State Minister of Finance, Hon. Henry Musasizi, has credited Uganda’s commendable 74% literacy rate to the government’s longstanding commitment to free education initiatives.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony at Murambo Church of Uganda in Bubare Town Council, Rubanda District on Sunday, Minister Musasizi highlighted the impact of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) in transforming literacy levels across the country.
He noted that since the introduction of UPE in 1997, followed by USE a decade later, the number of Ugandans who can read and write has significantly increased. He referenced findings from the 2024 National Census, which reported that over 11.9 million Ugandans aged 10 and above are now literate.
Musasizi, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Rubanda East, reflected on the strides made in his own constituency.
“When I assumed office in 2011, only one pupil in Rubanda East scored a first grade in P.7. Today, that number has grown to 168 first grades, a testament to our continued investment in education,” he said.
He attributed this improvement to deliberate efforts, including the annual procurement of PRE-PLE exams for Primary Seven candidates, and the recognition and rewarding of outstanding PLE performers.
As part of his continued support for education, the Minister donated 100 bags of cement and 100 iron sheets toward the rehabilitation of Murambo Primary School, located in Murambo Cell, Bubare Town Council.
Musasizi also pledged to engage Rubanda District Chairperson Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba to explore avenues for additional support through central government and district local government structures.
