By Brian Mugenyi
Masaka: The sound of football cheers, music and youthful excitement echoed through St. Mugaga Secondary School as a senior government official stepped away from the seriousness of public service and joined students in a moment that captured the true meaning of leadership — connection, inspiration and hope.
Oscar Mutebi, Private Secretary at State House and Personal Assistant to former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi emeritus, brought the spirit of the FIFA World Cup closer to learners, dancing with students as they watched the tournament action and sharing a message that education, talent and determination remain the foundation of success.
For the students, it was not just another football viewing session. It was a rare encounter with a leader who chose to sit among them, celebrate with them and remind them that their dreams are valid.
The school environment turned into a festival of happiness as learners cheered their favourite teams, sang along to music and danced with Mutebi, who is known for his passion for sports and entertainment.
The moment reflected a different side of leadership — one that moves beyond offices, titles and formal engagements to touch the lives of young people.
A Message Beyond The World Cup
As the world followed the final stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Spain and Argentina preparing to battle for football’s biggest prize on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Mutebi used the global tournament as a classroom without walls.
Spain reached the final after defeating France 2-0 on July 14, 2026, while Argentina secured their place after overcoming England 2-1 on July 15, 2026. France and England will compete for third place on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
But at St. Mugaga, the bigger victory was the message delivered to learners — that young people must understand the world around them and prepare themselves for future opportunities.
Mutebi encouraged students to remain informed about current affairs, saying knowledge of what is happening locally and globally helps young people become confident and responsible citizens.
“Students should be well informed and aware of current events. The world is changing, and learners must understand what is happening around them because knowledge opens doors,” Mutebi told the students.
Beyond Books: The Power Of Co-Curricular Activities
Mutebi also challenged school leaders to strengthen co-curricular activities, describing them as an important part of developing a complete learner.
He urged the headteacher and education stakeholders at St. Mugaga Secondary School, as well as schools across Uganda, to provide students with opportunities in sports, music and other talents.
According to Mutebi, such activities allow learners to relax, refresh their minds and return to academic work with renewed focus.
He explained that education should not only focus on classroom examinations but also on nurturing creativity, confidence and hidden talents among young people.
“Students need time to relax, think and discover themselves. Co-curricular activities help learners develop confidence and improve their performance because a healthy mind performs better,” he said.
A Journey Of Service And Youth Empowerment
Mutebi’s engagement with students reflects his wider commitment to youth empowerment and community development.
As Private Secretary at State House and Personal Assistant to former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi emeritus, Mutebi has operated within spaces of national leadership while maintaining close connections with communities.
He has been involved in initiatives aimed at supporting young people, promoting education, encouraging talent development and mobilising communities towards development goals.
His approach has often centred on the belief that young people are not only leaders of tomorrow but important partners in shaping today’s society.
At St. Mugaga, that philosophy came alive as he interacted freely with students and encouraged them to believe in their abilities.
Technology, Education And A Vision For The Future
The engagement also reflected Mutebi’s previous support towards improving learning at St. Mugaga Secondary School, including technology support aimed at enhancing students’ access to modern learning tools.
While revising from the television and technology facilities at the school, Mutebi demonstrated how innovation can complement traditional classroom learning.
He encouraged learners to embrace technology as a tool for research, knowledge acquisition and personal growth.
Roar For Your Dreams
A lover of sports and music, Mutebi challenged students to “roar” for better opportunities in life and advocate for better academic results.
He urged them not to underestimate their abilities, reminding them that success begins with self-belief, discipline and hard work.
“Everything is possible. You can achieve it. Believe in yourself, work hard and use every opportunity that comes your way,” he told learners.
His message resonated with students who saw the interaction as both entertainment and mentorship.
The Goal Beyond Football
As football fans wait to see whether Spain or Argentina will lift the World Cup trophy, St. Mugaga students will remember a different kind of championship.
They will remember a day when a leader left the comfort of official responsibilities, joined them in celebration and planted seeds of ambition in their minds.
The World Cup provided the occasion, but the real victory was the lesson — that leadership is not only about positions held; it is about lives touched, dreams encouraged and hope created.
At St. Mugaga Secondary School, Oscar Mutebi did not score a goal on the football pitch.
But through his words, his dance and his connection with students, he scored a goal that may last much longer than the final whistle — a goal for education, confidence and the future of Uganda’s young generation.
