President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to back the government’s strategy of providing free education in all government schools. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of this initiative, which aims to make education accessible to all.
Speaking at the closure of the Mothers’ Union Buganda conference on Sunday, in Luwero district, President Museveni highlighted the need to transition from boarding schools to day schools.
“This approach reduces costs associated with accommodation, feeding, and utilities, making education more affordable for the government and families,” he said.
The President, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, explained that the government’s role would be to set up infrastructure such as classrooms, libraries, and science labs while parents would only need to provide uniforms and lunch.
He pointed out that the high costs in government schools contribute to school dropouts, citing a significant reduction in student numbers from primary to secondary education.
“Out of 11 million primary school children, only 2 million transition to secondary school. We need a consensus on adopting UPE and USE day schools to ensure education for all,” he added.
In his address, President Museveni also praised the Mothers’ Union for their contributions to their communities, referencing their adherence to Christian values and their role in promoting family welfare and he reiterated the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation through programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and encouraged women to prioritize their needs.
The conference, which gathered women from six dioceses in the Buganda region, also saw Maama Janet Museveni congratulating the participants on their efforts to establish stable families and promote Christian values. She emphasized the importance of education, health, and economic sustainability, urging mothers to take a leading role in ensuring their children’s education.
A health camp held during the conference provided essential services such as breast and cervical cancer screenings, general check-ups, and the distribution of Maama kits and mosquito nets to the community.The event was attended by political leaders, district officials, and security chiefs, among others.
