Uganda marks international education day, highlights role of AI systems

30 April 2025, 7:28 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, has reaffirmed that free education for all remains the government’s policy and raised concerns about headteachers who continue to charge parents in government schools.

He made the remarks while presiding over the celebrations marking the International Day of Education at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, an event attended by various stakeholders.

This year’s celebrations were held under the theme: “Promoting an employer-led Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system that is functional, effective, and efficient to meet the needs and priorities of the labour market.”

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not magic. People should not fear AI. It is part of our understanding of nature and can be used to solve our problems,” President Yoweri Museveni said. “If you study Economics, you will hear about the four factors of production: land, labour, capital, and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is not necessarily about science subjects – it’s about bringing the other factors together.”

He added, “I’m pleased to see our partners here – UNESCO, the European Union, and others. It is good that they are supporting Africa to emerge and catch up with the rest of the world.” The President also reminded the public that, in 1961, Uganda had only six A’Level schools.

In her remarks, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, commended the organising committee and all stakeholders who attended the event. “Technical and vocational training enhances economic growth and is a pathway to social development. Today’s programme equips individuals with ethical skills and knowledge, making them more attractive to employers and contributing to Uganda’s development. This TVET initiative promotes a culture of continuous learning by helping individuals adapt to the changing demands of the job market, in line with Sustainable Development Goal number four,” she said.

She went on to note that it was necessary for the government to invest in skilling young people to meet the demands of the labour market. “If the government ensures that each young person receives tools to start up an enterprise, then youth empowerment will be a reality. We thank you, Mr President, for signing the TVET Act 2025. I am happy to report that the law came into effect on 15th March 2025,” she added.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms Kedrace Turyagyenda, also praised education sector partners for their support. “Our education system needs to be re-engineered to nurture both technical proficiency and vital human skills – such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Globally, education systems are embracing AI, while safeguarding the core values of human-centred learning,” she stated.

The United Nations Country Coordinator, Leonard Zulu, commended the Ugandan government for leading the way on the African continent in reforming education to remain relevant in a changing world – starting with Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1997, Universal Secondary Education (USE) in 2007, and the adoption of a new secondary curriculum in 2021, which emphasises practical life skills.

“Education is a fundamental human right and a crucial foundation for individuals to reach their full potential, and for societies and economies to thrive. Today’s rapid technological advancements, such as AI, have enormous potential to empower learners of all ages throughout their education journeys,” the UN Secretary-General stated.