President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is experiencing moments of joy as he observes the pioneer children of the UPE program contributing significantly to the country’s progress.
He highlighted that many beneficiaries of this initiative, which was initiated by his government in 1997, have now become highly productive young individuals engaged in various sectors, propelling Uganda towards advancement.
The President emphasized the importance of investing in UPE to ensure that school-aged children have access to education, acquire literacy skills, and become valuable members of society.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to prioritizing human capital development and promoting education as a public good during the speech delivered by Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo at the International Day of Education celebrations at Kololo ceremonial grounds.
Museveni said education is a critical ingredient that facilitates all other development efforts including in the areas of health, gender equality, and resource protection among others.
“We need education to improve health and reduce inequalities in society. We need education to achieve gender equality and eliminate cultural barriers. We need education to protect our resources and promote growth and development. And we need education to nurture global citizenship,” the president through soft-spoken Alupo who is also Katakwi district woman MP told the ceremony.
Museveni said the government has continued to create an enabling environment in which its citizens can invest and earn a living.
He noted that as the country marked this important day, Ugandans ought to remember that the UPE program has enabled more children to enter the schooling system and also remain there.
“Those who fall out of school now do so for other reasons that the government is also addressing, but not school fees,” he noted adding that this position is being strengthened further by the new strategy of Compulsory UPE and Universal Secondary Education (USE).
The First Citizen also reminded Ugandans that the program has helped address gender parity in primary schools with more girls now accessing school, unlike those days when it was a preserve for only boys.
Museveni raised his thump towards the direct beneficiaries of UPE, saying as a country, it looks up to them to take charge of the future of Uganda.Â
“Government has empowered you to contribute to its development and we look forward to a patriotic and reliable cohort of a population that cherishes peace and tolerance,” he said and urged them to interest others in the same program.
“You will not preach peace to a frustrated illiterate and expect peace. Let us embrace education for lasting peace,” he counselled.
He thanked the Ministry of Education and Sports for enabling the country to join the rest of the world in recognizing a special day dedicated to education the world over.Â
The function was attended by diplomats, ministers and above all, several pupils from various schools.
