President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to fully harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive national transformation, warning that Africa could once again be left trailing behind if it fails to catch up with global technological trends.
Speaking at the belated commemoration of the International Day of Education at Kololo Independence Grounds, the President emphasized that the path to economic independence and sustainable development lies in embracing science, innovation, and technology-based education.
Museveni linked Africa’s colonial past to its former lack of access to scientific knowledge and formal education. He argued that Africa’s economic and social setbacks can only be corrected through aggressive investment in science and universal, free education for all.
Underscoring Uganda’s commitment to educational equity, the President reiterated that widespread illiteracy has long impeded progress, and that Universal Primary and Secondary Education are the best weapons against ignorance and poverty.
He expressed frustration with public schools that continue to charge fees, despite government directives to offer free education. “Those collecting illegal school fees are enemies of the country’s development,” Museveni warned, noting that such practices have forced thousands of children from underprivileged backgrounds to abandon school prematurely.
To address this, he cited the establishment of free Zonal Industrial Skilling Hubs as a practical solution to youth unemployment. According to Museveni, these hubs are now serving as vital entry points for hands-on, job-ready training for youth who have missed out on traditional schooling.
“These skilling centres must set the standard for accessible vocational training across the country,” he said, stressing that vocational skills aligned with labour market needs will better equip young Ugandans to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
On the issue of Artificial Intelligence, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, urged education planners and stakeholders to proactively consider how AI could be blended with human talent in ways that support development rather than replace it.
She noted that her ministry is already paving the way through the rollout of a national Digital Agenda for the Education and Sports Sector , a framework aimed at integrating technology into teaching, learning, and administration across all education levels.
The President wrapped up his address by doubling down on his longstanding stance that school fees have no place in Uganda’s public education system.
“We introduced free education nearly 30 years ago,” he said. “The continued defiance of this policy undermines the entire vision and robs the country of its future.”