President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has renewed his call for the full implementation of free education in government schools, saying financial barriers continue to block children from poor families from accessing learning.
Speaking on Tuesday while commissioning the Greater Mubende Presidential Zonal Skilling Hub in Kibuye-Vuga Village, Kitenga Sub County, Mubende District, Museveni urged leaders to eliminate school fees in both primary and secondary public schools.
“I don’t want to use force on this matter. Discuss the issue of free education in government schools, including the technical schools. If we need to add more money to the government schools, we shall do it,” Museveni said.
The President expressed frustration over the gap between the country’s Universal Primary and Secondary Education policies and their real-world implementation. He revealed that out of 11 million children enrolled in primary schools, only 2 million make it to secondary school.
“There are seven years of primary school and six years in secondary school, but the figures I have show 11 million children in primary schools and only two million in secondary. So, what happened to the nine million? It is the refusal to implement UPE and USE,” Museveni said.
He explained that he introduced skilling hubs like the one in Mubende to show that free, practical education can empower youth and change lives.
“People who introduce charges in government schools may not go to heaven. Discuss amongst yourselves and agree to have free education in government schools,” he emphasized.
Museveni also noted that his plan for universal education was designed to be affordable, with day schools established at the parish and sub-county level to eliminate boarding costs and allow government funds to focus on teacher salaries, classrooms, laboratories, and textbooks.
At the same event, Museveni pledged to expand the skilling hub’s curriculum by introducing new trades, including plumbing, motor mechanics, weaving, and textiles.
“Now the children are making shoes for us. We used to import shoes from China, you can imagine! We are now going to add those skills,” he said, commending the students for their creativity and self-employment efforts.
The Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, praised the hub for giving youth practical skills and helping to reduce domestic violence by enabling families to improve their incomes.
“Many have been employed, but others still need your support. The skilling hub has also addressed domestic violence because both husband and wife are now working to put food on the table,” Nabakooba told the President.
During the ceremony, Museveni awarded Shs10 million to three former students — Kisekka Ronald, Constance Twinomugisha, and Mawejje Willy — who started businesses in carpentry, bakery, and hairdressing after graduating from the hub.
Kisekka, who trained in carpentry, said the skills he gained saved his life. “If it weren’t for President Museveni, I would be dead. I have bought a cow for my father, and I also support him financially,” he said.
Twinomugisha, who now runs Gloria Sweet Bakery, shared her success story. “I call upon my fellow youths not to lose hope but come to Mubende Zonal Industrial Hub and get skilled for free,” she said.
Mawejje, who trained in hairdressing, said the hub enabled him to start his own salon business. “I’m now starting Willy Barber Salon because I have the qualifications, and I know what I’m doing,” he told the gathering.
The event also saw Baganyire Joseph, the National Unity Platform registrar for Kitenga Sub County, officially cross to the ruling National Resistance Movement.
“I have decided to join NRM because it has fulfilled the promises, and anything we would base on to fight it. Come 2026, I’m with you, and even at my polling station where I defeated you, NRM shall win,” Baganyire said.
The ceremony attracted Members of Parliament, LC5 chairpersons, and local leaders from Greater Mubende and neighboring districts.
