“Play Is Learning in Motion": Uganda Celebrates Second International Day of Play

“Play Is Learning in Motion": Uganda Celebrates Second International Day of Play

Children pose for a photo with Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education, at Nakivubo Blue Primary School. In her remarks, Hon. Kaducu emphasized that play is not a luxury—but a vital necessity for every child’s development. 

On June 11, 2025, the grounds of Nakivubo Blue Primary School in Kampala echoed with laughter, music, and the joyful energy of children rediscovering what has always been theirs by right: the right to play. 

Uganda marked the second International Day of Play (IDOP) with a vibrant national celebration at Nakivubo Blue Primary School, joining the world in affirming that “Play is not just fun—it’s fundamental.” 

The global theme, “Choose Play – Every Day,” anchored the event, inspiring communities to embed play into everyday life—from classrooms to living rooms, and from schoolyards to health centers. 

Presiding over the occasion was Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Uganda’s State Minister for Primary Education, who reminded attendees that play is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

“Play is a fundamental right for children. It plays a critical role in their physical, emotional, and social development,” she said. “We must support children to experience lifelong learning through play.” 

The Minister was joined by Agnes Mugisha, the Headmistress at Nakivubo Blue Primary School who expressed her deep gratitude to UNICEF Uganda for providing a new package of play stations for learners at the school. 

“This gift brings more than just joy,” she shared. “It brings opportunity, inspiration, and hope.” 

Playgrounds That Change Lives 

One of the day's major highlights was the announcement of 72 eco-friendly playgrounds, rolled out across several districts in collaboration with UNICEF Uganda, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and Play Action International. These safe, inclusive spaces are designed to increase access to play for children—especially in underserved communities. 

Daphne Mugizi, an Early Childhood Development Specialist at UNICEF Uganda, noted that these playgrounds are more than physical structures: 

“They reduce absenteeism, increase school enrollment, and boost attention spans. They promote holistic development—cognitive, emotional, and physical.” 

Uganda: A Global Pioneer in Play 

Uganda has led the world in championing the International Day of Play. It was the first country to officially launch IDOP, with over 25 regional activations culminating in a national event. Last year’s inaugural celebration in Kololo drew over 500 participants and established a new national momentum for play-centered education. 

This year’s event at Nakivubo Blue Primary School was more than a celebration—it was a call to action for families, educators, policymakers, and media to weave play into the fabric of daily life. 

Dr. Safina Mutumba, Assistant Commissioner for Pre-primary Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, captured it best:

“When we talk about play, we talk about possibility, curiosity, connection, and problem-solving. What we witnessed today—children expressing joy, working together, solving challenges—that’s not just play. It’s learning in motion.” 

She urged parents, caregivers, and educators across Uganda to take the message of “Choose Play – Every Day” seriously: 

“The power of play brings out the best in our children—and in us as adults.” 

Among the key contributors to the event were the International Rescue Committee (IRC) through its flagship child-focused projects: PlayMatters and Kulea Watoto, both of which played an instrumental role in making the day a success.  

PlayMatters, led by IRC in partnership with key education stakeholders, promotes learning through play in refugee and host communities, equipping teachers and caregivers with tools to foster joyful, meaningful learning experiences. On the other hand, Kulea Watoto, also implemented by IRC, focuses on nurturing early childhood development through integrated play-based approaches that support children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional growth—particularly in humanitarian and low-resource settings. 

Learning Through Play: A National Commitment 

As the children at Nakivubo Blue Primary School, danced, built structures, played traditional games, and solved puzzles, one message rang clear: Play is not a break from learning. It is learning. 

The day closed with a renewed sense of purpose, as schools, government agencies, and communities pledged to make play a daily part of life. 

Because when children play, they don’t just grow stronger—they grow smarter, kinder, and more connected. 

And that’s a future Uganda is proudly choosing. Every single day.