Dr Besigye Decries High Cost of Education
Speaking during an Independence Day address, Besigye lamented the financial strain parents face in trying to secure quality education for their children, which he attributed to exorbitant school fees and inadequate government funding for public education.
As Uganda commemorates 62 years of independence, political activist Dr. Kizza Besigye has raised concerns over the escalating costs of education and their impact on parents and students alike.
Speaking during an Independence Day address, Besigye lamented the financial strain parents face in trying to secure quality education for their children, which he attributed to exorbitant school fees and inadequate government funding for public education.
“Many parents know exactly which schools they would like their children to attend, but due to the exorbitant costs, they are left with no choice but to settle for what they can afford,” Dr Besigye said.
He emphasized that education is the foundation of any nation, and it is disheartening to see so many families struggling to provide their children with the opportunities they deserve.
Besigye also reflected on the legacy of Uganda’s colonial-era education system, which he said laid a solid foundation for the country.
However, he noted that in recent years, the rising cost of education has hindered access for many families, forcing them to rely on the government’s Universal Primary and Secondary Education programs.
Besigye criticized these programs as underfunded and poorly managed.
“The government introduced Universal Education to help, but even that is not properly facilitated. We need leaders who will prioritize education and ensure every child gets access to quality learning,” he added.
Beyond education, Dr. Besigye also highlighted agriculture and poverty eradication as critical areas needing urgent attention.
He stressed that despite Uganda’s independence, the nation still grapples with numerous challenges that must be addressed by the country’s leadership.
In a related development, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago also voiced concerns about Uganda’s democratic governance, particularly the country’s lack of adherence to the rule of law.
Lukwago pointed out that Uganda has rewritten its constitution six times since independence, with multiple amendments that, in his view, no longer serve the people effectively.
“The current constitution has been amended so much that it no longer represents the people's interests,” Lukwago remarked. He urged Ugandans to reflect on what has gone wrong, especially as the nation continues to grapple with rising debt levels.
Both Dr Besigye and Mayor Lukwago’s calls for reform echo sentiments within Uganda’s opposition circles.
Members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), particularly those aligned with the Katonga Road faction, are preparing to join the People’s Front for Freedom, a political platform advocating for structural changes in Uganda’s leadership.