President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has pledged to implement free universal education across the country if re-elected in the upcoming general elections.
While officially opening the NRM National Delegates Conference currently underway at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, President Museveni expressed surprise at the rising number of private schools compared to public ones, despite parents overwhelmingly preferring to send their children to government institutions.
He said this strong preference from parents is a clear signal that public schools must be prioritized.
He pledged that, in the coming term, public education would be implemented seriously and free of charge across the country.
Museveni also urged parents to work closely with head teachers through Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to ensure no unofficial fees are charged in public schools.
In his address, the President also called on Ugandans to take collective action in fighting poverty, corruption, and crime.
He emphasized the importance of improving infrastructure, including roads, health facilities, and access to clean water.
Museveni encouraged citizens to embrace commercial agriculture, invest in factories, artisan shops, services, and information and communication technology (ICT), and ensure active participation in the money economy.
Meanwhile, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong advised candidates contesting for Special Interest Group (SIG) positions to avoid hate speech and divisive language, warning that such rhetoric tarnishes the party’s image.
Elections for the SIGs overseen by the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, Dr. Tanga Odoi have officially kicked off at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
By Olivia Nabaggala
25th Aug 2025
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