Unesco hails Uganda on science education

Jul 04, 2004

THE Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO), Koichiro Matsuura, has commended Uganda’s efforts in emphasising science education to foster national development.

By Fortunate Ahimbisibwe
THE Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO), Koichiro Matsuura, has commended Uganda’s efforts in emphasising science education to foster national development.
Matsuura, who is here for a two-day visit, said on his arrival at Entebbe Airport yesterday that the UN agency was ‘enjoying a strong bilateral relationship with Uganda.’
“We appreciate Uganda’s efforts in embracing science and cultural education as part of national development. This being my first official visit here, I hope to strengthen the ties between Uganda and UNESCO,” Matsuura said.
He added, “Uganda is an important country at a regional level and we shall support it to build its capacity. We are also looking at how we can develop a regional cooperation in the great lakes region.”
Matsuura said he would discuss with education stakeholders on how UNESCO can go further in strengthening education, culture and communication in Uganda.
He was received at the airport by the head of the UN Development Programme, Douda Toure, education minister Khiddu Makubuya, permanent secretary Francis Lubanga, and the secretary general of UNESCO-Uganda, August Omare-Okurut.
Makubuya said, “Uganda has gone a long way in promoting science and cultural education but we still need support. We hope the visit will cement further the good relations and bear abundant fruit in helping our sector.”
Matsuura yesterday afternoon met President Yoweri Museveni. He was scheduled to visit Kasubi tombs in the evening.
Matsuura will meet the Prime Minister, Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, and visit the Namugongo martyrs shrines today.
The fundamental principles of UNESCO are non-discrimination, equality of opportunity and treatment, universal access to education and solidarity.
The UNESCO constitution was adopted in 1946 when it was declared the chief United Nations agency in charge of education, science, culture and communication.
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