The 13th National Spelling Bee was a thrilling celebration of literacy, learning, and the incredible potential of Uganda’s young spellers. This year, 154 out of 167 spellers who had qualified at the district level made it to the national stage, from places as diverse as Jinja and Mbale in the east, to Masaka, Mbarara and Bushenyi in the west. The energy, excitement, at the Kampala Serena Hotel, our longtime host and partner, were a true reflection of how far the bee has come in nurturing a culture of reading and confidence among learners across the country.

A Wordy Start to the Day

The morning session opened with a three-in-one round that tested the spellers’ knowledge and composure. Each speller was asked to spell a word, answer a vocabulary question, and then spell another word. This round not only tested accuracy but also comprehension, and it set the tone for an intense and inspiring competition day.

Meet the Judges

This year’s panel of judges brought a blend of experience, mentorship and dedication to the bee.

• Raymond Mujuni, the Guest Pronouncer, a seasoned journalist, policy expert and long-time friend of the bee, added great energy and insight to the competition.
• Aleks Kubin, who has been with the bee for over a decade, served as the main pronouncer and kept the rounds lively and precise.
• Ivy Kunihira, also making over ten years with the bee, has witnessed countless spellers grow through the competition and continues to inspire through her work with young learners.
  

From 154 to the Top 3

In the afternoon, the field of 154 spellers was narrowed down to 24 semi-finalists — each having scored a point in all three preliminary rounds. By the close of the semi-finals, only a handful remained standing. The atmosphere in the hall was electric as the finalists took the stage for the last round.

And then came the winning moment: Speller #001, Awollo Jonathan from Tororo Parents Primary School, correctly spelled the word ‘Allobroges’ to become the 2025 National Spelling Bee Champion!
He was followed closely by:

• 1st Runner-Up: #099 Lwanyaga Peter Sendi, Pax Junior School (11 years)
• 2nd Runner-Up: #134 Arinaitwe Leah, Parental Care Primary School (12 years)

Each of the top three spellers walked away with medals (gold, silver, and bronze), a certificate of achievement, a tablet, and a trophy. They also each received a UGX 1.5 million contribution towards their school fees from Plan International. These brilliant young minds will go on to represent Uganda at the African Spelling Bee later this year.

Every participant at the nationals received a certificate of participation, and every school patron was recognized with a special appreciation hamper, a small token of gratitude for their mentorship and support throughout the journey.

Words Beyond the Stage

The day wasn’t just about spelling; it was about inspiration and community.
The keynote address by Diana Ondoga, Head of CSR at Stanbic Bank, focused on the power of practice not only in spelling but in life’s daily pursuits. Judy Samuels from Plan International shared encouraging remarks on the importance of nurturing children’s literacy and confidence.

Then came a heartfelt speech by Aaron Kirunda, founder and CEO of enjuba, who reflected on how the bee began as a dream and has now grown into a life-changing platform for thousands of children. He spoke about enjuba’s continued commitment to literacy through initiatives such as the Library Project, which establishes 50 new public libraries every year, and the network of 10 ECD learning centres in Mayuge District. Aaron also hinted at an exciting new direction for enjuba, introducing spelling bees for children aged 5–8 to strengthen foundational literacy and confidence from an even earlier age.

The Guest of Honour, Paul Isaac Musasizi, CEO of Kiira Motors, closed the ceremony with inspiring words on innovation, resilience and the role of education in building the nation’s future.

A Bee to Remember

The 2025 National Spelling Bee was a reminder that with practice, support, and opportunity, every child can find their voice and soar. The stories of the young spellers, their teachers, and their schools continue to prove that education truly is the equalizer, a bridge from potential to possibility.

As we celebrate these young champions, we also celebrate every teacher, parent, and partner who made this year’s bee a success. Here’s to more words, more confidence, and more dreams taking flight in 2026 and beyond!