ABU DHABI, 14th January 2025 – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni joined global leaders in Abu Dhabi to witness the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize awards ceremony. Uganda celebrated a historic milestone as St Kizito High School Namugongo emerged as one of the three finalists representing Sub-Saharan Africa in the Global High Schools category.
The annual event, held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, brought together heads of state, ministers, industry leaders, and innovators to honor transformative solutions addressing global challenges. This year’s edition recognized 11 pioneering organizations and schools for their contributions to sustainable development.
St Kizito High School Namugongo stood out among 6,000 schools worldwide for its innovative approach to sustainability and development. Represented by Headteacher Mr. Ezekiel Kazibwe and students Barbra Ntudde and Samuel Okware, the school joined an elite group of finalists in a ceremony presided over by President Museveni and hosted by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
Global Recognition for Innovation
During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized the UAE’s dedication to fostering sustainable innovation and global prosperity. “The Zayed Sustainability Prize inspires impactful solutions to address critical social and environmental challenges. It is a testament to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, whose vision continues to guide our commitment to global progress,” he stated.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director-General of the Prize, hailed the achievements of this year’s winners. He noted, “These winners exemplify the power of innovation in tackling global challenges and creating scalable, transformative solutions.”
The prize covered six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. Finalists and winners were selected for their exceptional efforts to deliver impactful solutions.
St Kizito’s Journey to the Spotlight
Established in 1998, St Kizito High School Namugongo has grown into a beacon of excellence in Uganda. Named after Kizito Omuto, the youngest of the Ugandan Christian martyrs, the school is rooted in values of resilience, innovation, and community service.
With its 25-year legacy, the school has consistently championed academic excellence, practical skills development, and sustainable practices. Its selection as a finalist in the Zayed Sustainability Prize underscores its commitment to nurturing industrious, solution-driven citizens.
The school’s recognition also highlighted Uganda’s growing role in global conversations on sustainability. “Being a finalist among 6,000 schools worldwide is a remarkable achievement for Uganda and our school,” said Mr. Kazibwe.
A Global Platform for Progress
Other schools recognized in the Global High Schools category included institutions from Mexico, Ghana, Uzbekistan, Nepal, and New Zealand. Together, they showcased groundbreaking projects addressing energy access, food security, water sustainability, and healthcare challenges in their regions.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, established in 2008, has impacted millions of lives globally, inspiring a new generation of innovators. As St Kizito High School Namugongo basks in this achievement, the school continues to shine as a symbol of hope and progress for Uganda.
This milestone is a testament to Uganda’s potential to lead in sustainable innovation, and it positions St Kizito High School Namugongo as a role model for educational institutions worldwide.