President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said the government is open to revising its free education policy if leaders can prove that families are now financially able to pay school fees.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony for the Minister of State for Public Service, Grace Mary Mugasa, in Kikuube District on May 23, 2025, the President challenged political, cultural, and religious leaders to assess the economic capacity of households in their communities.
“The question to you, the leaders, is whether those people you see in the villages can afford school fees,” Museveni said. “The NRM observed that they could not and introduced free education. If they can pay for themselves, we can change the policy.”
He emphasized that the government introduced Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) because many Ugandan families lacked the means to pay for education. However, he noted that some head teachers, in collusion with school committees, have undermined these programs by charging illegal fees.
Museveni said this ongoing sabotage must be addressed. “What I’m asking you is to discuss this for the good of the country. Are parents able to pay school fees? We can still pay for them up to 15 years, and after establishing that the poverty levels have reduced, we will review the policy,” he said.
Kikuube District Chief Administrative Officer, Canon Edward Busingye, reported that out of 100 pupils who start primary one, only 52 complete primary seven. Completion rates drop further in secondary education.
The President said research by local leaders is key to helping government make an informed decision. “Do the research and come and advise us,” he added.
Museveni used the platform to reiterate the six foundational pillars of Uganda’s development—peace, security, development, wealth, health, and education—stressing that national transformation depends on how well these are prioritized.
He warned against equating national infrastructure projects to personal economic progress. “Development is for all, but wealth is personal,” he said, citing examples of poor households located near major roads.
To promote wealth creation, the President reminded the public of the 1996 NRM manifesto’s strategy for smallholder farmers. “I proposed one acre for coffee, another for fruits, one for livestock, and another for food crops,” Museveni said. “Those who listened to us are doing well.”
He pointed to individuals like Joseph Ijara of Serere, a former taxi conductor, who now earns over Shs 800 million in annual profit through poultry and dairy farming. He also mentioned Irumba of Hoima, who makes Shs 60 million monthly from egg sales and employs 50 workers.
Museveni urged parents to guide their children toward employment in agriculture, factories, and the services sector, warning that government jobs are limited. “You people are looking at the wrong address for jobs,” he said, noting that factories now employ 1.2 million people, agriculture 3.6 million, and services 5 million.
He said the Parish Development Model is designed to increase employment in the agricultural sector.
On health, he encouraged parents to immunize their children against deadly diseases, especially cervical cancer for girls under eight.
During the event, Museveni 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.
The thanksgiving mass was led by Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo, Bishop of Hoima Diocese, and His Grace Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, Archbishop of Gulu, with support from other religious leaders. Bishops and former bishops of the Anglican Diocese of Bunyoro Kitara were also in attendance.
Mugasa thanked the President for attending the event. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja praised the government's development efforts in Bunyoro and pledged 100% support in the 2026 elections.
Local leader John Mugabo, LC1 Chairman of Kisaaru-Kyabayanja village, called on President Museveni to offer himself as the NRM’s sole presidential candidate in 2026. He also asked for government intervention in a land conflict involving MZ Agencies Ltd, which holds titles covering five villages.
“This is affecting wealth creation in the area because our status on the land is not assured,” Mugabo said.
The ceremony was attended by ministers, MPs, religious and cultural leaders, and community members.
