The Minister of State for Primary Education, Joyce Moriku Kaducu, has lauded the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program for significantly transforming Uganda’s education landscape, raising literacy levels, bridging gender gaps, and driving socio-economic growth.
She made the remarks during the release of the 2024 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results at State House, Nakasero, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Kaducu lauded President Yoweri Museveni for the various initiatives under his leadership, especially the UPE, which intends to leave no child behind and has greatly contributed to the education of most.
Kaducu revealed that UPE has been instrumental in raising Uganda’s literacy rate from 43% before its inception to 74% currently. “This milestone reflects the program’s effectiveness in ensuring accessible education for all children,” She stated.
The Minister highlighted the progress in gender parity, noting that 52.5% of the 2024 PLE candidates were girls, compared to just 45% before UPE was implemented.
She emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to ensure girls’ education, which according to her plays a critical role in shaping families and communities.
Kaducu described UPE as the backbone of Uganda’s socioeconomic well-being, stating that it has alleviated poverty at the household level by providing free education opportunities.
“No one can deny that our UPE system has produced some of the best brains, allowing Uganda to stand tall both academically and in the world of work, regionally and globally,” she said, lauding UPE’s contribution to Uganda’s recognition on the global stage.
The Minister urged parents and stakeholders to ensure that children transition to secondary education or technical and vocational programs to complete their basic education cycle, emphasizing that the continuity is vital for both individual survival and national development.
The Universal Primary Education (UPE) program, launched in 1997, marked a transformative milestone in Uganda’s education system. Its primary goal was to provide free and compulsory education to all children in the country, ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial constraints.
