By Kabuye Ronald
Over 138 regional and district Coordinators, along with 21 National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps NSPC staff, are currently engaged in an induction retreat at the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership in Kaweweta.
The event took a momentous turn as participants received a special message from His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, highlighting the pivotal role they play in shaping Uganda’s future through education.
In his address, President Museveni expressed gratitude for the invitation and underscored the indispensable contribution of educators to the nation’s progress. Recognizing their position as frontline stewards of the education system, he commended their dedication and emphasized the importance of their influence in fostering excellence in schools and communities alike.
The President outlined a vision for the future of education, advocating for an evolution of the curriculum to meet the demands of the 21st century. This includes incorporating technology, promoting STEM education, and nurturing soft skills such as communication and teamwork. He stressed the need for inclusivity in the curriculum to reflect Uganda’s societal diversity.
Central to the President’s vision is the objective of equipping every child with the skills, knowledge, and character essential for success in a rapidly evolving world. He urged educators to champion skills development among learners, emphasizing its critical role in driving socioeconomic transformation and sustainable development.
President Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to education, citing increased investment in school infrastructure and the implementation of policies aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality education for all Ugandans.
He highlighted initiatives such as the establishment of primary and secondary schools per parish and sub-county, as well as vocational institutes in each constituency.
Addressing challenges such as high dropout rates attributed to illegal school fees and lack of school lunch, the President reaffirmed the government’s stance against unauthorized charges and emphasized the importance of parental responsibility in providing meals for students.
He also commended efforts to support teenage mothers’ return to school and encouraged innovative solutions like schools producing sanitary towels to address menstrual hygiene challenges.
President Museveni urged educators to uphold professionalism and patriotism, emphasizing the importance of teacher attendance and commitment to learners’ achievement. He underscored the government’s dedication to addressing education disparities and enhancing teacher welfare to improve overall learning outcomes.
In closing, President Museveni reiterated the critical role of teachers in shaping Uganda’s future, calling for collective efforts to create an inclusive, innovative, and inspiring education system.
He urged educators to empower students to realize their full potential and become future leaders of the nation.
The address by President Museveni served as a rallying call for educators to continue their noble mission of guiding Uganda’s youth towards a brighter future, echoing the sentiment of national unity and progress encapsulated in the country’s motto, “For God and My Country.”
Nabbanja Robinah, Prime Minister of Uganda, echoed the President’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of educators’ leadership and dedication in driving Uganda’s education agenda forward.
