Social media has been flooded with mixed reactions to the Elite High School students’ appearance in a helicopter for a prom party on Saturday, May 4, 2024, as some of the users were in support while others were against the students’ actions.

Over the weekend, Elite High School was busy with excitement as students headed for a prom party. A fleet of very expensive cars was seen lined up outside the school gates, delivering stylishly dressed teenagers ready for a night of excitement and celebration.

A helicopter was also seen descending to the venue, a scene that left the onlookers in amazement as it touched down on the school grounds. Stepping out of the luxurious aircraft were none other than two students of Elite High, well dressed for the occasion.

The sight of a student arriving in such an extravagant and expensive helicopter has since left mixed reactions among the public, who took to their social media platforms, especially X.

KISFRA, a digital manager at Abeeka Band, expressed irrelevance towards the lavish entrance, recalling how prom parties were attended during his high school days.

“I have no take on the Elite High School prom. During our days, we went to a nearby church for prayers, then returned to school for food that had been prepared by the school cooks. The following week, we sat for UNEB,” he said.

“UNEB aside, my daughter would have a lot of explanations to make. I am not sure whether she would concentrate on her coming exams. I won’t let someone’s son confuse my daughter at school just like that,” retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP), Asan Kasingye, reacted to KISFRA’s comment.

Olia Kenan advised parents to have control over their children’s exposure to luxury, emphasizing the importance of instilling values even when the parent is wealthy.

However, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, narrated a story of how his friend lost Ugx 3 million in some Ponzi scheme, adding that it would be better to invest in the happiness of one’s child than lose it to fake dealers.

“To save you energy, the helicopter ride was about 3 million shillings for a drop-off at Elite School. It must have taken about 20–30 minutes to get there. Yes, helicopters are expensive machines, but some of you spend that in one night at a bar. Some prefer an experience,” Captain Ashaba Faridah, a commercial pilot and CEO of the Bambino Life Foundation, said.

Sheila Gashumba, a socialist, advocated for individual freedom and expression, urging others to refrain from imposing their values on others.

“Some things are small issues to other people!! Let’s stop having entitlement to what people do with their money, bodies, or lives!! It’s prom—something that happens once in your life!! Let the kids be,” she said.

Lucky Mbabazi, a media personality, also cautioned Ugandans against condemning parental decisions, viewing the helicopter arrival as a potential reward for academic or behavioral excellence, and urged parents not to submit to the pressure of social media scrutiny but rather uphold their choices without reservation.

As the debate erupted, one thing remained clear as to whether the helicopter’s arrival at Elite High School had become more than just a grand entrance but a symbol of privilege, individualism, and the unending clash between tradition and modernity.