President Yoweri Museveni has stated that the government’s current priority is health and education.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during the official commissioning of the Bugisu zonal Industrial hub in Mbale district.
Museveni revealed that he accommodates students from seven districts in the Bugisu hub.
He also highlighted the government’s strategy for UPE and USE, which discourages boarding to reduce the costs of feeding and accommodation.
“We have established the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs to provide free education. However, some schools continue to charge fees from poor families. I have done my part, but teachers have failed to implement the policy. They disguise these fees as PTA contributions to exploit the poor,” Museveni said.
He emphasized that if there is a need for additional funding, the government is willing to provide more money instead of burdening parents.
“Boarding is very expensive. Our strategy was for students to attend day school to minimize costs,” he noted.
He further disclosed that the government injects UGX 900 billion into education hubs across the country during every intake.
“In the Bukedi region, 80 percent of children drop out of school due to lack of school fees. If the government can pay teachers, buy books, and build classrooms, then why should parents be charged? That’s why I decided that children in Lukhoge should study for free,” he added.
The president reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all children, especially those from poor families, access free education as intended under UPE and USE programs.
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