KABALE UNIVERSITY GRADUATION: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION PS SOUNDS ALARM ON HIGH DROP-OUT RATE

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Ambrose Kweronda
In Kabale
www.mknewslink.com
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Canon Kedress Turyagyenda, has expressed concern over the high number of learners who drop out of school before completing the education cycle.
Canon Turyagyenda made the remarks during the 10th Kabale University graduation ceremony, where 1,673 students graduated in various academic disciplines. The ceremony was held at the university grounds on Kikungiri Hill, Kabale Municipality.
According to the university, the graduates included 151 Master’s degree holders, 1,001 Bachelor’s degree recipients, 41 Postgraduate Diploma holders, 319 Diploma holders, seven PhD awardees, one Certificate recipient, and 149 Higher Education Bridging Certificate graduates.
Canon Turyagyenda noted that Uganda’s education system is struggling, citing statistics showing that while 1.5 to 2 million children are born annually, only about 800,000 go on to sit for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). Furthermore, she revealed that only 7% of learners proceed to tertiary education.
She urged both parents and the government to strengthen Universal Primary Education (UPE) by ensuring that learners receive lunch at school, emphasizing that hunger remains a major cause of absenteeism and dropout. She also called upon leaders at all levels to advocate for equal access to education for all children.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, outlined the government’s focus on key economic growth 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 within the next 15 years.
Hon. Musasizi encouraged the graduating students to align their skills with these strategic sectors, describing them as the backbone of Uganda’s economic transformation.
On education policy, the Minister reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to revitalizing Universal Primary Education, promising that in the next government term (2026–2031), primary education will be free and compulsory for all Ugandan children. He stressed that UPE should remain completely free of charge, with no financial burden placed on parents.
He further pledged continued government financial support to Kabale University, acknowledging its vital role in regional and national development.
Minister Musasizi also assured university management that a post-election team would meet with the Ministry of Finance to discuss the university’s budget in detail.
In her remarks, Professor Joy Kwesiga, the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University, said the institution is committed to raising funds to improve staffing and infrastructure, including both physical and ICT facilities. She advised the graduates to continue upgrading their education and not to become complacent with the qualifications they have attained.