The President of Uganda His Excellence Yoweri Museveni has encouraged schools to guide students towards Careers of science and technology 

The President of Uganda His Excellence Yoweri Museveni has encouraged academic institutions to guide students in making informed career decisions by opting for science and technology-related courses. He stressed the importance of equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy that is heavily influenced by advancements in science and technology.

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Speaking through Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo at the inaugural Uganda Education and Career Expo at Ntare School in Mbarara, Museveni highlighted the growing need for skilled labor as Uganda advances industrialization.

“As we expand industrialization in Uganda, the demand for skilled workers is rising,” Museveni said. He reassured students that Uganda now has adequate electricity, good infrastructure, and peace, with the government focusing on industrialization to lessen dependency on imported goods.

“When we import these goods, we’re essentially handing over both our money and jobs to other nations, which leaves our youth unemployed,” he added. The president, a former student of Ntare School, explained that more industries in Uganda would lead to greater employment opportunities and increased tax revenue for funding development projects.

Museveni, who attended Ntare School in 1961, also emphasized that the institution was one of the first in Uganda to be non-sectarian. He criticized the divisive colonial-era education system, which segregated schools based on religion, fueling tensions that influenced Uganda's political landscape.

“The religious divisions that tainted Ugandan politics also affected the education system. Protestant and Catholic-founded schools were often in conflict,” he observed. Museveni pointed out that the earliest schools in Uganda were founded by missionaries, such as Gayaza High School and King’s College Budo (both Protestant), St. Mary’s College Kisubi (founded by Catholic White Fathers), and Namilyango College (established by the Mill Hill Mission from London).

He noted that Muslim children were particularly disadvantaged, as Catholic and Protestant schools frequently rejected them, and no external funds were available to set up Muslim schools. “As a result, Muslims were excluded from clerical positions, civil service jobs, and even menial office roles. They ended up in low-paying jobs such as butchers or truck drivers, falling behind other groups,” Museveni remarked.

The president also criticized the colonial government for its delayed involvement in education, stepping in only around 1952 to provide financial support to existing schools. He commended Ntare School for its inclusive approach, calling it a positive example aligned with the teachings of the Bible. “While at Ntare, I was a dedicated member of the Scripture Union. I still remember the story of the Good Samaritan, where the most unlikely person offers help to someone in need,” Museveni recalled.

Vice President Jessica Alupo, in her remarks, congratulated Ntare School for successfully organizing the Uganda Education and Career Expo. She also inaugurated a new boys’ dormitory during the event’s closing ceremony.