President Museveni: “NRM’s Four Principles Are Crucial In Our Prosperity”

In a recent address to Head Teachers from the Eastern Region attending a capacity-building retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reiterated the importance of the four core principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in fostering prosperity among Ugandans. These principles include Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation, and Democracy.

President Museveni highlighted the significance of emphasizing interest over identity in achieving these principles. He recalled the student movement’s shift away from tribal identity politics in 1965, emphasizing that people’s needs, whether hunger, thirst, or poverty, transcend tribal or religious affiliations. The focus should be on common interests that unite Ugandans rather than divisive identity politics.

The President emphasized that prosperity cannot be achieved through dependency but by producing goods or services and finding markets for them. He encouraged teachers, who provide a valuable service through education, to help society join the money economy to combat poverty effectively.

President Museveni also stressed the need for the NRM ideology to be shared with all Ugandans to prevent past ideological mistakes. He cautioned Head Teachers against charging fees for Universal Education at both primary and secondary levels, emphasizing the importance of free education for all.

The First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports, expressed the government’s commitment to improving education quality and welfare for teachers. She urged Head Teachers to promote patriotism values and critical thinking among students. Maama Janet also called for increased security vigilance in schools and expressed concern about issues like homosexuality and drug abuse infiltrating educational institutions.

Regarding salary disparities among teachers, Maama Janet assured that the issue would be addressed over time, and the National Teachers Policy implementation is underway.

Brigadier Charles Kisembo, Director of NALI, commended President Museveni for championing family and national values and proposed integrating NALI modules into the primary and secondary school curriculum to strengthen patriotism among Ugandan children.

Head Teachers pledged to actively promote the Patriotism program in schools and expressed appreciation for salary enhancements for science teachers while awaiting improvements for arts teachers.

The President and First Lady’s dedication to education and the principles of the NRM highlight their commitment to the prosperity and development of Uganda. These discussions with educators offer valuable insights into the country’s path forward and the role education plays in shaping the future.

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