The First Lady of Rwanda, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, yesterday, visited the St. Mary's Girls school Namagunga, accompanied by her host, the First Lady of Uganda, Mrs. Janet Museveni.

Namagunga Girls, established in 1942, is known for its stellar academic performance and is one of the best girls' schools in Uganda.

While at the school, the First Ladies took a tour of the premises where they each planted a tree and later addressed the over 700 secondary school girls.

In her message, Mrs. Kagame encouraged the girls to have a clear vision and know where they want to go. She cautioned them against HIV/AIDS, saying that the scourge has no face and anyone can transmit it. The First Lady advised the girls to always protect themselves.

She reminded the girls to be confident and dignified; to hold on to strong values and make the most out of the education they are receiving.

Mrs. Kagame concluded by saying "You are what you have been waiting for, your generation holds the promise of so many bright futures, if only you will open your minds to the possibilities and let your light shine."

Mrs. Museveni, whose daughters attended Namagunga Girls, noted how delighted she was whenever an opportunity arose for her to speak to young girls especially about HIV/AIDS.

She advised the girls to be part of the youth that contributes to an HIV free generation. She thanked Mrs. Kagame for coming to Uganda and for creating an opportunity to visit Namagunga school.

The day ended with a lively interactive session between the girls and the First Ladies, where the girls heard inspiring words, in response to their variety of questions which ranged from gender to music.

On Thursday, the First Ladies toured the Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara district. The centre promotes regional understanding through cultural exchange. The centre consists of a cultural village and a museum that showcase the rich culture of Western Uganda.

The activities were part of Mrs. Kagame's 3-day private visit to Uganda. The First Ladies were accompanied by Ugandan Minister in the Office of the President, Kabakumba Matsiko and Rwanda’s Minister of Gender, Aloisea Inyumba.

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