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