Eye Media Uganda | Kayunga | February 21, 2026
The Ag. Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kayunga, Mr. Trevor Solomon Beleke, has urged young girls to embrace leadership, confidence and environmental stewardship as tools for transforming their communities.
He was Thursday, February 19, 2026, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Gufasha Girls Training workshop, conducted in partnership with the TARD Foundation under the Girls Climate Fellowship program at Kayunga Girl’s Primary School.
Addressing district leaders, development partners, teachers, parents and the participating learners, Mr. Beleke described the occasion as far more than a routine closing ceremony.
“Today is not just a closing ceremony. It is a celebration of growth. It is a celebration of courage. It is a celebration of the girl child,” he said.
The RDC emphasized that the training in public speaking, advocacy, leadership and climate change awareness had equipped the girls with life-long skills.
“When I look at you, I do not just see students. I see leaders in preparation. I see confidence being born. I see voices that will shape the future of Kayunga and Uganda,” he noted.
He reminded the learners that confidence and discipline would define their success in life.
“A girl who can stand and speak confidently can stand anywhere in the world. A girl who believes in herself cannot easily be silenced,” he told the attentive audience.
Mr. Beleke cautioned the girls against distractions and shortcuts in life, advising them to remain focused on their dreams.
“My daughters, the world will test you. It will try to distract you. It will present shortcuts. But shortcuts often cut short your destiny. Stay focused. Guard your dreams. Protect your dignity,” he counseled.
He further underscored the importance of education and discipline, declaring: “Education is your strongest weapon. Discipline is your shield. Confidence is your voice.”
Prior to delivering his formal remarks, the RDC held an interactive session with the learners, during which the girls confidently shared testimonies about what they had learned. Many said the workshop had improved their ability to speak in public, strengthened their understanding of climate change, and inspired them to take leadership roles in their schools.
The girls expressed appreciation to Gufasha and the TARD Foundation for facilitating the training and for investing in the empowerment of the girl child.
The ceremony culminated in the awarding of certificates of participation to all trainees, amid applause from district officials, head teachers and parents.
In a practical demonstration of his commitment to climate action, Mr. Beleke donated 10 fruit tree seedlings to each of the five participating schools.
The donation followed a request by Jolene Nangobi, a pupil of Kayunga Girls Primary School, who boldly asked the RDC to support the schools with trees to advance environmental conservation.
Commending her courage, the RDC said the request reflected the impact of the training.
“A girl who understands her environment becomes a protector of her community,” he emphasized, urging schools to plant and nurture the trees as symbols of sustainability and responsibility.
Drawing inspiration from Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai, he reminded the girls that great impact begins with small steps.
“You may feel small today. But small steps, taken consistently, create great impact,” he said.
He concluded with a stirring call to action:
“Dream big. Speak boldly. Walk with dignity. Lead with integrity. May you rise higher than we did. May you go further than we went.”
The Girls Climate Fellowship seeks to educate and empower the next generation of female climate leaders in local communities, aligning with district efforts to promote sustainable development and youth engagement in environmental protection.
For the girls of Kayunga, the day ended not only with certificates in hand, but with renewed confidence — and fruit trees that will grow as lasting reminders of their responsibility to lead.
