PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni was re-elected for a fourth term as president. His articulation of education issues and manifesto largely contributed to his win.
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni was re-elected for a fourth term as president. His articulation of education issues and manifesto largely contributed to his win. ANTHONY OLWOCH and JOHN AGABA talked to the public on what they think of Museveni’s education policies. Jimmy Nalwaya, student at Jinja College Museveni’s manifesto on education is God sent. Free A-level education is timely. It will help students from poor families to be able to reach tertiary institutions and acquire knowledge and skills that will empower them to get jobs or be self-reliant. Peter Omiji, a security guard It is great that the President included the housing loan for teachers in his manifesto. This is because all teachers go through similar challenges. I think even teachers who have retired should be considered. Flavia Mirembe It is a good move for the President to include in his manifesto the plan to improve the welfare of teachers. This will motivate teachers to do their work diligently and excellently. Nathan Kakonge, teacher at Kyambogo College It would be better if the Government came up with a policy that allows teachers to access their gratuity after 10 to 20 years of service so that they can plan and invest the money.
Secondly, why should it be only teachers who have taught for 20 years that qualify for housing loans? Where will the other teachers be staying while waiting for 20 years? Concy Openy, a parent Housing loans for teachers is welcome at such a time when we want our children to receive the best education. Besides failing to pay rent on time, the low salary paid to teachers is inadequate for them to rent decent accommodation. Naomi Abenakyo, former guild speaker Kyambogo University It would be better if the Government increased teachers’ salaries substantially so that they can plan for their families and engage in developmental projects. The interest of the housing loans may be too high that the teachers will not be able to pay back.
Concy Openy, a parent Housing loans for teachers is welcome at such a time when we want our children to receive the best education. Besides failing to pay rent on time, the low salary paid to teachers is inadequate for them to rent decent accommodation. Naomi Abenakyo, former guild speaker Kyambogo University It would be better if the Government increased teachers’ salaries substantially so that they can plan for their families and engage in developmental projects. The interest of the housing loans may be too high that the teachers will not be able to pay back.
Leonida Kyarimpa When Museveni promises something, he always does it. I know students will be given study loans to re-pay after they have completed university.
Francis Malinga, chief FDC mobiliser, Entebbe Municipality Student loans for university students will flop because it will only benefit children of the wealthy and those with connections. Practically, UPE has failed because it is not totally free. Free A-level education is also not going to be possible because even now, the funding is not sufficient for UPE, and secondly, USE has only taken off in pilot schools. Levian Ashaba I do not blame Museveni for the low education standards in Uganda. The problem is the people who work under him. What Museveni promises for Uganda: increment in teachers’ salaries, better houses, and even students loans is all good. Barbara Lubwama, records assistant Helping learners complete O’ level, and later, they drop out of school because they cannot afford A’ level does not make sense. President Museveni has a plan for such learners. Now they can continue with their A’ level. Evarist Katsigazi Museveni has to ensure schools get enough apparatus and equipment before he introduces universal A’ level education. He has to ensure the libraries are stocked, and since they are emphasising sciences, ensure that the laboratories are stocked. Derrick Ssuna, Senior Four vacist Basing on the quality of students that complete O’ level today, I do not think Universal Secondary Education should be our way forward. The majority of the USE students fail exams, largely because they are promoted automatically. If this policy is implemented at A’ level there will be a crisis. James Basaza, a patriotic citizen Universal Primary Education, Universal Secondary education, and free A-level education are very good policies that are pro-youth who are uneducated or those from poor families who may never have the privilege to go to school. Lydia Naturinda, a university student Whatever presidents say in their manifestos is not genuine. Look at the inflation marring our country. Just talking about increment in teachers’ salaries, and building houses shall not better the situation. Museveni talks of availing students study loans so they can repay after they have completed university. How will this come about when even those who have finished university are on the streets?
Bliss Ntege, pastor Museveni has always been making good promises but the problem arises in implementation because of the corrupt people within the system. The implementation of his manifesto may not yield the desired fruits. Loans for university students is a good thing. However, with the high unemployment level in the country, I wonder how the students will be able to repay the loans.
Budget allocation to the education sector over the last five years 2010/2011-1.139 trillion 2009/2010-1.079 trillion. 2008/2009- Shs899.3 b 2007/2008-sh900b 2006/2007-sh720.26b 2005/2006-sh633.43b