Busoga youths under their umbrella body, the Busoga Kingdom Youth Council (BKYC), have expressed concern over Uganda’s education sector, debating that it requires significant reforms to address deep-rooted challenges.
During their assembly (Lukiiko) held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the Kingdom headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja City, the youths urged the government to ensure the improvement of Uganda’s education, which is reportedly deteriorating.
Mr. Fred Ssebata, a youth representative from Kigulu chiefdom, tabled a motion concerning education, asking the youth council to embark on a mission to revive Busoga’s education, which was once renowned for its vibrant and traditional schools.
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to move a motion in this honorable council of Busoga, requesting that as youths, we strategize on how our education sector should be improved. The sector is facing several challenges, leading to its downfall. We need to act as young people,” Mr. Ssebata said during the youth council session presided over by Mr. Paul Munhana as the speaker.
The motion sparked an open debate, with several youths expressing strong opinions. Prince Job Mugoya, the youth minister for Bukooli chiefdom, remarked, “Some schools are underperforming because the government appoints headteachers who are unfamiliar with the local communities, which are the main stakeholders of the schools.”
Mr. Mugoya believes that the government should appoint headteachers who are native to the area where the school is located.
“When the headteacher is from the same area, they will work harder to avoid embarrassment in their community. They will ensure the school performs better because they understand the behavior of the parents and have the appropriate solutions. This is better than appointing someone who executes their duties as they see fit, with no regard for the local community,” Mugoya argued.
The youths also blamed parents and guardians for sending hungry learners to school, as a child cannot concentrate on their studies when they are hungry.
Ms. Zahara Nantabo from Luuka chiefdom called for the sensitization of parents on the importance of feeding their school-going children.
“Parents often think that since they didn’t eat at school, their children should follow the same pattern. We need to change the mindset of our parents if we are to improve the education system,” said Nantabo.
Falid Musoose from Kigulu chiefdom pointed out that the Busoga Kingdom has a bursary scheme, but the scholarships are allegedly not given to Busoga children. “How can we grow and transform when the scholarships are not awarded to the sons and daughters of Busoga? The kingdom must revise its bursary initiative, or financially disadvantaged students will not attain an education,” Mr. Musoose noted.
On government scholarships, Benjamin Kula Imran from Bulamogi chiefdom suggested that bursaries should be extended to students in high schools, not just those in higher learning institutions.
The education debate followed remarks by the Busoga Kingdom’s Youth and ICT minister, Owekitibwa James Mukembo, who graced the youth council meeting and emphasized the importance of education for success.
Mukembo told the youths, “We are shaping the future of Busoga with well-educated young men and women. We are educated enough to take over this country and hold key positions in any office.”
Minister Mukembo expressed his satisfaction with the existence of a youth council aimed at addressing the concerns of their peers in the region.
“I am proud of you, BKYC. You represent Busoga. You are the great leaders that Busoga deserves,” said Mukembo.
He stressed, “Today’s council sitting is an achievement for you, the youth, and for the entire Kingdom. I am confident that the Kyabazinga has a dedicated group of future leaders. As discussed, please implement your ideas. By putting these discussions into practice, you will transform both your peers and Busoga.”
Mukembo urged the youth council to continue mobilizing other youths to unite for common development goals. “When you are united, you will develop. If you are divided, Busoga will not progress. Let’s forget petty fights and focus on development,” he said.
Yafesi Bairukireki, the chairperson of BKYC, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting Busoga and implementing the Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV’s agendas.
“Since we came to the Kingdom as youths, a lot has transpired, including our participation in various kingdom activities, drafting a one-year agenda for BKYC, and drafting the five-year Gabula Youth Agenda, which will be launched in our next council sitting,” Bairukireki said.
He also mentioned the Busoga Youth ICT and Innovations Secretariat’s initiative, called the “Tuli Bankambi Challenge,” which aims to promote Busoga and will be premiered at the next council meeting.
“As we continue serving the Kingdom, I call for a focus on key pillars: unity in mindset and ideology, action-oriented approaches, continuous capacity building, and wealth and financial empowerment to achieve sustainable development at all levels,” he added.
In a symbolic move towards a “green” Busoga, the youths planted trees at the Kingdom headquarters, a gesture Speaker Munhana emphasized was just the beginning. “With the unity and determination we have, we are ready to plant as many trees as needed in Busoga,” Munhana stated.
Minister Mukembo also elaborated that there was no limit to the number of trees required, calling on the public to donate trees for the youth to plant.
“Please send us any trees you have; we are ready to plant them,” Mukembo urged.
The BKYC is a dynamic body within the Busoga Kingdom, bringing together youth from different chiefdoms. Each chiefdom is represented by ten members who are subjects of the Kyabazinga. The group operates under the Kingdom’s Ministry of Youth and ICT.
