SSAMULA MATHIAS
The much-anticipated celebrations to mark the 28th anniversary of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Uganda, scheduled for tomorrow, have been postponed. The organizing committee, led by the NRM-committed cadres, confirmed that the event would no longer take place as planned, citing unavoidable scheduling conflicts with the President’s availability.
Twebanze Johnson Matuusa, Chairman of the NRM-committed cadres, addressed the media today in Kampala to explain the change in plans. He noted that, while the President is unable to attend tomorrow’s function due to reasons beyond the control of the organizing committee, he remains committed to attending the event at a later date. “We are grateful for the President’s continued support, and he has pledged to attend the celebration on a new date, which will be communicated to all stakeholders as soon as possible,” Matuusa said.
The event was meant to celebrate the transformative success of UPE, a groundbreaking initiative introduced by President Yoweri Museveni’s government in 1997. Since its inception, UPE has radically reshaped Uganda’s education landscape, providing free primary education to millions of children who previously had no access to schooling.
UPE Achievements: A Legacy of Progress
Since the launch of UPE, Uganda has witnessed a remarkable increase in primary school enrollment. Before UPE, school enrollment rates were relatively low, and many children, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, were unable to afford the cost of schooling. With the introduction of free primary education, enrollment skyrocketed, reaching over 8 million students by the early 2000s. This surge in enrollment was not just a statistical win but also a victory for gender equality, with a significant increase in the number of girls attending school.
The initiative also played a vital role in improving access to education in rural and remote areas of Uganda. Schools were established in underserved regions, and millions of children who had previously been left behind were able to receive an education. As a result, UPE has helped to reduce illiteracy and provided a foundation for future generations to access better opportunities.
However, challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and the need for better school infrastructure remain. Despite these hurdles, UPE has undeniably contributed to the country’s human capital development, paving the way for a brighter future for Uganda’s youth.
NRM Cadres Call for Unity and Electoral Vigilance
In the final remarks of her address, Matuusa emphasized the importance of continuing to support UPE and the incumbent government. “We have made tremendous progress with UPE, and it is crucial that we continue to safeguard this achievement. Our task is far from over, and we must remain united in our mission to protect the gains made,” Matusa stated.
He also called on Ugandans to remain vigilant in the upcoming elections, noting the need to protect the integrity of the voting process. “As we look forward to the next election cycle, we must all be mindful of the importance of casting correct ballots. We cannot afford to repeat mistakes from the previous elections, where approximately 3.5 million votes of 18 million votes were declared invalid due to errors on ballot papers. This resulted in some votes being discarded and not counted,” Matuusa explained.
He encouraged all Ugandans to educate themselves on the voting process, ensuring they understand how to properly cast their ballots to avoid unnecessary errors. “Together, we can ensure that every vote counts and that we continue to support the leadership that has brought us this far,” Matuusa added.
Matuusa concluded by calling for unity within the NRM party and all Ugandans, urging them to focus on the bigger picture. “Let us keep our heads up, continue organizing, and be ready to rally behind the President when the event is rescheduled. Our success depends on our collective effort and commitment to ensuring that the future of our children remains bright through education,” He said.