Uganda today celebrated the Second International Day of Play (IDOP) with vibrant festivities held at Nakivubo Blue Primary School, under the global theme “Choose Play – Every Day.” The event was presided over by the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, who emphasized the vital role of play in children’s development.
The celebration marks a historic moment for Uganda, which was the first country globally to formally recognize the day, launching its inaugural National Play Day on April 30, 2024, at Kololo Independence Grounds. This followed the United Nations General Assembly’s proclamation on March 25, 2024, officially designating June 11 as the International Day of Play.
Minister Moriku lauded the Department of Basic Education and its partners for organizing the second edition of National Play Day, reaffirming the government’s commitment to nurturing holistic child development. “Play is not just fun. It builds confidence, instills values, and equips children with essential life skills,” she said. “We must make meaningful play a daily priority in homes, schools, and communities.”
She also revealed that the Ministry of Education and Sports will soon unveil Uganda’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Policy, aimed at strengthening play-based learning and development across the country.
Highlighting the transformative power of play, especially for vulnerable children, Dr. Moriku called on stakeholders across sectors—education, health, and local government—to integrate play into their child development frameworks. “Play offers not only learning but healing and resilience. It is a fundamental right and an indispensable tool for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4: inclusive and equitable quality education for all.”
The Second International Day of Play serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect and promote children’s right to play—every day.
