Kikuube District — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged leaders across Uganda to critically assess whether families in their communities are financially capable of paying school fees, as the government considers a possible revision of its universal free education policy.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving ceremony for Minister of State for Public Service Hon. Grace Mary Mugasa in Kisaaru-Kyabayanja village, Kabwoya Sub-county, Kikuube District, the President said it was up to political, religious, and cultural leaders to determine if parents are truly unable to meet the cost of educating their children.
“The question for you, the leaders, is simple: Can the people you see in the villages afford school fees?” Museveni asked. “If they can, we can revise the free education policy. If they can’t, then the NRM’s decision to offer free education remains valid.”
He pointed to his grassroots observations, recalling a previous visit to Ibanda where he questioned whether families with no stable income, like the local woman he referenced as Deziranta, were realistically able to pay fees, or merely reluctant.
The President’s comments come in the wake of persistent challenges facing Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE), where headteachers in collusion with school committees continue to demand fees under various guises, including for extra teachers and meals, undermining the policy’s intent.
“Let us talk frankly. Are parents truly unable to pay, or are they pretending? That’s what you, as leaders, must establish,” Museveni said. “We can sustain free education until poverty levels drop. But you must research and advise us accordingly.”
Only Half of Pupils Finish Primary School
During the event, Kikuube Chief Administrative Officer Canon Edward Busingye reported sobering statistics: out of every 100 pupils who enrol in Primary One, only 52 complete Primary Seven. The figure drops even further in secondary school, underscoring retention issues linked to affordability and accessibility.
Socio-Economic Priorities: Peace, Wealth, Education
Reiterating his administration’s six foundational pillars—peace, security, development, wealth, health, and education—President Museveni emphasised the need for strategic prioritisation. He warned against confusing public development projects (roads, electricity, schools) with individual wealth creation.
“Government development benefits everyone, but poverty is personal. You can live next to a tarmacked road and still be poor,” he said, pointing to examples along the Kampala–Karuma–Gulu highway.
Agriculture as the Bedrock of Transformation
Museveni also revisited his 1996 NRM Manifesto, which promotes agricultural productivity on small plots of land. He encouraged Ugandans with four acres or less to diversify their farming: one acre each for coffee, fruits, pasture, and food crops, plus poultry or piggery in the backyard, and fish farming near swamps.
He cited real-life examples of success: Joseph Ijara, a former taxi conductor from Serere who now earns over Shs 1 billion annually from eggs and milk, and Irumba of Hoima, who makes Shs 60 million per month from poultry and employs 50 people.
“We have only 480,000 government jobs. If you’re looking there, you’re looking in the wrong direction,” he warned. “Instead, look to agriculture, factories, and services for employment.”
According to the President, the industrial sector employs 1.2 million, agriculture 3.6 million, and services 5 million—a clear indication that Uganda’s economy relies heavily on private-sector growth.
Health and Social Investments
The President also emphasised the importance of immunisation, particularly for children and young girls under eight, to protect against diseases such as cervical cancer. In a gesture of goodwill, he pledged Shs 50 million to the priests’ SACCO, Shs 20 million to two artisan groups, Shs 20 million to Kabwoya SACCO, and a school bus for the local community.
Earlier in the day, a Thanksgiving mass was led by Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo, Bishop of Hoima Diocese, and His Grace Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, Archbishop of Gulu, with participation from other religious and cultural leaders.
Support and Requests from Local Leaders
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja expressed gratitude for the government’s infrastructural investments in the Bunyoro sub-region, promising 100% electoral support for Museveni in 2026. LC1 Chairman John Mugabo echoed these sentiments, urging the President to run as the NRM’s sole candidate and to intervene in a land dispute involving MZ Agencies Ltd, which holds a title covering five villages.
“Our people need land security to invest in wealth creation,” Mr. Mugabo said.
The well-attended event included ministers, Members of Parliament, and religious and cultural leaders, all of whom reaffirmed their support for the President’s leadership and development agenda.