JINJA, Uganda – The Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the country’s education system into a driver of innovation, skills development, employment and wealth creation, with a renewed focus on equipping young people to lead the modernization of agriculture.
Speaking while officially opening the 5th National Agricultural Education Show at the Agricultural Show Grounds in Jinja on Tuesday, Acting Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo, said the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government continues to prioritize competency-based education to prepare learners with practical skills that directly respond to the country’s development needs.
Held under the theme, “Youth-Driven Innovation: Shaping the Future of the Agricultural Industry,” the national exhibition brought together learners, teachers, institutions, innovators, government officials, development partners and stakeholders from across Uganda to showcase practical innovations in agriculture and technology.
Hon. Dr. Muyingo commended the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Uganda National Farmers Federation for organizing the exhibition, describing it as a clear demonstration of the successful implementation of Uganda’s Competency-Based Curriculum.
He noted that learners across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions are increasingly applying classroom knowledge to solve real-life challenges through innovation, creativity and practical skills development.
“The exhibition demonstrates that education in Uganda is no longer focused solely on what learners know, but on what they can do. Our learners are developing critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, digital literacy and innovation skills that are essential for the 21st-century economy,” Hon. Dr. Muyingo said.
The Acting Minister emphasized that the agricultural education show directly supports the implementation of Uganda Vision 2040, the National Development Plan IV, the Education and Sports Sector Strategic Plan, the Competency-Based Curriculum reforms and the ongoing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reforms aimed at producing a skilled and productive workforce.
He reaffirmed that agriculture remains central to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and that the NRM Government is committed to transitioning the sector from subsistence farming to commercial and industrial agriculture through investment in education and skills development.
According to Hon. Dr. Muyingo, Government continues to strengthen agricultural training institutions by improving learning infrastructure, expanding access to modern equipment and promoting partnerships between education institutions, research organizations, industry and the private sector to ensure graduates acquire relevant competencies for national development.
He further highlighted flagship government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Agro-Industrialisation Programme, saying they present enormous opportunities for young innovators and entrepreneurs to participate in transforming local economies.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to ensure education equips learners with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to seize these opportunities and contribute to Uganda’s economic transformation,” he said.
Hon. Dr. Muyingo urged schools, colleges, universities and vocational institutions to continue integrating innovation, digital technologies, climate-smart agriculture and agribusiness management into teaching and learning to prepare graduates for the evolving agricultural sector.
He also applauded teachers and instructors for mentoring the next generation of scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs, noting that their contribution goes beyond classroom instruction to shaping Uganda’s future economic leaders.
Addressing students, the Minister encouraged them to embrace innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, urging them to create employment opportunities rather than waiting for jobs.
“You are the future of Uganda’s agriculture. Continue experimenting, innovating and developing solutions that improve livelihoods while contributing to national development,” he said.
Hon. Dr. Muyingo further recognized the contribution of development partners, the private sector, research institutions and other organizations supporting agricultural education, saying their collaboration strengthens the link between education, research, innovation and industry.
He reiterated Government’s commitment to building an education system that equips every Ugandan learner with practical competencies required for sustainable national development and global competitiveness.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Uganda, Hon. Dr. Muyingo officially declared the 5th National Agricultural Education Show 2026 open and wished participants successful exhibitions, productive learning, meaningful networking and continued innovation throughout the event.
The annual Agricultural Education Show continues to serve as one of Uganda’s leading platforms for showcasing learner innovations, promoting practical education and supporting the NRM Government’s vision of producing skilled, job creators capable of driving agricultural transformation and sustainable socio-economic development.
