The annual Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition, organized by the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-scale Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF Uganda) with support from Humundi, the Agroecology Fund, and other agroecology partners, continues to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious youth through the power of poetry.
Now in its third edition, the competition provides a national platform for young poets to showcase their creativity, passion, and dedication to agroecology, nature, and sustainable farming. The initiative aims to engage students in Agroecology Clubs across Uganda, empowering them to become advocates for agroecology and climate action in their schools and communities.
“The competition is more than just about poetry; it’s about fostering a movement of young people who grasp the significance of sustainable agriculture and are able to express it creatively,” said David Oming, Programs Assistant at ESAFF Uganda. Since its inception, the competition has steadily grown. The first edition saw participation from 10 schools, with Vision High School in Mbale taking the top prize.
The second edition saw an impressive 1,023 poems submitted from 32 schools, including 18 secondary schools and 14 primary schools. This year’s (2025) edition featured entries from 41 schools across Uganda, marking a remarkable increase in enthusiasm among young learners.
The 2025 Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition concluded on a high note, with Daniel Tumwine from Buhinga Primary School in Fort Portal City emerging as the overall winner in the primary category. Daisy Nalebe from COSNA Daycare, Nursery, and Primary School in Mityana District secured second place, while Christine Tukashabe from Rutooma Primary School in Kabale took third.
In the secondary category, Joan Ainemabazi from St. Peter’s SS Nsambya was crowned the overall winner, followed by Opakrwoth Saviour from St. Aloysious College Nyapea in Zombo District and Peace Patricia Nantongo from St. Joseph Naama Modern SS in Mityana District, who placed third. All winners received school fee bursaries and scholastic materials as part of their prizes.
Beaming with pride, Daisy Nalebe, who secured second place in the primary category, credited her success to determination and courage. “I believed in myself and gave my best. Writing about farming and nature made me realize how much power young people have to protect the environment,” Daisy said, smiling.
Her mother, Cate Nanjovu, expressed her gratitude to ESAFF Uganda for the initiative, noting that it encourages children to merge creativity with learning. “It’s a joy to see our children recognized not just for academics but also for their creativity and love for nature,” she said.
Mr. Charles Habone, head teacher of COSNA Daycare, Nursery, and Primary School, said Daisy’s victory has brought great pride to the school and inspired many students to join the Agroecology Club. “This win is not just for Daisy, but for all our learners. It demonstrates that education can promote environmental awareness and community change,” Habone remarked. He added that the school plans to use the competition and other club activities to further promote agroecology within the school and extend this knowledge to surrounding communities.
According to ESAFF Uganda’s competition coordinator, the event begins at the school level, where students test their writing and innovation skills before advancing to district and regional contests. The best poets then compete in the national finals, showcasing some of the country’s brightest creative minds.
“Our goal is to ensure that by the time these students leave school, they fully understand the importance of agroecology and are equipped to champion sustainable practices wherever they go,” Oming explained.
With schools like St. Peter’s SS Nsambya and St. Joseph Naama Modern SS leading the charge, ESAFF Uganda believes the competition is helping to build a network of young change-makers who will use creativity and action to protect Uganda’s environment.
The 2025 edition once again demonstrated that the next generation is ready to champion sustainable agroecological practices, using poetry as a powerful voice for environmental protection, climate action, and community transformation.
Schools, students, agroecology advocates, and other stakeholders are encouraged to prepare for the 4th edition in 2026, further promoting agroecology and healthy food systems.