President Museveni calls for end to fees in govt schools

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President Yoweri Museveni has called on National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in the Busoga sub-region to revive the government’s free education programme in primary and secondary schools. He noted that the initiative, originally aimed at ensuring equitable access to education, has been undermined by the introduction of fees in government schools.

Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of the Busoga Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Jinja City, Museveni expressed concern over the high rate of school dropouts caused by financial constraints, despite government efforts to make education accessible to all.

(PPU)

While commissioning the Busoga Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub in Jinja City on Thursday, the President voiced concern over the increasing dropout rates caused by financial barriers. He emphasised that education should remain a priority and called for a return to the original principles that guided the establishment of government schools.

Museveni also highlighted the role of Presidential Skilling Hubs, such as the one in Busoga, in demonstrating that quality education and skills training can be delivered without financial burdens. He said the centres align with the new curriculum focused on developing the “head, heart, and hands,” providing practical training to prepare students for success.

(PPU)

He urged parents to guide their children towards opportunities in four key sectors of the economy: commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, service industries such as tailoring and baking, and ICT.

During the event, the President announced plans to expand the training programmes at the Busoga Zonal Presidential Hub to include motor vehicle engineering, computer engineering, and plumbing. Established in 2023, the hub currently trains 240 students in carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing, bakery, construction, and leather processing.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli District Woman MP, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, commended Museveni for empowering unemployed youth through the skilling programmes. She requested the establishment of an additional Presidential Skilling Hub in Busoga to accommodate the growing number of students seeking training.

(PPU)

(PPU)

Ezra Gabula, the chairperson of the Busoga Zonal Presidential Hub, praised the President’s visionary leadership in setting up skilling centres across the country. He noted that many youth in Busoga have gained employment through the hub but highlighted challenges, including a lack of transport for trainees and limited financial support for the hub’s SACCO.

Beneficiaries of the skilling programme shared their success stories during the event.

Daniel Junior, a graduate of the construction programme, revealed that he is now self-reliant and appealed for local government contracts to utilise his skills.

Mahoro Linda, along with two colleagues who graduated from the tailoring programme, has started a company in Seeta with an initial capital of sh5m and is now able to support her family.

The event was attended by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama; Minister for the Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda; Members of Parliament; Resident District Commissioners; and various religious and community leaders.