President Yoweri Museveni has emphasized the need for free education in government schools. The President’s remarks came during his address to MPs during the regional sitting in Gulu on Thursday.
He stated that he even stressed the same message to religious leaders and foundation bodies in a meeting with Education Minister and first lady Mama Janet Museveni.
Museveni criticized ongoing school charges, arguing that they hinder access to education for many children. He called for political leaders and the elite to support the push for free education, stating, “If you truly care about your people, support my position on free education. If not, remain silent and let the children suffer.”
He reiterated the long-standing National Resistance Movement (NRM) position on free education, noting that despite efforts since 1990, charges have continued to be imposed on UPE (Universal Primary Education) students.
“Yesterday, I was having a meeting with the religious faith with Mama Janet about the schools. And one of the issues we were discussing with the foundation bodies is the school charges. The NRM, since 1996, has been pushing for free education in government schools.” He stated
Museveni urged parliamentarians to work with the government to block unnecessary expenditures and prioritize funding for education.
“We have been begging from 1990.It’s almost 30 years now. UPE, UPE, UPE, they put charges, put charges, put charges. If there are unmet costs, bring them. You are members of (parliament. I’m president here. You are there. We budget together. You come from those areas. You come and we budget.” he added
He criticized the practice of paying for a few children in individual constituencies, arguing that such measures are insufficient and counterproductive.
“Let’s block all these other expenditures. And we provide free education for the children in the government schools. Don’t go and say, I am paying for children in my constituency.” he asserted
President Museveni said that those who can afford it can send their children to private schools. He explained his own experience starting a school in Okwang, near his village in Bareregi, where he calculated that a well-funded capitation grant could cover all school costs, eliminating the need for additional fees.
He noted that, despite the capitation grant, some schools still charge fees. However, he has established free schools in Chisozi that do not require any fees, demonstrating that free education is possible.
Addressing health infrastructure, Museveni praised the success of immunization programs in reducing diseases such as polio and measles. He stated the need for continued efforts in preventive healthcare and improved health center services.
“Immunization alone has caused a revolution in population growth. Imagine what more could be achieved with additional preventive measures,” he stated.
Adding that: “Safe water, so that the waterborne diseases are eliminated. Nutrition, the food is there, but the people don’t know what to eat, because the health officers at the district don’t tell them.”
The President also touched on irrigation projects, including the Tochi irrigation scheme for rice production. He called for better management and increased functionality of existing schemes to boost agricultural productivity.
Museveni stressed the importance of using available infrastructure effectively to eliminate diseases and improve public health, while also acknowledging the need for continued investment in health and irrigation.
Speaker Anita Among extended appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the Parliament’s regional sittings initiative. Despite challenges like poverty, limited transport, and post-war impacts, Northern Uganda has seen significant progress in urban infrastructure, health, and the private sector.
Among praised the elevation of Gulu, Lira, and Arua to city status, noting it has created substantial opportunities for the region. She called for better support for farmers, including access to markets, mechanized agriculture, and value addition.
Among noted the importance of improving transport infrastructure to facilitate market access, particularly for exports to Sudan. She announced plans to submit a detailed memorandum to President Museveni and relevant government agencies addressing these concerns.
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