In a bid to underscore the pivotal role of agriculture in Uganda’s economy and equip students with practical skills, secondary school teachers nationwide have been urged to significantly increase enrollment in agricultural studies, with plans to make it a compulsory subject.
George Muteekanga, the Assistant Commissioner for Private Schools and Institutions at the Ministry of Education, emphasized the critical importance of agriculture in Uganda’s economic landscape. Speaking at the closure of the International Agriculture Education Fellow Program organized by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) at Hersey Resort Soroti, Muteekanga highlighted agriculture’s multifaceted contributions to the nation’s well-being.
“Agriculture has been and continues to be the most important sector in Uganda’s economy, playing a crucial role in food and nutrition security, employment, income generation, and the production of raw materials for industry and exports,” Muteekanga stated.
With agriculture currently constituting approximately 37 percent of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it serves as the backbone of the nation’s economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to foreign exchange resources through exportable items.
Despite its significance, agricultural education remains an elective subject in secondary schools. However, under the new lower secondary curriculum, students have the option to include it among the eight compulsory subjects.
Muteekanga stressed the need to instill in young citizens an appreciation for agriculture from an early age, advocating for it to be prioritized in the education system. He emphasized that the topics covered in agricultural studies are essential for students, especially considering that many youths may not pursue formal education beyond secondary school.
“Providing in-depth knowledge in agriculture equips young people with the necessary skills and interest to venture into agricultural enterprises as a viable source of income,” Muteekanga explained.
The government’s push for compulsory agriculture education reflects a strategic effort to nurture a new generation of agriculturists, entrepreneurs, and innovators who will contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of Uganda’s agricultural sector.