Nakaseke, (UG):- President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has re-emphasized that he will not rest until education is made free for all Ugandans at both primary and secondary levels of education in government schools across the country.
“Now, we must tackle the issue of free education. No child should be paying a fee in govt primary and secondary schools. We shall deal with this,” Mr Museveni said in his speech as he celebrated his 80th birthday at Kijjaguzo Parish, Semuto Town Council in Nakaseke District.
Accompanied by members of the first family led by First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni, Museveni thanked everyone for showering him with birthday wishes but singled out his late parents for raising him and Mama Janet for the blessing of such a large family they both have raised.
The President also expressed gratitude to the members of UPDF/NRA, as well as to the brave children and grandchildren of these fighters, for coming together to work towards the liberation and betterment of Uganda. “I thank the Africans, such as Mwalimu Nyerere, Samora Machel, Muammar Gaddafi, and others, for supporting us in our struggle,” he remarked.
“The celebrations were not only for Museveni because I didn’t do all this on my own. We are celebrating the struggle for the people of Uganda, in which I have been very active, but the success is for all of us,” added the President.
Mr Museveni hailed the improvement in housing in the Luwero Triangle, rewinding back in the times when they arrived in the area during the war, people lived in grass-thatched houses. “Now, they live in houses made of bricks, cement, and Mabaati (iron sheets),” the 80-year-old Ugandan leader who has ruled the East African country for, now, 38 years highlighted.
“My appeal to our people in greater Luwero is to hold their leaders accountable for service delivery. We are also going to rehabilitate some of the roads; Masulita-Luwero, Kiwoko-Butalangu, Butalangu-Kapeeka-Nakwaya etc. I will visit the area soon and engage with the Wananchi,” he added.
Commenting about the persistent land problems that have seen several of the residents evicted, President Museveni reminded the people of Luweero that the landlords have no right to claim part of the land occupied by bonafide occupants, but should demand for busulu as provided for in the Lands Act.
Speaking about the country’s education system, he said: “We still have a problem with the Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education, but we are streamlining the education policy that will deal with most of the challenges. Your children should not be asked to pay extra fees in government schools.’’
President Museveni promised to return to Luweero to address more issues. “Because today we are celebrating and thanking the Lord, I cannot quarrel but I will find time to come back and talk about the many other issues raised by the people,’’ he said.
The President then cut the cake before he hosted selected guests at Kawumu State Lodge in Makulubita Sub-county in Luweero District about 10kms away from where the second function was held.
The 80th Birthday Celebrations of the President saw a long list of high-profile politicians attend at Kijjaguzo, among which included Vice President Jessica Alupo, Parliament Speaker Anita Among, former prime ministers Amama Mbabazi and Ruhakana Rugunda, NRM vice chairperson Moses Kigongo, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, among others.
Also in attendance were religious leaders from the various denominations including the President’s daughter Patience Rwabwogo, the retired Bishop of Luweero Diocese, Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, the Archbishop of the SDA Church, and the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church.
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