The United States Ambassador to Uganda Natalie Brown has stressed the need to improve literacy levels to achieve Uganda’s desired goal of transforming the country into a modern economy.

Research has shown that improving literacy facilitates employment whereby both males and females can contribute, helping the wider economy and community to thrive.

“Uganda’s most important resource is its people, and the US strongly believes education and literacy are the centers of transforming Uganda,” Brown said.

She said this on Wednesday during a press conference held at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to launch the D.E.A.R Day events.

Dorothy Kisaka, Natalie E. Brown And Mike Kennedy Sebalu

Literacy not only enriches an individual’s life, but it creates opportunities for people to develop skills that will help them provide for themselves and their families.

She noted that the US mission will for the 8th year be joining Uganda to mark DEAR day.

The KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka underscored the importance of DEAR Day which KCCA traditionally celebrates with weeklong daily reading sessions at City schools. DEAR Day is short for Drop everything and Read.

“Through the DEAR Day, our pupils will strengthen their basic skills in reading and numeracy. We want to ensure that we have a strong reading culture in all our schools,” Kisaka said.

She informed city dwellers that KCCA is rolling out several initiatives and programs for the transformation of city dwellers: smart infrastructure, smart technology, and Smart governance practices.

She appealed to the general public to utilize the public information resources located at City Hall and at Lubaga Division to improve their knowledge and make informed decisions.

Rollin Tuhakiilwe Newvison Marketing Manager Speaking.

“We have 79 schools in the city and we are happy that these schools through the UPE and USE program are increasing literacy in the city and the nation Adult literacy rate in Kampala stands at only 76.5% with males at 82.6% and females at 70.8% (UNESCO) and overall literacy rate in Uganda is low at 72% (UBOS).
Kisaka also asked city dwellers to participate in the governance of their city and Government programs such as the Parish Development Model". she said.

“Under PDM, we have 99 parishes in Kampala representing 99 opportunities where we can set up community centers where our people can sharpen their skills and acquire information to succeed in the Parish Model strategy,” Kisaka said.

Kisaka encouraged Ugandans to take part in the DEAR day on July 1 at 11 am to drop everything and read. You may read a newspaper or a bible or anything of your choice. But for thirty minutes only just read at 11 am on Friday 1pst July 2022.

The Rotary Governor for District 913, Mike Sebalu, commended the Government for its efforts in improving literacy through the various programs.

This year Rotary will this concentrate on a life-changing program called Basic Education and Literacy enhancing program.

“There is a need to enhance children's access to literacy in Uganda. We will equip libraries, teachers, and learners. This program will also cater to the deaf,” Sebalu said.

The dear day is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the importance of literacy and reading culture while also celebrating your community and its members.

It is a special occasion celebrated nationwide to remind ourselves about reading and nurturing a culture of reading amongst the communities we lead; The theme for this year is “Imagine Reading as a Way of Life”