Museveni Urges Institutions to Prioritize Stem, Practical Skills

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged educational institutions to prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), alongside practical vocational skills, to prepare young people for Uganda’s changing economy.

The President’s message was delivered by the State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Cissy Mulondo, who represented him at the 60th Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Luwero Secondary School.

Education as a Driver of Transformation

President Museveni congratulated the Luwero Secondary School community upon reaching the 60-year milestone, commending the institution for its contribution to human capital development, academic excellence and character formation in the Greater Luwero region.

He said education remains central to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, noting that Government has expanded access through programmes such as Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE). He added that ongoing reforms are aimed at developing a skilled, productive and adaptable workforce.

The President stressed that education must respond to the demands of the modern economy. He cautioned that preparing graduates primarily to seek white-collar employment, without equipping them with practical skills to produce goods and services, could contribute to unemployment.

He therefore urged schools to strengthen science, technology and vocational education while instilling discipline, hard work, integrity and patriotism among learners.

Luwero SS Marks 60 Years

Luwero SS Headteacher Kato Ronald reported that the school currently has 1,530 students and 143 staff members.

Despite challenges including inadequate infrastructure, limited ICT capacity and lack of transport, the school has made significant progress. It has renovated buildings, upgraded laboratories, expanded computer facilities and its e-library, and partially digitalized teaching and learning.

The school has also introduced Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) programmes in agriculture, hairdressing, welding, and fashion and design. In addition, it has planted 10 acres of eucalyptus.

As part of its Diamond Jubilee initiatives, Luwero SS is developing a multipurpose building comprising a main hall, computer laboratory, classrooms, boardroom, cafeteria and offices.

The school has also appealed for support to acquire a school bus to strengthen its operations and support students’ learning activities.