President Museveni Celebrates 27 Years of UPE Program At International Education Day

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hailed the pioneer children of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program, emphasizing their significant contribution to Uganda’s progress.

During the celebration of International Education Day at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on March 21st, 2024 an event that also marked 27 years since the introduction of UPE in Uganda by the NRM Government.

In a speech delivered by Vice President Rtd Major Jessica Alupo on behalf of President Museveni, it was underscored that many beneficiaries of the initiative, launched in 1997, have evolved into highly productive individuals driving progress across various sectors, thereby advancing Uganda.

President Museveni stressed the imperative of investing in UPE to ensure widespread access to education, fostering literacy skills, and cultivating valuable societal members. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing human capital development and promoting education as a public good.

Museveni underscored education’s pivotal role in facilitating overall development, encompassing health improvement, gender equality, and resource conservation. He emphasized that education serves as the cornerstone for fostering global citizenship and societal advancement.

The President highlighted the government’s efforts in creating an enabling environment for citizens to invest and earn a livelihood, thereby fortifying the nation’s economic foundation.

Acknowledging the importance of UPE, Museveni noted that while challenges persist, such as children dropping out of school for reasons beyond fees, the government is actively addressing them. He emphasized the necessity of compulsory UPE and Universal Secondary Education (USE) to further bolster educational accessibility and retention.

Museveni lauded the UPE program for its role in promoting gender parity in primary education, with more girls now accessing schooling compared to previous years when it was predominantly boys.

Addressing the direct beneficiaries of UPE, Museveni expressed confidence in their ability to shape Uganda’s future, urging them to embrace patriotism and promote peace and tolerance within society. He urged them to advocate for education, recognizing its pivotal role in fostering lasting peace and societal harmony.

Furthermore, Museveni commended the Ministry of Education and Sports for its efforts in commemorating International Education Day, aligning Uganda with the global recognition of education’s significance.