By Andrew Victor Mawanda Naimanye
The Spokesperson of The National Unity Platform, Joel Ssenyonyi, has exposed the government's deliberate undermining of the education system as a method to manipulate the population.
Ssenyonyi’s remarks came during the graduation of the second cohort of comrades from NUP’s school of leadership.
"The capitation grant is just 20,000 shillings per child per year," Ssenyonyi emphasised, highlighting the absurdity of expecting quality education with such minimal funding.
Ssenyonyi directly challenged the discriminatory approach to teacher compensation.
"Let's pay all teachers well, not just some teachers. The arts teachers are important too - they qualified similarly and teach the same hours,” said Ssenyonyi
Ssenyonyi cited research revealing the depth of the educational crisis, noting that "children who are in UPE schools cannot do proper work" - a damning indictment of the current educational system.
He argued that this deliberate educational neglect is a strategic method of control, quoting Nelson Mandela that "education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world."
“NUP's vision extends beyond classroom learning, positioning education as a critical tool for national transformation. We are ready to run government at all levels," Ssenyonyi declared,
The opposition leader passionately argued that education creates critically thinking citizens who can challenge leadership. "Somebody who is educated will challenge leaders, asking 'Where are the roads you promised? Where is the good healthcare? Where is the good education infrastructure?'"
Ssenyonyi suggested that the current government fears an educated population, stating, "Uneducated people are very easy to rule over. They are very easy to manipulate."
According to Ssenyonyi, The NUP's proposed solution is comprehensive, multiplying capitation grants, ensuring fair teacher compensation, and creating an educational system that produces engaged, critical citizens.
Ssenyonyi’s remarks come shortly after he graduated from Uganda Christian University, Mukono, with a Masters Degree in Organisational Leadership and Management.