M7 Lauded on reforms to Improve Access to Quality Education in Uganda

By Earnest Benjamin Kivumbi – Updated at 2054 EAT on Friday 22nd March 2024

MUKONO- State House Senior Presidential Assistant on Special Duties, Phionah Barungi has lauded her boss President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for setting reforms aimed at improving quality education in Uganda.

Ms Phionah Barungi- Senior Presidential Assistant on Special Duties – photo by Earnest Benjamin Kivumbi

In her remarks on Wednesday during the celebration of the National Career Guidance Day at the home of Incredible Youth International in Kabembe, Mukono headed by James Brian Ntwatwa, Barungi said the President of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni acknowledges this day but because of other obligations, he is entangled with, he is not in a position to be with us today. The office of the Senior Presidential Assistant however is here to stand in the gap.

Full remarks

It is with great pleasure and pride that I stand before you today as the Senior Presidential Assistant and Director of Touching Lives Initiative in partnership with Incredible Youth International, on this momentous occasion of the National Career Guidance Day. This event serves as an opportunity for the youth of our nation.

As we gather and celebrate the progress and achievements in the education sector, it is only fitting that we take a moment to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, for his exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing education in our nation.

His Excellency’s vision for a well-educated and empowered population has been the driving force behind numerous initiatives and reforms aimed at improving access to quality education for all Ugandans.

From the earliest years of primary schooling to the highest level of tertiary education, the President has tirelessly worked to ensure that every child has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation.

Under his guidance, we have experienced significant investment in education infrastructure, the recruitment and training of teachers, and the implementation of policies designed to promote exclusive and equitable access to education.

Through initiatives such as Universal Primary Education(PLE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs, millions of students who are excluded from normal education now have the chance to learn and grow, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

As we stand on the threshold of the new Era in our Education sector, Let us acknowledge and celebrate the transformative impact of the President’s leadership.
With this support, therefore, Incredible Youth International aims to provide platforms to very many students, youth, institutions, and donors to explore the future of work.

This invention symbolizes our commitment to providing transformative experiences and insights that will shape the future of our workforce, We understand the importance of equipping the youth with the tools that they need to succeed in the increasingly digital world.

The exhibition from the key stakeholders in the technology sector will showcase the endless possibilities that await our students in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and data science, it’s an opportunity for them to explore, learn, and envision their future careers.

My dear students, as you embark on this journey of learning and exploration, remember that the future belongs to those who are willing to adopt, embrace, and renovate change, Let us today serve as stepping stones towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mama Janet Museveni and the Ministry of Education, Incredible Youth International, and other organizations in partnership for such an impactful that can only take the education sector and our nation to the next level.

I would also like to thank the different partners who have made this event possible.

Our dedication and commitment to the youth of Uganda are truly recommendable together, let’s continue to pave the way for a future filled the endless possibilities.

l thank you for God and my country.

Ms Barungi danced with H. E Rosa Malango, United Nations Former Resident Coordinator and gave a financial donation to James Brian Ntwatwa the Director of Incredible Youth International.

In her remarks, Rosa Malango said;
“It’s an honor to be here today during a very special moment to discuss the future.” Ambassador Rosa Malango, Chairperson of the Tumaini African Knowledge Center TAKC. After almost 30 years with the United Nations last year resigned to focus on the health of her family and to join the frontlines of African transformation told guests to engage with her team to learn more about what they do and some career options for the young people.

“We are here to find solutions for the next generation so we must ask ourselves a few questions and make a few commitments.

Let’s begin with the questions
1. Where do we see ourselves and Uganda in 20 years?
2. What type of society will we have?
3. Which jobs do you think will be available at that time?
4. Are we preparing our children for the present or for the future?” Rosa asked.

Rosa sees a Uganda in 20 years capable of running an efficient public transport system across the country using renewable energy.
“I see a Uganda that is recognized as one of the world’s top exporters of value-added goods and premium food products as well as a Uganda part of the leading countries in Africa in innovation using blockchain and manufacturing drones, airplanes, and electric vehicles to ensure safe access to health, education, agriculture, and wildlife while also preserving the environment.” She said.

She asked what type of jobs will this require and how are we preparing the youth for them?

How many parents are talking to their children about their future from early stages of life, primary education ? She asked.

She asked parents and teachers if thereyou encouraging their children to be creators of mobile phone applications to solve day-to-day problems. “We must encourage them to define their career paths which is different from having a job.” She emphasised.

She challenged how many of the youth present have thought about becoming astronauts, drone pilots, electric motorcycles, mechanics, electric battery manufacturers.
“How many of you have thought about sports as a career and becoming an athlete, a coach, a physical therapist, a nutritionist?
Have you thought about becoming content creators for educational television and radio programs for youth and children? Have you thought about bringing our stories about our Obuntubulamu values of togetherness, hard work, cleanness etc to our theatres, movies, books or cartoons?” She asked.

” I believe we have a historic opportunity to embrace our positive African values of Obuntubulamu placing hard work, empathy, teamwork, and love for nature at the epicenter of our actions. Once we embrace our heritage and our place among humanity, we can recognize and embrace the new technologies developed by our youth to improve our lives.” Malango said.

She invited youth to join her in making a few commitments :
1. Let’s commit to working with parents and role models to start the dialogue on career guidance earlier in their lives during primary education.
2. Let’s commit to identifying opportunities for career guidance including youth fellowships throughout this year.
3. Let’s commit to sharing publications about career opportunities.
4. Let’s commit to working with schools and communities to facilitate discussions on opportunities and implications with mentors.

JamesT Brian Ntwatwa, appreciated the President and First Lady for honoring his proposal of establishing the National Career Guidance Day and his partners around the world for supporting his organization.

The President of the Youth Coalition for SDGs, Aminah Nassali led several youth-led organizations representatives on the function.

This story is being updated

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