By Brian Mugenyi
Masaka: The first whistle had barely sounded when the quiet school compound transformed into a sea of excitement.
Hundreds of learners led by Head Prefect Deo Ssembatya gathered at St. Mugaga Secondary School, a government-established institution under Uganda’s education expansion programme, their eyes fixed on a huge flat-screen television illuminating the school hall.
Every pass drew applause. Every save triggered excitement. Every goal sent students jumping from their seats as the school compound echoed with celebration.
For a moment, a rural school in Masaka was connected to the biggest football spectacle on earth.
As the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina drew closer, the learners followed earlier tournament matches with passion and enthusiasm. But the greatest lesson unfolding at St. Mugaga Secondary School that Thursday afternoon was not only about football.
It was about leadership, education and the power of creating opportunities for young people to see beyond their immediate surroundings.
State House Private Secretary and Personal Assistant to the Office of the Presidential Envoy on Political Affairs, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Mr. Oscar Mutebi, joined learners from St. Mugaga Secondary School and Molly and Paul Schools in a memorable World Cup viewing experience that turned a sporting moment into a lesson about knowledge, discipline and personal growth.
The huge flat-screen television that brought the World Cup closer to the learners had been donated by Mutebi as part of his continued support towards education and youth development.
For many students, it was more than a television.
It was a bridge connecting a rural classroom in Masaka to events happening thousands of kilometres away.
When a goal was scored, students jumped from their seats, some waving Uganda flags while others shouted the names of their favourite players. Their voices filled the air with joy as they celebrated the beautiful game.
In that moment, the distance between St. Mugaga Secondary School and the giant World Cup stadiums disappeared.
The learners were no longer just spectators watching an international event. They became part of a global community united by football, culture and shared excitement.
The celebration continued after the matches as students displayed their talents through music and dance. They sang popular Ugandan songs, including King Saha’s “Ebiseera” and Pallaso’s “Bikyuuka,” turning the school environment into a celebration of youth, creativity and happiness.
But for Mutebi, the gathering was never only about entertainment.
He encouraged the learners to use the television as a classroom without walls—a platform to watch news, follow current affairs, learn from documentaries and understand events happening in Uganda and across the world.
“Watch the news. Follow current affairs. Learn about what is happening around you and beyond your country,” Mutebi advised the students.
He reminded them that an informed learner becomes a responsible citizen and encouraged them to cultivate a reading culture, embrace technology and combine academic excellence with sports, music and other co-curricular activities.
Mutebi also challenged schools across Uganda to strengthen co-curricular programmes, saying education should not only prepare learners to pass examinations but also equip them with confidence, teamwork, creativity and leadership skills.
The interaction reflected a leadership approach based on personal connection.
Instead of remaining a distinguished guest, Mutebi sat among the students, laughed with them, celebrated football moments and danced with them—creating memories that many learners are unlikely to forget.
The visit also highlighted a relationship built over time between Mutebi and St. Mugaga Secondary School.
The former Head Teacher, Ms. Peace Magoba, has previously appreciated Mutebi’s support towards the school, describing his interventions as a demonstration of concern for education and the welfare of learners.
According to Magoba, supporting young people is an investment in Uganda’s future because today’s students will become tomorrow’s professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders.
Supporters led by Kyanamukaka Town Council Mayor Hon. Zainab Nakidde say Mutebi’s engagement with schools and communities demonstrates the importance of leaders remaining connected to ordinary citizens.
Nakidde said Mutebi’s support for education, youth empowerment and community initiatives reflects a leadership style focused on service.
“Leadership is about touching lives,” Nakidde said. “When young people are encouraged to learn, follow current affairs, participate in sports and develop their talents, the whole community benefits.”
Beyond education, Mutebi has continued engaging communities in Greater Masaka through youth empowerment activities, promotion of commercial agriculture and mobilisation around wealth creation initiatives.
Supporters say such grassroots engagements complement Uganda’s broader development agenda of empowering citizens through education, skills development and increased economic participation.
Education experts have long argued that exposure to sports and international events helps learners develop teamwork, resilience and a broader understanding of the world.
At St. Mugaga Secondary School, the donated television will continue serving learners beyond the World Cup. It will provide access to educational programmes, documentaries, news broadcasts and current affairs content, helping students understand both national and global developments.
As the World Cup reaches its climax and Spain prepares to face Argentina in the final, learners will once again gather around the same screen—not only to watch football history unfold, but also to celebrate the dreams and possibilities inspired by the beautiful game.
Long after the final whistle and tournament celebrations fade away, the memory of that Thursday afternoon will remain.
It will remain as a reminder that leadership is not only measured by the offices people occupy, but by the opportunities they create, the young lives they inspire and the dreams they help nurture.
For the learners of St. Mugaga Secondary School, Oscar Mutebi did not simply bring the World Cup closer.
He opened a window to the world.
