Museveni hailed for commitment to youth empowerment through skills, technology

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President Yoweri Museveni has been hailed for his commitment to transforming Uganda’s education system.

Victoria University vice-chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga made the remarks after meeting the President at State House, Nakasero on January 7, 2026.

He said Museveni’s plans to make education practical and technology-driven aligned with tackling unemployment and preparing Uganda’s youth for the future.

“This country is blessed to have a leader who understands that education is the foundation of development,” Dr. Muganga said after the meeting.

“President Museveni’s plans for education are not just about classrooms and degrees. They are about creating opportunities for young people to succeed in a competitive global economy through skilling and technology.”

Muganga added that the President’s vision goes beyond traditional learning.

“The world is changing fast, and Uganda cannot afford to lag. The President is saying we must embrace technology, innovation, and practical skills. That is the only way our youth will compete globally,” he noted.

He added that Victoria University is ready to complement government efforts. “We are committed to competency-based education that focuses on practical skills rather than rote learning,” Muganga said.

“Our goal is to produce graduates who can create jobs, not just look for them. This aligns with the President’s call for innovation and self-reliance.”

Victoria University has already taken steps to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its curriculum as part of this vision. Dr Muganga revealed that the university recently launched free AI lessons for students and the public, aimed at equipping learners with cutting-edge digital skills. 

“AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is shaping every industry today. By teaching AI, we are preparing Ugandans to lead in innovation, automation, and data-driven decision-making,” he said.

The initiative underscores the university’s commitment to complement government efforts in creating a tech-savvy workforce ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

For decades, Museveni has championed policies designed to make education accessible, relevant, and practical.

His initiatives, such as Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education, were groundbreaking steps toward inclusive learning. While these programs significantly increased enrollment rates, the President acknowledges that the next frontier is quality and relevance.

“Visionary leadership is about anticipating future challenges and crafting solutions today. The President’s education agenda embodies this principle, and if we all play our part, Uganda will harness the potential of its youthful population and secure a brighter future,” Muganga added.

In recent years, Museveni has advocated for a curriculum shift that prioritises science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), alongside vocational training. This approach aims to align Uganda’s education system with global trends and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By promoting technical skills and entrepreneurship, Museveni envisions a generation capable of driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

Uganda’s youth, who make up over 70% of the population, face daunting challenges. Unemployment remains a pressing issue, with thousands of graduates struggling to find jobs in a saturated market. The mismatch between academic qualifications and labour market needs has fuelled frustration among young people.

Museveni has repeatedly acknowledged this gap and called for practical solutions. Government is investing in skilling programs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with private institutions to bridge the divide. These efforts aim to ensure that education translates into employable skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“We’ve been studying theories for years, but the job market wants people who can actually do things. If the government can make this happen, it will change lives,” said Sarah Nankunda, a final-year student at Makerere University.

Brian Okello, a graduate in business administration, noted: “The challenge is whether these skilling programs will reach rural areas and whether they will be free or affordable. Without that, many young people will still be left behind.”