Beneficiaries of Uganda’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs have spoken out with gratitude ahead of a planned national thanksgiving ceremony in honor of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Many say the policy popularly known as “Bonna Basome” [education for all] didn’t just open school gates, but changed the course of their lives.
UPE, first introduced in 1997, originally allowed only four children per family to study under government sponsorship. However, after realizing the policy still left many children out, President Museveni removed the restriction ushering in one of Uganda’s biggest education reforms and dramatically boosting school enrollment nationwide.
According to youth under the NRM Committed Cadres, literacy and education levels have grown significantly since the reform, with statistics showing an increase from 43% educated Ugandans before UPE to 74% today.
Speaking at a press briefing in Bugoloobi, the group’s chairperson Johnson Twebaze said millions of UPE and USE graduates are now working in different professions across the country and abroad evidence, he said, of a policy that reshaped Uganda’s future.
“If it wasn’t for Mzee, many of us would never have stepped in a classroom,” Twebaze stated.
“UPE and USE gave children from ordinary families dignity, opportunity, and a future.”
The group announced that a national thanksgiving ceremony will take place on November 23 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, with President Museveni expected as Chief Guest alongside the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni.
Dr. Joseph Kibirige and Paul Abaho credited the free education policy for helping them pursue professional careers that once felt impossible for children from rural and low-income families.
“Before UPE, many girls were pushed into early marriage,” said Faith Kaitesi
“Today, girls are graduating, working, and leading. UPE changed mindsets and strengthened gender equality.”
Organizers say the thanksgiving ceremony will feature presentations from education stakeholders, testimonies, and cultural showcases celebrating the 28-year journey of the policy.
They encouraged all beneficiaries from government leaders and educators to former UPE and USE students to take part.
“This is not just a ceremony,” Twebaze said.
“It is a moment to appreciate a policy that changed millions of lives and continue writing the story of free education in Uganda.”