PS Kedrace Turyagyenda with Namutumba district leaders at the dialogue organised by the Ministry of Education and Sports on August 8, 2025
The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), with support from the World Bank under the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP), last week, conducted a series of Government-led community dialogues in Namayingo, Pallisa, and Namutumba districts. The engagements aimed to raise awareness among local leaders, parents, educators, and other stakeholders on the importance of inclusive education, safe learning environments, and community involvement in the success of the USEEP initiative.
Dr. Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, engages with officials and district leaders from Namutumba at the event that took place at Namutumba district headquaters on Friday, August 8, 2025.
About USEEP
Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP) is a flagship government programme designed to expand access to quality secondary education across Uganda. The project focuses on: Constructing fully furnished and equipped secondary schools. Promoting enrolment and re-enrolment of learners, particularly vulnerable groups. Strengthening child protection systems and addressing harmful cultural practices that hinder education (Social Safeguards). Under the project, 116 secondary schools have been flagged to benefit. Some of the schools are currently under construction nationwide, each expected to be completed within 10 months from the start date.
Construction of Nangonde Seed Secondary School in Namutumba District as of August 8, 2025
Construction of Budidi Secondary School in Namayingo District as of August 7, 2025
Key dialogue objectives
The Ministry’s engagements sought to: Enhance community understanding of national education policies and legal frameworks, promote equitable access to education, with emphasis on girls’ enrolment and retention, strengthening community-based child protection systems and sharing USEEP milestones and addressing emerging challenges. Stakeholders that attended included district political leaders, education officers, cultural and religious leaders, civil society organisations, teachers, and learners.
Students from Basoga Nsadhu Memorial Technical Institute in Namutumba District showcase their innovative projects
Highlights from the district dialogues
The first dialogue was held in Namayingo district on August 6, at Budidi Primary School in Namayingo Town Council, where Budidi Seed Secondary School is under construction. The chief guest was Mr. Alfred Kyaka, representing the Permanent Secretary, MoES.
In Namayingo, stakeholders raised some key issues. These included: Teacher shortages due to delays in updating the Education Management Information System (EMIS); lack of government-aided secondary schools in the area and high dropout rates among girls and other issues. The Ministry pledged to address staffing gaps, while local leaders urged parents to prioritise education.
Namayingo District CAO Friday Kyomya and councillors of Namayingo District at the event
The second dialogue was held in Pallisa District at the district headquarters, on Thursday August 7. The event attracted over 1,000 stakeholders. The guest of honour was Commissioner Alfred Kyaka. In Pallisa, some of the concerns raised included: Delayed teacher deployment, inadequate training for special needs education, poor school infrastructure, and challenges with re-entry of child mothers. The Ministry committed to engaging relevant departments to address these issues.
The DEO of Pallisa District, Mr. Ronald Obutungi, presenting the general education situation in Pallisa District during a government-led community dialogue meeting on Thursday, August 7, 2025
The final dialogue took place on August 8, in Namutumba district at the district headquarters, presided over by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Kedrace Turyagyenda. The event had some activities which included the following: School exhibitions showcasing innovations such as herbal anti-ulcer syrup, water-powered excavators, and locally produced fertilisers. The stakeholders including teachers, raised some of the concerns like: Teacher shortages, inadequate infrastructure, limited UPOLET sponsorship slots, and the need for a school feeding policy. The PS emphasised ICT integration in schools, protection of government land, and the community’s role in safeguarding learners, particularly girls. She inspected the ongoing construction of Nangonde Seed Secondary School and expressed satisfaction with the progress.
Mayor Godfrey Mwembe giving his speech at the Namutumba district community dialogue
Some of Namutumba district religious leaders gracing the event
Role of STIA and Luigi Giussani Foundation
Science Teaching and Innovations Africa (STIA) and Luigi Giussani Foundation have been instrumental in creating awareness on social safeguards around construction sites, addressing issues such as teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, HIV spread, and child protection in project areas.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to safe, quality, and inclusive secondary education.
