Uganda has claimed a major victory at the Seventh African Spelling Bee held in Abuja, Nigeria, with Team Uganda walking away as champions in the newly introduced writing competition.
Held on April 11, the prestigious Pan-African event brought together top spellers from over 15 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
Representing Uganda, Anwitha Hareesh, 11, a student at Greenhill Academy, emerged as the winner of the inaugural Essay Competition, making history with her outstanding performance.
She wasn’t alone in the spotlight. Abigail Nakawooya, 14, from Namagunga Girls Primary Boarding School, secured first runner-up in the Junior Spelling category, cementing Uganda’s dominance in both writing and spelling.
“We are incredibly proud of our spellers,” said William Mukisa, Chief Literacy Officer at Enjuba, the organization behind Uganda’s National Spelling Bee. “Their dedication, resilience, and brilliance have once again shown that Ugandan children can compete and win on the biggest stages.”
Alongside Hareesh and Nakawooya was Kayla Nakato, also part of the trio that represented Uganda. All three were crowned National Spelling Bee Champions in 2023, earning the right to represent Uganda at the continental level.
Their journey to Abuja began at the grassroots—first in schools, then at district competitions, and finally at the national championships. The best of the best were selected to fly Uganda’s flag at the African Spelling Bee, and they did not disappoint.
Enjuba, the Ugandan NGO organizing these national contests, focuses on strengthening foundational literacy, numeracy, and executive functioning among children.
Through initiatives like spelling bees, storybooks, and early childhood programs, the organization has become a powerful engine for educational excellence in Uganda.
The African Spelling Bee isn’t just a contest—it’s a movement.
As Chairperson Lewis Mbaula stated during the Abuja event, “The African Spelling Bee is a Pan-African education organization with a vision of celebrating the African child, inspiring them to be literate, and creating a platform for them to connect with other children from across the continent.”
This year’s competition hosted champions from Botswana, Rwanda, Malawi, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Zambia, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, and more.
Since its founding, the African Spelling Bee has reached over 10 million learners through its network of national competitions.
Uganda’s stellar performance in Abuja is more than a medal moment. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent is nurtured, and children are given the chance to shine beyond borders.
With the trophies now home and celebrations underway, this victory marks a bright chapter for literacy, education, and the promise of Uganda’s next generation.
