The Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, has highlighted the government’s focus on key economic drivers, Agro-industrialization, Tourism, and the E-economy (ATMs), as Uganda pursues an ambitious plan to expand its GDP from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion over the next 15 years.
Speaking at the 10th graduation ceremony of Kabale University in Kabale District on Friday, Minister Musasizi encouraged the 1,673 graduating students to develop their skills in these strategic sectors, which he described as the backbone of the country’s economic transformation.
On education policy, Minister Musasizi reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to revitalizing Universal Primary Education (UPE), promising that the next government term (2026–2031) will ensure free and compulsory primary education for all Ugandan children. He emphasized that UPE must remain completely free of charge, without placing any financial burden on parents.
He also pledged continued government financial support to Kabale University, recognizing its strategic role in regional and national development.
Minister Musasizi assured university officials that a post-election team would meet with the Ministry of Finance to discuss the university’s budget in detail.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, stressed that Uganda’s transformation relies heavily on a strong education system, noting that over 75% of Ugandans are under 35, and more than half are below 18 years of age.
“This means that out of our 46 million Ugandans, approximately 23 million are children under 18. It is our collective responsibility as parents, grandparents, and guardians to ensure these children receive quality education and grow into productive citizens,” she said.
Dr. Turyagyenda reaffirmed the government’s Vision 2040 agenda, aimed at transforming Uganda from a peasant society to a modern, prosperous nation. She noted that true development is driven not by natural resources, but by the quality of human capital produced through education.
However, she expressed concern over low retention and progression rates in the education sector.
“While 1.5 to 2 million children are born each year, only around 800,000 sit for PLE, meaning more than half of our children do not progress to the first level of primary education. At higher education, only about 7% of Ugandans access university, which is below the continental average,” she observed.
Dr. Turyagyenda called for renewed commitment to universal education programs, stressing the importance of supporting UPE and Universal Secondary Education (USE) to ensure every child completes school.
She also emphasized the critical role of regional universities in expanding higher education access, particularly in underserved areas.
“Kabale University is a regional university, but as the Vice-Chancellor rightly said, university means ‘universal.’ While it serves Kigezi and surrounding regions, its international partnerships demonstrate its global vision,” she noted.
The Acting Chancellor of Kabale University, Prof. Joy Kwesiga, encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning and take responsibility for their personal and professional development.
Quoting a motivational verse, she said, “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
Prof. Kwesiga urged graduates to remain connected to their alma mater through the Kabale University Alumni Association, highlighting the importance of serving as ambassadors for the institution.
“On behalf of Kabale University, and on my own behalf, I wish you all the best as you enter the next stage of your lives. Congratulations once again,” she concluded.
