First Lady Janet Museveni Calls on Schools to Strengthen Parent-Student Engagement

Mukono- The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has called on schools across the country to strengthen parent-student engagement as a key strategy to improve career guidance among learners.

She made the remarks during a successful fundraising drive held at Seeta College playground in Mwanyanjiri, Mukono District, where she also contributed UGX 100 million towards the construction of a modern science laboratory.

In her address, the First Lady emphasized the importance of proper use, protection, and maintenance of school infrastructure. She warned against the destruction and vandalism of school property, noting that it is disheartening for stakeholders to invest in improving schools only for the facilities to be damaged a few years later.

Maama Janet commended Seeta College for embracing the new competence-based curriculum, highlighting practical initiatives such as student participation in brick-making for construction projects. She said such hands-on learning fosters innovation, creativity, and practical skills among learners, preparing them to address real-life challenges.

She further noted that government education reforms are aimed at promoting research, digital literacy, and technological adaptability, ultimately producing self-reliant citizens capable of thriving in a modern economy.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysestom Muyingo, Enos Kitto Kagodo, and district leaders such as CAO Henry Ddamba, DEO Rashid Kikomeko, and Deputy RDC Muyambi Moses.

Archbishop Kaziimba, who is also an old student of the school, appreciated the First Lady for supporting the initiative and revealed that during his time at the school, lack of a laboratory was a major challenge. He emphasized that a laboratory is essential for effective science learning and not a luxury.

He also commended teachers for their dedication in shaping the future of learners and encouraged parents to enroll their children in local schools like Seeta College, citing its strong academic performance, particularly in science subjects.

The fundraising drive attracted contributions from government schools, Church of Uganda departments, alumni, and well-wishers through both cash and pledges, demonstrating strong community support for improving education infrastructure.

Established in 1955 and later integrated into the Universal Secondary Education (USE) programme, Seeta College continues to grow as a center of academic excellence with over 1,100 students.

The visit by the First Lady and the successful fundraising drive mark a significant milestone in strengthening education infrastructure in Mukono District. Leaders emphasized that investing in facilities such as science laboratories is key to improving learning outcomes and preparing students for future opportunities.

With strong collaboration between government, the Church, and the community, the Seeta College laboratory project is expected to enhance science education while reinforcing the importance of responsibility, unity, and proper stewardship of school resources for sustainable development.