Museveni calls for integrity among teachers during national awards ceremony

19 March 2026, 7:40 AM

By Freeman Canogura

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has called on teachers across Uganda to uphold integrity and professionalism in their work, emphasizing that ethical conduct remains central to the transformation of the education sector.

She made the remarks while officiating at the “Teachers Making a Difference” awards ceremony held at State House Entebbe on Wednesday March 18th 2026, where outstanding teachers were recognised for their contribution to education and community development.

Mrs. Museveni noted that while government continues to invest in expanding access to education, the success of these efforts largely depends on the discipline and commitment of teachers in the classroom. She urged educators to remain focused on nurturing learners into responsible and productive citizens.

The Minister highlighted ongoing government programmes such as Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE), and Universal Post Primary Education and Training (UPPET), which have significantly increased school enrolment across the country. She said these initiatives must be matched with quality teaching and strong moral standards among educators.

During the ceremony, several teachers were awarded for going beyond their professional duties, with Alice Mary Birungi of Bombo Army Secondary School emerging as the overall winner. Other teachers from different parts of the country were also recognised for their innovation and dedication to improving learning outcomes.

Mrs. Museveni further revealed that government is continuing with plans to ensure equitable access to education by establishing at least one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. She added that curriculum reforms, including the competence-based curriculum at lower secondary and the revised A-Level framework, are intended to make education more relevant and skills-oriented.

The State Minister for Higher Education, John Chrysestom Muyingo, echoed the call for professionalism, reminding teachers that they play a critical role in shaping the country’s future. He described education as the backbone of society and urged teachers to embrace their responsibility with dedication.

Meanwhile, the Irish Ambassador to Uganda and Rwanda, Mags Gaynor, commended the initiative for recognising excellence in teaching and supporting professional development. She noted that the programme also facilitates international exchange opportunities, helping teachers enhance their skills and broaden their perspectives.