In a bid to transform Uganda’s education sector, the First Lady who is also the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, yesterday officially launched the National Digital Agenda Strategy and presided over the handover ceremony for the expansion of nine technical institutes. The event which was held at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds in Kampala, was attended by a cross-section of dignitaries, including government ministers, Members of Parliament, international development partners, and representatives from the private sector.
In her keynote address, Hon. Janet Museveni emphasised the importance of education in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, particularly for the country’s youthful population.
“The National Census indicates that over 70% of Uganda’s population of 46 million people is below the age of 30, this very youthful population needs to be well nurtured into a united, patriotic, innovative, and productive workforce, capable of securing a peaceful and prosperous future for our nation,” the First Lady noted.
The launch of the Digital Agenda Strategy marks a milestone in the Ministry’s efforts to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the education sector, ensuring that learning can continue under all circumstances. The strategy, which has been in development since 2020, aims to align Uganda’s education system with the rapidly evolving global digital landscape.
“There is no doubt that the use of ICT and the internet afford us more robust tools to ensure education delivery can happen under all circumstances and anywhere,” Hon Kataaha stated, highlighting the strategy’s role in preparing Uganda for future challenges.
Hon. Janet Museveni also lauded the ongoing efforts to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Uganda. The nine technical institutes handed over for expansion are strategically located across the country, including Minakulu in Oyam District, Moyo in Moyo District, and Kabale in Kabale District. These institutes focus on key trades such as electronics and telecommunication, commercial agriculture, and light manufacturing, which are crucial for Uganda’s economic development.
“Government will continue to enhance its capacity to provide suitable alternative absorption space for the large numbers of Ugandan youth that continue to transition from our basic education levels,” she assured.
Maama further expressed her confidence in the fact that the expansion of these institutes would offer Ugandan youth viable opportunities for both formal and informal employment.
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has been a key partner in the TVET expansion project, providing financial support and technical expertise. Speaking on behalf of the IsDB, the Head of the Regional Hub in Kampala emphasised the Bank’s commitment to human development and Uganda’s Vision 2040.
“By focusing on the practical needs of industries, our BTVET projects are designed to make youth more employable. The project is tailored to meet the specific needs and potentials of different areas, ensuring that the skills being taught are relevant and capitalise on the existing resources and industries of each region,” he said.
The IsDB representative further reiterated the Bank’s dedication to supporting Uganda’s socio-economic development, praising the Ministry of Education and Sports for its leadership in driving these initiatives.
“I would like to congratulate the Government and people of Uganda for the importance it accords to the Education Sector, particularly to TVET education,” he added.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Jane Egau Okou provided detailed insights into the expansion project, recognising the efforts of the design and supervising consultants, as well as the contractors who will carry out the construction work.
“We trust that the construction teams will deliver infrastructure that advances Uganda’s TVET Reform Agenda,” she said.
Dr. Okou also highlighted the significance of the Digital Agenda Strategy, which aligns with Uganda’s National Digital Transformation Roadmap and aims to enhance teaching and learning outcomes through digitally-enhanced curricula.
UNICEF, one of the key partners in the development of the Digital Agenda Strategy was represented by Dr. Munir A. Safieldin, who commended the Ministry for achieving this important milestone.
“The Digital Agenda strategy outlines the vision of the Government of Uganda to embed information and communication technology in the teaching and learning process, directly contributing to the acceleration and the realisation of Uganda’s Vision 2040,” Dr. Safieldin said. He emphasised the need for strategic investments to harness Uganda’s demographic dividend, particularly in the digital economy.
UNICEF’s collaboration with private sector partners, including Airtel Africa, aims to expand digital education and skills to 400,000 teachers, children, and adolescents across Uganda.
“Together, we strive to ensure an inclusive digital economy and society,” Dr. Safieldin concluded.
The ceremony was attended by government entities, development partners, and the private sector, all working towards a common goal of transforming Uganda’s education system to meet the demands of the 21st century.
