President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the Luweero Secondary School community to place greater emphasis on science education to equip learners with practical skills needed for national development.
President Museveni’s message was delivered by the Minister of State for Finance and General Duties, Hon. Cissy Mulondo, who represented him as the chief guest during celebrations marking 60 years since the establishment of Luweero Secondary School.
The President also contributed Shs40 million towards the construction of a new administration block at the school, while Gen. Salim Saleh contributed Shs20 million towards the same project.
The Acting Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Dr. JC Muyingo, represented by his Political Assistant Waswa Abdulkarim Tamale, contributed Shs10 million towards the administration block.
In his message, Dr. Muyingo called upon parents to take good care of their children during the holiday, urging them to provide proper guidance, supervision and support.
He further encouraged families to embrace government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and EMYOOGA, saying participation in these initiatives can help households increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods.
State Minister for Kampala Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye, who represented Gen. Salim Saleh at the event, assured the Bishop and school leaders that government’s primary interest is to ensure that public services are delivered effectively.
His remarks followed concerns raised over the conduct of some government officials during inspection and monitoring of government-aided schools in Luweero District.
Kyofatogabye said government had no intention of fighting school administrators or religious leaders, but warned that authorities would intervene if the situation deteriorated.
“Our intention is to ensure that government services are delivered. We are not fighting anyone, but if the situation gets out of hand, we shall not sit back and watch,” Kyofatogabye said.
The Bishop of Luweero Diocese, Rev. Wilson Kisekka, cautioned government officials against what he described as intimidation of school administrators during inspections and monitoring of government-aided schools.
Bishop Kisekka said alleged threats by some officials had created fear among education workers and could disrupt the operations of Church-founded schools receiving government support.
He urged government officials to respect the administrative structures of Church-founded schools, warning that interference could affect their ability to deliver education services.
The Bishop also attributed part of the tension to political leaders whom he accused of encouraging parents to resist school contributions while threatening to have school administrators arrested.
Several leaders attending the ceremony supported the Bishop’s concerns.
The celebrations brought together government officials, religious leaders, education stakeholders, former students and members of the community to commemorate six decades of Luweero Secondary School’s contribution to education.
The school used the occasion to raise funds towards the construction of an administration block, with contributions from President Museveni, Gen. Salim Saleh and Dr. JC Muyingo among those supporting the project.
