Oasis Boarding Primary School of Arua Shines at the 2024 National MDD Championships

Oasis Boarding Primary School, based in Arua, has once again demonstrated its co-curricular excellence by securing 7th place at the 2024 National Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) Championships held in Mbale City. 

This year’s victory marks a steady rise for the school, which continues to leave a lasting impression on the national stage. With 98 schools participating from across the country, Oasis Boarding Primary School's performance is a source of immense pride for both the school and the West Nile region.

Gerard Tayo, the head teacher of Oasis Boarding Primary School, could not hide his joy and excitement while reflecting on the school’s participation in the festival. 

"This is not the first time we have won at the regional level. It is actually the third time – in 2022, 2023, and now 2024," said Mr. Tayo.

"We went to Mbale City for the nationals, which began on August 26th and concluded on September 1st. Out of 110 expected schools, 98 participated, and I am proud to announce that Oasis secured 7th place in the entire country."

^{Mr. Gerard Tayo, Head Teacher, Oasis Primary School, Arua Muni Main Campus}

Tayo also provided insight into the different categories the school competed in, highlighting the wide array of performances, including two set pieces – one on birthright sponsored by NIRA, and another on malaria as part of a sensitization campaign. The school also presented four poems, traditional folk dances, and songs, among others. 

"There were 16 items in total, ranging from creative dance to traditional performances, all of which were presented by our talented students," Tayo noted.

Oasis has been progressively improving in the national championships, having placed 21st in 2022, 11th in 2023, and now 7th in 2024. 

"There's a steady progress going on, and that is what we want to celebrate this year," Tayo added.

The head teacher emphasized the broader benefits of MDD on the lives of students and the community. 

"Music, Dance, and Drama have impacted the lives of our children positively. It serves as entertainment and an educational tool for both students and the community," he said. 

"We are preserving culture through our performances. We showcase the rich cultural heritage of tribes like the Lugbara, Acholi, Alur, Madi, and Kakwa, and we are proud of that."

Tayo also credited MDD for reducing school dropout rates and increasing student retention. 

"Because of MDD, children enjoy school and always wish to continue staying with us. Consequently, we’ve also seen an increase in student enrollment," he explained.

Ball Games and Sporting Achievements

In addition to excelling in MDD, Oasis Boarding Primary School also made a name for itself in ball games. 

According to Deputy Head Teacher, Anguyo Peter Fred, Oasis has always taken sports seriously and represented the West Nile region at various levels, including the recent FIESA ball games held in Mukono. 

"Our team reached the quarterfinals in the under-14 category," said Anguyo.

^{Deputy Head Teacher, Anguyo Peter Fred, Oasis Speaking}

The school also triumphed in local games, winning the Odilo ball games in both the boys' and girls' categories, securing a spot at the national championships in Njeru. 

"We have always prepared well for these activities, with players training year-round and funds allocated for outdoor activities," Anguyo added. 

He further highlighted the school’s impressive sports history, including representing Uganda in Tanzania in 2019.

Looking Ahead

Oasis Boarding Primary School’s consistent rise in both MDD and sports underscores its commitment to nurturing all-round students. 

"We are continuously discovering and developing talents through music, sports, and academics," said Anguyo. 

"This year’s 7th place in the National MDD Championships is a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, and the entire school community."

As Oasis continues to build its reputation as a powerhouse in co-curricular activities, the school remains focused on its goal of achieving even greater heights in future championships, both in MDD and sports.

Key to Note:

The National Primary School MDD Festival, for example, is one of the major events, held annually to promote important social issues through artistic expression. In 2024, the event was particularly focused on raising awareness about birth registration and obtaining a National Identification Number (NIN). 

This festival took place in Mbale from August 25 to September 2, with regional schools competing to make it to the national level

The festival included lower-level contests beginning at sub-county levels and moving through district and regional stages, culminating in the national finals. 

The event was organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), and highlighted the importance of birth registration and acquiring a National Identification Number (NIN)

This year's theme, "My NIN, My Birth Right," focused on raising awareness about NIN registration through performances and aimed to promote early birth registration to ensure that every child is properly documented. 

The festival's message was further supported by UNICEF Uganda.

BY: Aldo ADOMATI, dailywestnile.info