Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard unveils groundbreaking musical theatre production in Northern Uganda

19 October 2025, 08:13

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard has set a new benchmark for educational and cultural excellence in Northern Uganda with the announcement of its upcoming musical theatre production, “Home for Christmas.”

The media launch, held on 18th October 2025 at Jaca Gardens, Laroo Division, Gulu City, brought together local media houses, school staff, parents, and the Inspector of Schools, highlighting the school’s commitment to academic and cultural development.

Director Irene Ocwee Trends, who has led Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard for several years, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the event was dedicated to the media.

Director Irene Ocwee Trends welcomed her colleagues from other schools in the region, emphasizing the importance of sharing Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard’s achievements and innovative programs.

She also expressed gratitude for the presence of the Inspector of Schools and commended Mr. Ojok Dickson, Chairperson of the School Management Committee, for his unwavering support in organizing the event.

The production, scheduled to take place from 12th to 14th December 2025 at Gulu Senior Secondary School Hall, promises to be a landmark event in Northern Uganda.

The musical theatre combines acting, singing, and dancing, delivering life lessons through performance.

Director Trends revealed that the production will feature 200 pupils performing 15 original songs and over ten choreographed dances, presenting a narrative that addresses real-life family challenges and celebrates love, reconciliation, and Christmas values.

Central to the storyline is the family of Galdino, who passed away leaving two wives. The lead roles include Chulina, played by Doreena Hems Oryem, and Lagedo, Chulina’s co-wife, played by Aloja Belinda. Other characters include Bo and Lamaro, Chulina’s house help.

The songs will include genres ranging from English ballads to R&B, reggae, and rap, ensuring a culturally rich and diverse musical experience for audiences.

“This production is not just entertainment it is a mentorship program,” Director Trends emphasized. Pupils have been trained under the guidance of professional mentors and artists, including Director/Writer Mrs. Judith Lucy Adong, Music Director Mr. Ssenkumba Andrew, 1st Assistant Director Ms. Pamela Keryeko, and mentors Joshua, Emmanuel, Regan, Richard, among others.

“Through this collaboration, we have not only elevated the children’s artistic skills but also positively impacted the school’s discipline and culture,” she added.

Mr. Ojok Dickson, Chairperson of the School Management Committee at Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard, who is also the current District Councillor 5 for Angagwara Sub-county and a candidate for LC5 Chairperson, Pader District, reinforced the significance of the event.

“Our objective is to showcase our children’s talents, bring quality cultural events to Northern Uganda, and allow our community to enjoy entertainment traditionally seen in Kampala,” he said.

He highlighted that the event is fully funded by parents’ contributions and is offered free of charge to the public, reflecting the school’s commitment to community engagement and holistic child development.

Pupils at the school expressed their excitement. Komagum Belinda, Primary Six, praised the school’s emphasis on health and education, noting the nutritious meals and supportive learning environment.

Okello Evans Elisha, Primary Five, described the school as a family, where discipline is applied with love and every child feels included.

Dorina Hans Oryem Charles, Primary Six, highlighted the school’s academic rigor and mentorship programs, saying that the guidance she receives at Hilder has prepared her and her classmates to confidently perform in a production of this magnitude.

Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard has a 15-year legacy in Gulu City, known for integrating family values into education.

The school boasts top academic performance in Gulu City mock exams, strong PLE results with national recognition (including a past national rank of 19th), innovative school uniform and sportswear programs, and professional mentorship initiatives.

The school currently enrolls over 800 pupils, reflecting its significant role in the community and the scale of its impact on education in Northern Uganda.

Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard is located in the heart of Gulu City, Pece-Laroo Division, on Plot 3, Kilak Road, adjacent to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, providing convenient access for students across the city and surrounding districts.

“We invite parents, community members, and everyone from Gulu, Pader, Agago, Kitgum, Omoro, Lamwo, Amuru and the entire Northam Uganda Amu and surrounding districts to come and celebrate love, family, and community with us. Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard remains committed to building a culture of excellence, discipline, and care for our children.”

With “Home for Christmas,” Hilder Nursery and Primary School Vanguard is not only providing a platform for children to showcase their talents but is also demonstrating the transformative power of combining education, mentorship, and cultural engagement to positively impact society.