President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated his call for free education in government schools, emphasizing that once the necessary preparations are in place, no child should be charged fees.

Museveni, who was speaking at the International Day of Education at Kololo Independence Grounds on Tuesday, urged a deliberate focus on science, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the country’s education system.

Museveni advocated for AI despite a popular view held by many that artificial intelligence will replace human teachers and even entire professions. 

With AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data, deliver personalized learning, and operate around the clock, some fear that machines could make teachers obsolete.  

However, Museveni said that AI will never replace humans, adding that Africa’s historical colonization occurred because the continent lagged behind in science and technology.

“Once we are ready, there must be no fees in government schools. The moment we go for education for all, the next question is, what sort of education? We tell you to emphasize science. Africa was colonized not because we lacked kings, not because we lacked priests, not because we lacked singers, but Africa was colonized and almost exterminated because we lagged in science and technology. Europe was using gunpowder; Africa was using bows and arrows. Emphasis must be put on science and technology. AI is part of that technology. People should not fear AI. AI is part of understanding nature and is used to solve problems,” he said.

The International Day of Education was held under the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”

The European Union Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, said that AI will not replace teachers but rather support them.

The Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, said that the 2025 International Education Day and its theme require all stakeholders to explore and discuss the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and its use within the field of education and recognize that this technology is already shaping the future landscape of the global workforce.

“We must critically reflect on the relationship between artificial intelligence and human capital development…… It is time, however, to ask questions: Is technology taking over and replacing human capital? Is human capital development still necessary given what AI can do and is already doing? Is it possible that AI and human capital can coexist positively, given that each has its strengths and its weaknesses? In our attempt to answer or respond to the above questions, the Ministry of Education and Sports has developed the digital agenda for the education and sports sector in line with the government commitment towards enhancing the use of technology to achieve Vision 2040,” she said.

The education minister also advocated for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), saying that it offers numerous benefits, including enhanced viability and increased economic growth, and is a pathway to social development.

TVET programs equip individuals with critical skills and knowledge, make them more attractive to employers, and drive economic development.

Furthermore, TVET fosters a culture of continuous learning by enabling individuals to adapt to changing job market demands in line with sustainable development.

TVET training has the potential to foster inclusivity and break down barriers to employment for workers with disabilities.

According to the 2024 Uganda population census results, the highest percentage of the country’s population are youth. Although this sounds like an opportunity, it poses a challenge for youth and employment.

Given the demands of employment, it is inevitable that the government focuses on steering young people to meet the demands of the world at work.

The government believes that TVET is a strategic pillar for skilling, employment, and national development.

In 2012, Uganda launched the Skilling Uganda Strategic Plan, which ran from 2012 to 2022. It was, and still is, a visionary framework that repositioned TVET as a driver for economic development.

According to the Permanent Secretary for the Education Ministry, Dr. Kedrace Tuaryagyenda, since the launch of the Skilling Uganda Strategic Plan, the country has recorded significant accomplishments.

“These include modernization and expansion of TVET infrastructure, enhanced capacity building for our trainers, who we refer to as instructors, and the integration of skills development across all education levels,” she said.

“We have also established six centers of excellence under a project that was called Uganda Skills Development. These are Uganda Technical College Elgon, Uganda Technical College Bushenyi, Uganda Technical College Lira, Uganda Technical College Kichwamba, Bukalasa Agriculture College, and the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba, which specializes in oil and gas,” Turyagyenda added.

The six centers of excellence, she said, offer internationally accredited programs.

It is noteworthy that the government approved the TVET policy in 2019 and enacted the TVET Act 2025 with the aim of building responsive, demand-driven, competency-based TVET systems that are aligned with Uganda’s labor market needs.

Dr. Turyagyenda said that TVET is a connection between education and the world of work.

“It facilitates the transition of young people and adults into employment and supports lifelong learning and progression.”

Today, almost every district hosts a TVET institution, with only 45 out of the 178 local governments yet to be fully covered by government institutions.

Turyagyenda said that Uganda must be at the forefront of transformation to ensure that Ugandan graduates are competitive, adaptable, and ethical contributors to the country’s economy and to the global economy as well.

By ChimpReports