Queen Birungi Amber: ‘Education is the ladder to achieving our dreams’

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an interview with Queen Birungi Amber Grace in which she urged learners to treat education as the foundation for their future and to stay focused on their goals. Speaking about a recent address to pupils at Bright Sparks Junior School in Sseguku Katale, she said young people should work hard, aim for strong grades and make choices that support their ambitions. She also warned against drug abuse and negative peer pressure, saying both can disrupt schooling, health and long-term prospects.

Birungi said students should choose friends who encourage study, talent development and responsible behavior. She also linked youth development to environmental conservation and civic responsibility, arguing that young people have a role in protecting their communities and contributing positively to society. The interview presented these points as part of her broader youth-mentorship and public-engagement work.

The article notes that Birungi is a student at Taibah Secondary School and participates in swimming competitions and youth mentorship initiatives. She said education remains her priority even as she develops other interests. She also said she hopes to study law at Harvard University, describing that ambition as part of a desire to speak for people who lack a voice and to use learning to create social impact.

Birungi credited her mother, Dr Olive Enid Nabiryo, with shaping her values through discipline, humility and encouragement. Her remarks reflect a common message in youth-focused interviews in Uganda: that education, parental support and careful life choices are seen as key tools for success.