The Bushenyi Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Robert Atuhairwe, proposes that certain government positions be reserved specifically for graduates of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) to incentivize students. Mr. Atuhairwe emphasizes that many graduates of UPE and USE struggle to secure employment despite being encouraged to pursue education with the promise of future job opportunities.
He advocates for a portion of government jobs to be allocated to UPE and USE graduates, as well as special considerations for scholarships and other opportunities. This, he believes, would foster optimism in the UPE system. Mr. Atuhairwe suggests that competition for opportunities often favors more privileged individuals, undermining the significant investment made by the government in the free education program.
Mr. Atuhairwe suggests implementing a quota system in the job market to absorb more UPE graduates, thereby addressing unemployment challenges. While acknowledging the successes of the UPE program, he also acknowledges its challenges, including poor policy design and resource shortages.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jafari Basajabalaba, Chairperson of Bushenyi District, identifies additional challenges such as inadequate staff accommodation and shortages of educational materials. Despite these obstacles, Mr. Apollo Lee Kakonge of the Western Ankole Civil Society Forum urges continued support for UPE and USE programs, which have significantly increased literacy levels in Uganda.
However, he urges the government to enhance classroom infrastructure and increase funding to further combat illiteracy. The discussion at the Fireplace Conversations event focused on reflecting on the achievements, lessons learned, and ongoing challenges of the UPE program, which has been in operation for 27 years since its establishment in 1997.
