Education Valuable

ADVANCED Level results of the Uganda National Examinations Board have been released, indicating improved passes at four principle subjects, though with a decline in general performance. One of candidates who sat for four principles was Maj. Gen. Salim Saleh, who scored an A and three Os. While his results are not exactly of flying colours, given that they are not sufficient to gain him entry to a university for a degree course, they constituted a pass, which is commendable. Saleh is a colourful character. He has a proud record as a freedom fighter and has served in many capacities, including as chief of combat operations, overseer in the ministry of defence, and as a historical member of the then parliament, the National Resistance Council, amongst others. He is also a successful, albeit controversial businessman, philanthropist and sports promoter. With such an impressive CV, many would say he has made it in life. The breakdown of Uganda's social fabric over the years had led many to lose faith in education. After all, society was flush with many successful individuals who had never bothered with academic endeavour. Saleh, who quit school to join the liberation struggles in the 1970s, was of the contrary view. It is with a degree of humility and to public derision that he returned to school, a bearded mature in his class who now has both O'Levels and A'Levels. If at all he has political ambitions, he has now qualified to stand for parliament. But beyond politics, education offers a lot for individuals. Broadening one's mind is probably the best, as well as instilling confidence and equipping one for the search for further knowledge. Saleh has demonstrated that it is never too late to seek educational knowledge. Ends