Don't Frustrate Universal Education Programs through Illegal Fees-Museveni Warns

President Yoweri Museveni has urged the people of Kakumiro District in Bunyoro Sub-Region to prioritize household income and leave issues of infrastructure development to Government to implement.

The President, who was accompanied by the 1st Lady, Janet Museveni was on Friday addressing a public rally at Our Lady of Africa Catholic Parish grounds in Kakumiro after the successful conclusion of the 195 Km Great Trek that started on 4th January from Galamba in Wakiso District and ended on Thursday at Birembo.

Before the rally, the President laid a wreath at the monument of five fallen bush war freedom fighters and another on a mass grave. He later launched NEC-AGRO brand of Sukulu fertilizers that are manufactured in Tororo District in Eastern Uganda.

The President reminded the people at the rally also attended by Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Cabinet Ministers and Trekkers, among others, that a prosperous country believes in God, works for peace and stability and prioritizes household income. He emphasized the need for education for all as guaranteed by the Universal Primary and Secondary Education programs for the benefit of the children of the poor.

"Education system should not be frustrated by introducing illegal school charges. Out of 8.8 million children who join UPE, only 1.6 of them join USE meaning 7 million children are being blocked. This must be followed up,” he said. Museveni meanwhile commended the success attained through the immunization program because infant mortality rate has gone down. He, however, sounded a warning to people that are in the habit of stealing Government medical drugs.

The President also said Government will not tolerate land ownership fraudsters that frustrate bibanja owners.

Regarding the increased production of sugarcane, milk and maize among others, the President noted that this was a positive development but stressed need for processing of those products to maximize profits.

“Produce more, get bigger markets by way of working for the integration of East Africa and Africa,” he stressed. He used the same occasion to sound a strong warning to politicians who are fanning sectarianism based on gender chauvinism and religion, among others, adding that such sectarian tendencies will not help people attain prosperity.

The President assured the people of Kakumiro that Government will upgrade Birembo Technical School with modern equipment for good training skills, refurbish Birembo Primary School and also complete the construction of Birembo Seed Secondary School.

The 1st Lady, Janet Museveni, urged the people of Birembo to harness their activities for household income attainment. She commended their support to NRM. "It is now time to wake up for economic empowerment and transformation," she stressed.