President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated his call to Ugandans to support the government’s strategy of providing free education in all government schools. Addressing the Mothers’ Union Buganda Conference on September 1st, 2024, in Luwero District, President Museveni emphasized that the success of the policy hinges on stakeholders’ active involvement in its implementation.

“Our strategy was to provide affordable education for all Ugandans, moving away from the old system where only the elite could afford quality education,” Museveni stated. He explained that reducing costs by shifting from boarding schools to day schools is key to ensuring universal education. “The continuous charging of fees in government schools is contributing to high dropout rates, with only two million children continuing to secondary school out of 11 million who begin primary education,” he noted.

Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, underscored the government’s responsibility to build infrastructure such as classrooms and science laboratories while leaving parents with minimal costs like uniforms and lunch. He urged consensus on the proposal that Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools operate as day schools to make education more accessible.

During the event, Janet Museveni encouraged mothers to be proactive in ensuring that children receive free education in government schools. She praised the conference organizers for including a health camp focusing on breast and cervical cancer screening, emphasizing the importance of women’s health.

“This initiative is crucial for the well-being of mothers across the nation. I urge you to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and prioritize your health with routine check-ups,” she advised.

The conference, themed “Working Diligently Towards Transformation and Sustainable Development of Our Nation,” also addressed economic empowerment. Participants were trained in value addition to agricultural products and entrepreneurship skills. The President of Mothers’ Union Buganda, Ms. Josephine Kasaato, thanked the government for improving the health sector and providing valuable skills to the participants.

The event, which brought together women from six dioceses, emphasized hard work and entrepreneurship as pathways to sustainable livelihoods. Bishop Wilson Kisekka of the Anglican Diocese of Luwero commended President Museveni for his support, while Rt. Canon James Sserugo lauded the Museveni family’s commitment to the institution of marriage, referencing their 50 years of matrimony.

The four-day conference concluded with President Museveni promising to support the Mothers’ Union projects with a donation of Shs500 million and a coaster bus.

The event was attended by various political leaders, security chiefs, and district leaders from Luwero.

  Free Education in Uganda, Mothers’ Union Buganda Conference, Museveni, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni