MP Karim Masaba Donates Lumasaaba Textbooks to Schools in Mbale
The donation, which was made on Friday evening, benefited a number of schools including Mbale Secondary School, Nkoma Secondary School, Mbale High School, Manafwa High School, Hamdan Girls Secondary School and Mbale Progressive School, among others.
Mbale City: The Member of Parliament for Mbale Industrial City Division, Hon. Karim Masaba, has donated assorted Lumasaaba textbooks to several secondary schools across his constituency in a move aimed at promoting indigenous language education and preserving the cultural heritage of the Bamasaaba people.
The donation, which was made on Friday evening, benefited a number of schools including Mbale Secondary School, Nkoma Secondary School, Mbale High School, Manafwa High School, Hamdan Girls Secondary School and Mbale Progressive School, among others.
Speaking to students during the handover ceremony at Mbale Secondary School, Masaba emphasized the importance of embracing cultural identity through learning and preserving the Lumasaaba language.
"I encourage you to learn our culture and be proud of it. Even if you do not pursue the subject at A-Level, it is important to have a strong foundation and also inspire your younger brothers and sisters to appreciate our culture," Masaba said.
The legislator noted that indigenous languages play a vital role in preserving history, customs and the identity of communities, urging young people to take an active role in safeguarding their cultural heritage.
Beyond the donation of textbooks, Masaba used the occasion to address several social issues affecting young people, particularly drug abuse and teenage pregnancies.
He warned students against engaging in drug abuse, saying it negatively impacts academic performance, destroys health and limits opportunities for future success.
"Say no to drugs regardless of peer pressure. I have never smoked cigarettes or used marijuana, not because I could not afford them, but because I made a choice to do what is right," he told the students.
The MP also encouraged learners, especially girls, to remain focused on their education and avoid early relationships and teenage pregnancies.
"Do not be deceived by people who promise you small amounts of money. Education remains the best path to a better future. Senior Six is only a minimum qualification, not the end of learning. I have two degrees and a master's degree, and I am still studying," he said.
Masaba urged students to develop a culture of understanding rather than memorizing content merely for examinations.
"Study to understand, not to cram things, because what you memorize without understanding can easily be forgotten," he advised.
As part of his commitment to supporting education, the legislator pledged to reward all candidates sitting for their final examinations at Mbale Secondary School with a token of appreciation. He further announced that the top ten best-performing students would receive special prizes in recognition of academic excellence.
The MP's visit and donation were warmly received by both students and staff.
Mbale Secondary School Head Prefect Gideon Wakameri commended Masaba for supporting education and maintaining close contact with his constituents.
"We appreciate your support for education and your commitment both in Parliament and in the constituency, unlike some leaders who disappear after elections," Wakameri said.
The school's Head Girl, Asiat Watela, welcomed the MP's visit and appealed for continued support for vulnerable girls, many of whom face financial hardships that expose them to exploitation.
"Many girls face financial challenges, making them vulnerable to exploitation. We ask leaders to continue working with organisations that can provide support, including sanitary pads," she said.
Meanwhile, Charles Timaka, a teacher at Mbale Secondary School, appealed to the legislator to use his lobbying capacity to support the school's Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) in order to improve teachers' welfare. He also requested support for scholarships to enable teachers pursue master's degree studies.
The donation of Lumasaaba textbooks forms part of Hon. Karim Masaba's ongoing community initiatives following his re-election to the 12th Parliament. The legislator has continued to prioritize education, youth empowerment and cultural preservation as key pillars of his leadership agenda.
Education stakeholders in Mbale have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution toward promoting indigenous languages and ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their cultural roots while pursuing academic excellence.
