President Yoweri Museveni (pictured) has urged the ministry of education and sports to implement a curriculum whose mission is helping Uganda and, by extension Africa, overcome challenges surrounding us.
“Besides, I urge our teachers all over the country and the Ministry of Education to tailor our system to the needs of our people, we should teach what will help Uganda and Africa move forward,” the president said during the function held at State House Entebbe to celebrate the International Teachers’ Day.
The president cited an example of Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, a former vice-chancellor of Makerere University who also holds a Ph.D. in computer science whom he tasked to use his background in the field to create a computer and failed to deliver.
“One time I called Professor Baryamureeba (Venansius), yes that one who was at Makerere University. I said to him that since you are a serious computer wizard/scientist, please make for us one computer. Up to now, he has never gotten back to me,” he said.
“This is because the pre-colonial education trains children to use other people’s computers rather than making their own. In light of this year’s theme and the pandemic effects, it is the time for teachers to reimagine the future and lead us through this crisis.”
President Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the salaries of teachers, health workers, soldiers and government scientists.
“I need you the people to talk to your MPs to agree with this,” he said, adding: “I am also aware of the salary disparities among government workers, some are taking home so much, while others are earning so little. We shall have a review using the Unified Salaries Board to address this matter.”
Museveni also used the event to urge schools to be cautious of the spread of the coronavirus as they resume studies.
“Speaking about the Pandemic, in the 7 months that we have had it, I have not heard that a child has died from Coronavirus. Some may have got pregnant which is indeed terrible, but at least they did not die, death is irreversible,” he said.
“What worries me however is the consistent complacency by our people, now that we are opening schools, I call upon the transporters to observe SOPs such that our dear children can be transported safely,” he went on.
“Teachers should also be careful as they move from home to school. I would suggest that if it is possible, schools can have an arrangement to accommodate teachers at school since there will be enough space as only candidate classes will be using the school.”
