, to unite learners, nurture talent, boost confidence, and create platforms for future careers.

Project Officer Alfred Ogenmungu of the Nebbi District NGO Forum, working on the Alochi Ku Somo project, explained the objectives: “The major aim or objective of this activity is to bring the project schools together in unity. And the next one is to allow learners opportunity to demonstrate their talents and at the same time portray their skills as well as preparing them for future engagement. The aim was also to expose learners in order to prepare for future careers such that some of them who may have better talents may portray the talents which talents can best be used to earn a living.”

He noted that schools received only two weeks to prepare yet produced strong performances.

 “We are so grateful to our teachers who really came up within this short period. We gave only two weeks for the preparation and but what we have seen here was so great such that if learners could be given enough time, we may see a lot coming out of MDD. I want to thank all the schools and their headteachers and our learners who came up and participated in this event.” He added.

The competitions featured specific categories including poetry on the theme “Education Is the Light of Our Future”, drama titled “The Child Who Almost Dropped Out of School”, folk songs, folk dances using simple instruments such as drums and xylophones, and news reports or public speaking on “Alochi Ku Somo Project Transforms Learning in Zombo District”.

Participating schools in Ora County included Warr Public, Pei, Nyadima, Angalarach (absented), Alube, Kango, Awusonzi, Ogalo, Arii and Destiny School of Excellence. 

Those in Okoro County were Mvugu Lower, Pagisi, Mvule and Zombo Lower primary schools.

Adjudication Panel Chairperson Susu Alex, who signed the Okoro County tally sheet on 27/10/2026 alongside Ongierchan Charles and Bithum Jimmy, urged better preparation for future competitions.

He pointed out that many schools were too relaxed: “When the adjudicators are here, this is what I realized. Most of our choir trainers were relaxed. The instruction is, if you have the script, bring for us to study. Now you bring when the activity is almost ending. That’s another wrong thing because at what time should I now discuss, I mean share it with my people here”

He encouraged schools to ensure energy in performances and to file photos of any MDD activity.

Assistant Education Officer Patrick Bikadhu announced that MDD programmes will be mandatory next year and called on headteachers to create dedicated budgets to fund these creative arts projects.

He commended the participating schools and appreciated the learners for displaying skills: “Like I said, it will be a top-down approach. It will be a must for every school to participate next year in MDD. I would like to thank all the schools who participated. I was really surprised to see our learners having such talents and skills, which we are denying as teachers”

The event forms part of the broader Alochi Ku Somo II Project’s education-focused activities in Zombo District, implemented by Nebbi District NGO-forum, Life concern and CEFORD, emphasising improved learning, increased school participation, and stronger cooperation among schools, families and communities.

This MDD programs aligns with Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports promotion of Music, Dance and Drama through the national curriculum and co-curricular activities.

Nebbi District NGO Forum (NDNGOF) builds integrated systems that drive sustainable and inclusive development across the Greater Nebbi and West Nile region. 

Since 2022, the organization has shifted from project-based implementation to a systems-strengthening approach linking education, economic empowerment, governance, and climate resilience.

 Through models like Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and partnerships for Agri-business Incubation, NDNGOF advances youth and women-led enterprise development while strengthening local institutions and accountability.