Beneficiaries of Uganda’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs have expressed deep gratitude to President Museveni for championing free education—popularly known as “Bonna Basome” (education for all)—a policy they say has transformed millions of lives across the country.
Introduced in 1997, the UPE program initially allowed each family to enroll only four children under government sponsorship.
President Museveni later lifted the restriction after observing that many families were being excluded. This reform opened the way for all school-going children to study without paying tuition, marking a major expansion in access to education.
According to youth under the NRM Committed Cadres, the impact of the policy has been far-reaching. Speaking under the theme “If it wasn’t for Mzee, we wouldn’t have studied,” the group said the proportion of educated Ugandans has risen from 43 percent before UPE to 74 percent today.
During a press briefing in Bugoloobi, the group’s chairperson, Johnson Twebaze, said millions of pupils who completed the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) over the past 28 years have progressed academically and professionally, securing opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach. He said these achievements demonstrate why the President deserves national appreciation and continued support.
Twebaze also announced that the group has organized a national thanksgiving ceremony to honor President Museveni for his commitment to widening access to education.
The event will be held on November, 23 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where the President will attend as chief guest alongside the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni.
Several beneficiaries shared personal testimonies of how “Bonna Basome” transformed their lives. Paul Abaho and Dr. Joseph Kibirige said free education enabled them to pursue academic and professional paths their families could never have afforded.
Another beneficiary, Faith Kaitesi, noted that in many communities, girls previously faced early marriage and lacked access to schooling. She credited the program for empowering young women and advancing gender equality.
Organizers said the thanksgiving ceremony will showcase success stories, cultural performances, and reflections from education stakeholders. They invited all beneficiaries—including government officials, educators, and community leaders—to join in celebrating the enduring impact of the free education policy.