Uganda has marked the Africa Scouts Day with a five-kilometre charity walk in Busia Municipality aimed at promoting youth development and community service.
Africa Scouts Day is celebrated annually to recognise the role of scouting in shaping disciplined, responsible and community-minded young people across the continent.
Several scout leaders, members and students from different schools in eastern Uganda on Friday walked five kilometres through different streets of Busia town, accompanied by a brass band, to celebrate the day under the theme “Innovating together for peace and sustainable communities.”
Isiah Sazagga, the Member of Parliament for Budadiri East and a member of the National Scouts Council, said during celebrations held at Buchicha Primary School that scout programmes have played a key role in instilling discipline among students.
He appealed to Parliament to expedite the amendment of the bill that the National Scouts Council tabled earlier this year to strengthen scouting activities in the country.
Ibrahim Ocira, the Bukedi regional scouts coordinator, said some schools have not yet adopted scouting programmes, which has limited their reach.
However, he noted that schools that have implemented the programme have already registered positive outcomes, including increased discipline and community service among learners.
The Resident District Commissioner of Busia District, Hajira Namagogwe, represented by Assistant RDC Jackline Masika, urged schools across the country to embrace scouting programmes.
She said the initiatives are important for promoting unity, peace and development in communities.
Ashepet Joan Mary, the assistant Busia scouts commissioner, said scouting programmes have had a strong impact in schools by instilling discipline among learners and promoting environmental conservation within schools and communities.
Meanwhile, Margret Nabudde, the deputy national scouts commissioner, called on leaders to work together to strengthen scouting programmes across the country. URN