By Enatu Steven.
SOROTI : Jacob Eyeru, the National Youth Council Chairperson, has called for decisive government action to ensure universal access to free education in Uganda. Speaking at Soroti Core PTC during the International Youth Day celebrations, Eyeru underscored the critical role of education in shaping the country’s future and criticized both parents and schools for undermining the government’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) programs.
“It is unacceptable that some parents and schools are still charging fees, thus denying children their fundamental right to education,” Eyeru asserted. He proposed that it should be made illegal for parents not to enroll their children in nearby UPE schools and for educators to levy fees.
Eyeru acknowledged the potential inadequacy of the capitation grant and urged the government to consider doubling it. However, he emphasized that financial constraints should not be an excuse for depriving children of education.
“We have made significant efforts to raise awareness about the importance of free education across various districts, yet resistance remains. It is high time the government takes definitive action to ensure that every child, regardless of their financial background, has access to quality education,” he said.
He praised the Parish Development Model (PDM) for its role in community empowerment, noting that it goes beyond financial support to include capacity building, education, and infrastructure development. “The PDM is about more than just financing; it’s about building the capacity of our communities. The 10,500 young people on PDM committees have the potential to drive substantial change. We must focus on the full scope of PDM, not just the financial aspects,” Eyeru added.
Eyeru also emphasized the need to address key issues such as education, infrastructure, and financial audits within PDM. He urged PDM committees to prioritize these areas and hold themselves accountable, stressing that the message should extend beyond monetary support to encompass community empowerment.
In line with this year’s theme, “Skills Development for Enhancement of Youth Opportunities,” Eyeru advocated for the expansion of skilling programs. “Our youth are the future of Uganda, and we must invest in their potential. I propose expanding programs that offer skills training, entrepreneurship support, and mentorship to help them realize their full potential.”
Later in the event, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni echoed Eyeru’s call, urging young people to become ambassadors for free education in their communities.