President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has once again voiced his frustration over the government’s failure to implement its free education policy, calling on leaders at all levels to ensure its full rollout across the country.
“I don’t want to use force on this matter. Discuss and implement free education in all government schools, including technical schools. If more funding is needed, we will provide it,” the President emphasised.
He made the remarks while commissioning the Greater Mubende Presidential Zonal Skilling Hub in Kibuye-Vuga Village, Kitenga Sub-county, Mubende District, as part of his ongoing tour promoting wealth creation and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Despite the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) in the 1996 NRM manifesto, Museveni noted that many schools continue to charge fees, hindering access to education for children from poor families.
“In 1996, we proposed free education, but many refused to implement it. Now, school fees are still being charged, excluding children of the poor. For example, we have 11 million pupils in primary schools, but only 2 million students in secondary schools. What happened to the other 9 million? It’s because UPE and USE were not fully implemented,” he said.
To demonstrate that free education is possible, the President pointed to the success of skilling hubs, where many young people have acquired practical skills and become self-employed. However, he admitted that the hubs are costly and not as scalable as free, community-based education.
“The regional skilling hubs are working, but they are expensive. Ideally, UPE should be implemented through day schools—one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county—so children can attend without needing boarding facilities,” he explained.
Museveni said such a model would allow the government to focus resources on hiring teachers, constructing classrooms and laboratories, building teachers’ houses, and supplying textbooks.
He also promised to expand the Mubende hub’s curriculum to include courses like plumbing, motor mechanics, weaving, and textiles. “Our children are now making shoes. We used to import shoes from China—imagine that! But we are changing that with these skills,” he said, praising the trainees for their creativity.
Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba lauded the hub’s impact, saying it has empowered youth economically and even helped reduce domestic violence, as both partners are now able to contribute to household income.
During the event, President Museveni donated UGX 10 million to three former trainees—Mr Kisekka Ronald (carpentry), Ms Constance Twinomugisha (bakery), and Mr Mawejje Willy (hairdressing)— who have started businesses and are now employing others.
Kisekka shared how the hub transformed his life after being rejected by his family and feeling hopeless. “Now I have a job, support my father, and even bought him a cow,” he said. Twinomugisha, who started Gloria Sweet Bakery with just UGX 20,000, now earns UGX 80,000 daily. Mawejje, now a salon manager, is preparing to launch his own business: Willy Barber Salon.
In a notable political moment, Mr Baganyire Joseph, the NUP registrar for Kitenga Sub-county, officially crossed over to the NRM. “NRM has fulfilled its promises. In 2026, I’m with you, and this time, we’ll win even where I previously defeated you,” he declared.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament, district leaders, and other political figures from the Greater Mubende region.
