EDITOR
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Can. Kedress Turyagyenda, has expressed concern over the increasing number of learners dropping out of school before completing their education cycle.
Turyagyenda made the remarks today during the 10th graduation ceremony of Kabale University, held at the university grounds on Kikungiri Hill in Kabale Municipality. A total of 1,673 students graduated in various academic disciplines, including 7 with PhDs, 151 with Master’s degrees, 1,001 with Bachelor’s degrees, 41 with Postgraduate Diplomas, 319 with Diplomas, one with a Certificate, and 149 with Higher Education Bridging Certificates.
She noted that although between 1.5 and 2 million children are born annually in Uganda, only about 800,000 make it to sit for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). She added that only 7 percent of learners progress to tertiary education, a situation she described as worrying.
Turyagyenda urged parents and the government to strengthen the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program by ensuring that learners receive lunch at school to keep them motivated and focused. She also called on leaders at all levels to champion efforts that enable every child to access and complete their education.
Meanwhile, Kabale University Vice Chancellor Prof. Joy Kwesiga said the institution is committed to improving staffing and infrastructure, both physical and digital, to enhance learning and research. She encouraged the graduates to pursue further studies and not to be content with their current academic achievements.
